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03 Ranger 3.0 won't turn over


TJS1011

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Sitting at a stop light idling, my ranger stopped running, no obvious noise, just stopped. Now the starter is unable to turn the engine, it engages and tries but the engine won't turn. Being that the 3.0 vulcan is a non-interference engine I'm at a loss, what could cause it to lock up?
 


pjtoledo

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is it really locked up, or the battery/starter can't do the job?

put a wrench on the crank bolt and try. if the engine still has compression it will take considerable effort to turn it over on compression strokes.
pull plugs, it turns easily.

run the wrench back 'n forth, do you get a solid clunk?
 

Josh B

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Careful using that wrench with the key on ;)
 

TJS1011

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Well, we pulled the plugs and there is no way that I can turn the engine with the crank pulley bolt so I guess it's done for. Total surprise in that I had no warning whats so ever, it's been running fine, normally starts up instantly. I'm just confused as to what could be so catastrophic with no prior warning. Thanks for your answers, hopefully I'll be able to find another affordable Ranger, I love those trucks!
 

superj

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Its in neutral while trying to turn it? Make sure the starter isnt jammed in the ring gear too

When you pulled the plugs, was there anything in the cylinders
 

Uncle Gump

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Camshaft synchronizer failed... twisted the oil pump driveshaft in two... oil pump stopped turning... locked up the engine.
 

TJS1011

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Oops, I feel like an idiot, forgot to put it in neutral, we'll try iy again tomorrow and I'll let you know. As far as the starter being jammed, it would be difficult for me to get under there to check because of where the tow truck dumped it. The plugs looked about normal for this truck, nothing out of the ordinary. Sure hope it's just the starter, I just had the transmision rebuilt (no reverse) this past summer, put $2100 into it! This thing has 222K on the odometer, but I was hoping to get a bit more.
 

TJS1011

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Camshaft synchronizer failed... twisted the oil pump driveshaft in two... oil pump stopped turning... locked up the engine.
Without making any noise whatsoever, it just stpped running like you turned the key.
 

Uncle Gump

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Well I would try again with it in neutral...

They typically squeal... but if it still won't turn... it's something to look into.
 

pjtoledo

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automatic transmission? no need to be in neutral to turn engine over.
 

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