98 4.0 Explorer cranks, won't start

[RayInStl]

Hey guys. My buddy just picked up an Explorer. While driving the other day the motor shut off. He was able to coast to the side of the road, but now it won't start. The cel us on. I rented a scan tool and got a bunch of codes, some conflicting. I checked fuel pressure. It was right around 40 psi.

These are the codes:
P0301 cylinder 1 misfire
P0303 cylinder 3 misfire
P0304 cylinder 4 misfire
P0305 cylinder 5 misfire
P0306 cylinder 6 misfire
P0171 system too lean bank 1
P0172 system too rich bank 1
P0174 system too lean bank 2
P0175 system too rich bank 2

Any thoughts? I'm at my wits end. The truck is 15 minutes from my house. I'll be going back tomorrow to try to figure it out.

 

[97RangerXLT]

The first 6 codes tell me that you are not getting any spark. the last 4 tell me that your buddy's engine went schizo on you. Check the coil pack and all of the connections to it, make sure that they are good and no loose wires going into the coil pack. your plug wires themselves are probably ok..just check the coil pack where the engine wire harness hooks up to it.

because of the schizo last 4 codes, you might have a pcm issue, but I will let someone who is smarter than I am (now that wouldn't take to much...)to help with that diagnosis. but a good hint for it would be to check your engine grounds and body grounds, especially around the pcm.

AJ

 

[Andy D]

Please post a follow up .

 

[RayInStl]

Just put thires and new lights on my trailer and are now loading it up to take it home. We'll have access to tools and a garage there.

 

[RayInStl]

Ok, we got it back to his place. I looked briefly at the coil packs and the wiring to them. Didn't see anything obvious. I'm going to get a spark test light and see if we're getting any spark.

I do have another question. I've been reading about the timing chain issues these are known to have. When the engine cranks, it doesn't sound like I expect. It sounds light, like it's easy to turn. I'm wondering if it's lost compression due to a broken timing chain. I'll get a compression tester at the same time I pick up the light. Is there any way to check the chains without tearing apart the motor?

Thanks guys!