is the motor toast?

[ronclark]

I helped a guy out with his 98 2.5 ranger and replaced his motor with a pull one
It had 112 on the clock and 180 compression. Before installing it I did a full tune up and timing belt. Ran great when I drove it 30 miles on the freeway and 8hr of idle time with a/c on.

I get a call a few days later after he picked up its making lots of noise and has not power.
I look at it the cyl 1 plugs are melted, coolant low, and I can see drops of water under the oil fill cap. I am pretty sure it over heated, and he drove it at least 70 miles like that from what he tell me.
I pretty sure the heads are toast.

Here is a video what it sounds like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WLgVio55zM

 

[Mark_88]

No sound, and three of those links don't work...but...

If the truck was driven hot there is a very good chance that either the head is/was cracked or there was a problem with the head gasket...if you are going to pull it apart, you might start by just removing the head and have it magnafluxed (checked for cracks)...

It happened to my first head after I'd spend about $400 rebuilding it...truck over heated and it cracked in a couple of places that could not be fixed...so new head...another $600...and now I need a new rad before I crack this head...

 

[ronclark]

Here is the link for the video if the other one is not working

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WLgVio55zM

 

[ronclark]

Someone going to have to show me how the video embedding works.
i thought it was my phone but i cant make it work at home.

 

[tomw]

Two thoughts: What do you KNOW beyond 'the #1 plug is 'melted'? Compression? The video sounds like a bad rod bearing, which generally quiets down at higher rpm's.
I think your friend needs some remedial lessons on maintenance...
If it were mine, I'd make sure the noise is from the crankshaft or rod bearings, not from something loose on the nose of the crankshaft, such as the pulley or vibration damper. If it is the bearings, you have several choices. New inserts and hope for the best, R&R the crankshaft or get another engine.
Your choice. The noise bothers me more than the loping idle. If it were a holy piston, I'd think you'd have a LOT more misfire. It almost seems to run decent when off idle.
tom

 

[ronclark]

Not sure what the compression is now, the rest of the plugs were good.
Its drive-able aside from the noise.
I am going to get back to my place and start taring it apart. do a compression check before i take the head off.
I am sure hoping lower end is still in good shape.
Around here 2.5L are not easy to come by.
when i learn some more, I'll try to post it