Turns over, won't catch

[saveatreeeatabeaver]

Hello all,

The title says it all. Over the course of the past month or so, my Ranger has slowly turned itself into a giant paper weight. It started with a high/rough idle. It would start up very high on startup (cold only), and quickly drop to a more normal rpm. I don't have a tach, so exact numbers aren't possible. I've also noticed very recently a substantial decrease in the amount of antifreeze in my tank. I searched obvious hoses and found it leaking from a hose connecting the engine with the radiator.

Over the last two weeks, this got progressively worse. I finally had a few days off and decided to start with the basics. I replaced fuel and air filters as well as the PCV. I've toyed with other sensors, though no wires were loose or totally disconnected.

Yesterday, it finally died all together. After playing with the air intake (related or not, I don't know), she failed to start. started shaking stuff and checking the basics. Fuel pressure appeared satisfactory on the fuel rail, though I didn't have the gauge to be totally sure. Spark plugs look ok, though they have a layer of "soot" on them. I've cleaned the easy ones to no avail. Occasionally, it will turn over 6-8 times and catch in one cylinder. Now, it won't even do that...

My thoughts were no gas. I've since bought more and am near a half tank. I've also checked plug wires for obvious signs of wear, though they all look fine. I also thought it might be related to the intake manifold, however I don't' want to rip the truck apart in its current location.

Please don't hesitate to ask questions; I very well may have left something out that your question will remind me of.

1996 2.3 liter, 207k miles.

Thanks!
Russell

 

[Bryan22]

so it sounds like it has fuel, have you checked spark when cranking? coild be a bad coil pack. you could try swapping them or test them with a multi meter.

 

[saveatreeeatabeaver]

The Plot Thickens

Well, I finally got it started for 2 or so minutes after leaving the battery unplugged for a hour or so. With a handful of problems occurring all at once (I've got an o2 sensor with a melted wire, simple fix), I wanted the computer to forget everything

Drum roll... The spark plug closest to the cab on the master cylinder side of the engine was leaking smoke. While it wasn't too much more than wisps, it was pretty obvious with a flashlight. I'll get the compression kit tomorrow and check each cylinder.

So far, thanks for the advice, I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[Bryan22]

loose plug I hope....

 

[saveatreeeatabeaver]

Well, I've taken the intake manifold and all associated parts off. The spark plug was certainly the problem as the smoke is pretty obvious on the boot. Sadly, it felt firmly seated.

I'm not sure what to think. While I'm capable of following instructions and researching a problem, this is a little bit out of my league. Head gasket? "rings"? Any advice would help.

I'll continue tomorrow morning. I've got all the gaskets for the intake manifold, however I'll probably suck it up and attempt the head as well. While I might not know exactly what I'm looking at, I'll post photos for the view pleasure of the forum.

Thanks!
Russell