Ive got a 1990 ford ranger 2.9L the ranger has 322,000 miles and its got a Possible broken crankshaft? Thats what i've been told, a couple days ago it sounded like china breaking and the engine just quit. The battery is good and you can hear the starter, there is no knocking sound though. However The harmonic ballancer will not turn at all. Ive tried removing the spark plugs but its still froze. So Ive got the timing chain cover off, the camshaft will turn but the crankshaft wont. Is it possible the front main seal broke and is in the way, or is that just wishfull thinking? Likely the crankshaft broke? Before the noise was made there was some grey smoke just blowby, had to add a quart of oil every month, but that was it. I would like to think im overlooking something before I pull the engine out any advice?

 

What do you mean the camshaft will turn but the crankshaft won't? They're linked together by a chain at the front. You can't have one turn, and the other not.

 

The 2.9 is now a boat anchor. Too expensive to rebuild. Time to swap to a 4.0 or go wild with a 5.0.

 

Crank with bearings for a 2.9 is $200. Bearings, pistons, are dirt cheap as well.

Still probably worth putting a 4.0 in though

 

Thanks for the replys I should of mentioned before I didnt have to take the timing chain off because it was already in pieces, that was the noise I heard, but the crankshaft still wont turn, is it possible when the timing chain broke it caused internal failure as well? im not sure if the 2.9L is a free floating engine like the 2.3L. in ether case a 4.0L might be in order, however i was offered $900 because they want it for the body. Not sure if i'll take the offer or just get another engine for it. fords sometimes does things that cant be explained, but i still plan on keeping a ford in the driveway