I towed my 2005 Ranger 2WD manual trans forward while in reverse.

[akamike]

While towing my 2005 Ranger forward while the trans was in reverse (brain fart on my part) wheels locked up and would not start. Only towed about 1/4 mile before I discovered my mistake. Could this seize the engine? It also drained the battery.

 

[don4331]

The 64¢ question: How fast were you going? Were the wheel locked up for the entire tow? Quite possible that Ranger is too light for wheels to spin engine while in reverse, so all you've done is put a little flat spot on the tires.

Turning an engine backwards, while not good for it, isn't immediately terminal in itself. The 1st issue is the oil pump isn't pumping oil. 2nd issue, reverse ratio is low and if you towed it at any speed, it would over rev the engine - the combination of no oil and high revs quickly becomes terminal.

Draining the battery is a separate issue.

 

[akamike]

I was not going more than 20 MPH. Leaving my neighborhood early morning (still dark), towing with diesel motorhome. Not sure how long wheels were locked up. Maybe half the distance.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[Uncle Gump]

So yeah... it would spin the engine backwards at a pretty good clip. Zero oil being pumped through the engine.

It wasn't far... but it certainly could have caused damage.

Did you put a charge on the battery? Which is probably not related to the towing incident.

Will it crank? Did you try to turn it over by hand?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I watched a motor run until dead with oil drained. It took a surprisingly long time, iirc about 20 minutes. Maybe longer.

 

[superj]

scored bearings and damage happens way before the engine locks though so charge the battery and see what happens when it starts.

or, if its a stick, try push starting it

 

[Uncle Gump]

I have a feeling the battery didn't die. I'm thinking the engine may have locked.

Does it click when you try to start it?

If so... try to turn the engine over by hand.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Sure the wheels didnt "unlock" after breaking a rear diff, u joint, or something internal in the trans?

Unless you had a load in the bed i cant see the engine allowing the wheels to spin in reverse....it would just skid.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would suspect timing belts/chains protesting being spun backwards with confused tensioners screwing up more than major internal engine damage.

I accidentally parked mine in the yard in second the other night. It rolled back a truck length (probably slowly) until it got to level ground. Sounded gawdawlful terrible when I started it... collapsed lifters.