Truck cranks but won’t start

[Jerrymtz1448]

Hi everyone, I’ve got a 94 ford ranger 3.0 that cranks but won’t start. I’ve replaced almost everything in this thing and it still hasn’t gotten me anywhere. Now, when I turn the distributor and take it out of time it will start but runs lean. Once I put it back in time it will not start.

Things I’ve replaced are, distributor cap, battery, fuel pump, engine coolant sensor, spark plugs and wires, MAF, and ignition control module.

 

[rumblecloud]

I'm sorry, but you have a 1994 3.0L with a distributor?

 

[Brain75]

Looked and looked for the 3.0L vulcan timing chain schematic and all the hits I get are listed as 2004+ or locked behind paywall. You have 1 chain or 2 chains? people comment that they last about 240k miles give or take.... My first guess if you can get it to start with the timing way off is that the timing chain has slipped a tooth, but that just doesn't happen all by itself... stretched really bad, lost a tooth on a gear...

and just how far off is it, like pegged all the way advanced/retarded?
and which direction is it advanced or retarded?

And yeah, I was a little wow'd by that new + distributor, is this original engine?

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

I agree it sounds like the timing has jumped.

Good luck.

 

[Jerrymtz1448]

I'm sorry, but you have a 1994 3.0L with a distributor?

I'm sorry, but you have a 1994 3.0L with a distributor?

Yes 3.0 with a distributor. Truck has 127,xxx

 

[Jerrymtz1448]

Looked and looked for the 3.0L vulcan timing chain schematic and all the hits I get are listed as 2004+ or locked behind paywall. You have 1 chain or 2 chains? people comment that they last about 240k miles give or take.... My first guess if you can get it to start with the timing way off is that the timing chain has slipped a tooth, but that just doesn't happen all by itself... stretched really bad, lost a tooth on a gear...

and just how far off is it, like pegged all the way advanced/retarded?
and which direction is it advanced or retarded?

And yeah, I was a little wow'd by that new + distributor, is this original engine?

It is the original engine. When timing is advanced the truck will start and seems to idle good. With the engine still warm if I put it back in time then it will start but as soon as the engine cools down it will not start back up.

 

[Jerrymtz1448]

Timing was 25° off when it would start without a problem. It would fire right up and run good.

It is the original engine. When timing is advanced the truck will start and seems to idle good. With the engine still warm if I put it back in time then it will start but as soon as the engine cools down it will not start back up.
[/QUa

 

[Uncle Gump]

Does it have a SPOUT like a 2.9L?

Meaning... is there a special procedure for setting base timing. On a 2.9L... you disconnect the SPOUT connector to set base time.

 

[Brain75]

Just in case you get this far down in (First I would do much less invasive tests like compression test to see if valves are open when should be closed):

https://unitedengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ford-3.0-u-1-600x565.jpg

Picture of a 3.0L Ford Vulcan long block for sale is the best I could do to get you a timing schematic.... I also understand that disassembly to this point can be a big PITA... something to do with a bracket that sits in front of timing cover and also bolts to motor mount, etc.

 

[Brain75]

found this in taurus land, I would guess that the 3.0L vulcan would be the same between ranger and taurus - so yeah it does have a spout connector (post #2 is the guide):

Setting Timing - '93 Taurus 3.0 Vulcan

3.0 Vulcan in 1993 Taurus GL During an intake manifold replacement I (of course) had to pull the distributor. Got it back in and the car starts but seems a bit more sluggish, as if ther tiiming is retarded. There are remarks about timing on the underhood sticker that's just above the...

www.fordforums.com

 

[Jerrymtz1448]

Does it have a SPOUT like a 2.9L?

Meaning... is there a special procedure for setting base timing. On a 2.9L... you disconnect the SPOUT connector to set base time.

I’m not sure on that. I will ask my mechanic