Serious DOA

[runtime]

Inherited this truck from Step-son or really reposed from him. Is/was a 189000 major oil burner. Other than that it is in great shape. Well it wasn't running real good because the plugs were badly fouled. Replace plugs for him and asked him how long "Low oil" light had been on... "Aw fer awhile" 3qts low... duh.

Well after changing plugs, it sounded what I'd call a lifter rattling. Battery was about DOA too as he'd get jump started alot...

Well after I got it, I took it out for a test drive. Took it out on hwy to 65mph and when I stepped on brakes to turn around it just died. Would barely crank & no start. Towed to near by friends house.

Charged battery & jump, but would crank real slow. Thinking starter was bad replaced it & new battery. Still slow crank & no start.

After searching this forum, I'm think the rattling was the timing chain tensioner and now the timing chain self destructed. BTW coolant level seems fine or other signs of it leaking anywhere. Just need to get it towed home to be able to work on it.

My question is: Do you think timing chain broke & is the 4.0 OHV an interference engine? I'm thinking "engine is scrap"

 

[Quartermile]

If it was 3 quarts low, you better tear it apart and go through the whole engine. Most of its either scrap or nearly there. Start looking for a donor truck

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Shoot, I put 4 qts of oil in a subaru one time... note that the amount of oil supposed to be in it was 4.5qts and it is still running (amazingly)

But yeahin your cas I think a rebuilt or junkyard motor would be a better and less costly route to go in this case.

 

[Ronv]

It's a real shame how somepeople treat machinery and then wonder why it doesn't work properly or isn't dependable!

 

[r1hatman]

Quater. diggin those aux switch placements!

 

[Quartermile]

Quater. diggin those aux switch placements!

Thanks! Took forever to figure that out, but it works real nice. Going to get a better piece fitted in (stainless steel) when i can

(and sorry . . . a little)

 

[Big Jim M]

I always hesitate

To give advice about engines not running after a battery swap. We never know who swapped the battery or what they knew about electricity.
First off where in the world are you? Where you live might have lots and lots to do with ANY running problem.
Then what do the battery cables look like? Do they have the original cable ends on them?
Have you taken the ground cable off of the engine and cleaned that connection real good?
When started have you checked the output of the alternator?
In short my guess here is LECTRIC and not mechanical.
Big JIm

Inherited this truck from Step-son or really reposed from him. Is/was a 189000 major oil burner. Other than that it is in great shape. Well it wasn't running real good because the plugs were badly fouled. Replace plugs for him and asked him how long "Low oil" light had been on... "Aw fer awhile" 3qts low... duh.

Well after changing plugs, it sounded what I'd call a lifter rattling. Battery was about DOA too as he'd get jump started alot...

Well after I got it, I took it out for a test drive. Took it out on hwy to 65mph and when I stepped on brakes to turn around it just died. Would barely crank & no start. Towed to near by friends house.

Charged battery & jump, but would crank real slow. Thinking starter was bad replaced it & new battery. Still slow crank & no start.

After searching this forum, I'm think the rattling was the timing chain tensioner and now the timing chain self destructed. BTW coolant level seems fine or other signs of it leaking anywhere. Just need to get it towed home to be able to work on it.

My question is: Do you think timing chain broke & is the 4.0 OHV an interference engine? I'm thinking "engine is scrap"

 

[runtime]

Well got it home this morning. Pulled three plugs and it cranks much better. Pulled drivers side valve cover. Nothing moves when turning the motor over... Again is the 4.0 ohv a interference head? i.e. will the valves hit the pistons if timing chain breaks..

Still it's been 20+yrs since I rebuilt a motor so going looking for a used running one. Besides the nearest machine shop around here is two hrs away. Local ones closed years ago.

Big J so far your batting 0 for 2 on my questions...

 

[Big Jim M]

Yeah seems like I was don't it. Yes the 4.0 is an interference engine. If the rockers ain't arock'n you do got problems.
I'd pull it apart just for shits&grins, but I'd seriously be looking for a long block somewhere.
Lucky me I live in the center of Texas and can drive just about anywhere to pick up another engine. Still don't know where you are.
Big Jim

 

[runtime]

Live about dead center of Wyoming. Only one local salvage yard anymore and it is more of a scrap metal collector.

This is now my third Ranger. First was a 92 Extended cab 4X4 with 4.0l. Best vehicle I ever owned. Always regretted trading it off for a F150 in 95 (gutless wonder I traded off in 97). The second was a 87 with 2.3l that had/has over 1/4 million miles that still lives today, but across the street. Drove that for 3+ yrs & 40K miles on a daily 60 mile commute.

Don't really need this one, but would keep the miles off and cheaper to run than my 97 F250 Powerstroke.

 

[modelageek]

It's a real shame how somepeople treat machinery and then wonder why it doesn't work properly or isn't dependable!

before i got into taking car of my vehicle. I had a 1996 f150, 302 . I bought it new. along the way i was down 3 quarts once. I put the oil in and never had an issue. but the most amazing ting is I had my daughters picture of the temp gauge. I blew a lower radiator hose and never new it. I am not sure how long i drove the truck for before I figured it out. I got the hose fixed and drove the truck for a few more years NP. I sold it would 160k on it original tranny( i never changed the fluid)..........I am not proud I did this. I take great car of my vehicles now. I am a fanatic...these sites have helped a lot!!!

I did lose a flywheel and the rear main seal. nt sure if that was related to the coolant! or the low oil