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Bought my first Ranger, it has problems

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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 11:26 PM
  #1  
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oachs83
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Bought my first Ranger, it has problems

Hi everyone, I just bought my first Ranger (from original owner) and need some info if anyone can help. First off I am familiar with motors etc. I just brought home the Ranger and thought I would see if anyone knows if I have a common problem? Now I just got it home and scanned it and have touched nothing because it is to late. Here is the scoop.

2002 Ranger XLT 4x4
3.0L engine automatic trans.
180,000 miles

It misses very badly and smells rich out the exhaust. I pulled codes in this order P0304, P0171, P0305, P0306. So I have cylinders 4-6 misfiring and Bank 1 running lean. Is this at all a common problem with these trucks? Do they have intake leaking or head cracking issues? Also all the plugs, wires, etc have been replaced. Thanks again in advance.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 12:26 AM
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coil on the side with the misfires is bad.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 09:44 AM
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pawpaw
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You may have more than one problem.

The misfire codes P0304-305-306, are for cyl's on the drivers side bank, so seeing as how the plugs & wires have been messed with, maybe begin with making sure they're routed properly as the factory had them, using all of the wire looms & they are fastened securely in place on boh ends & there is no electical breakdown from the plugs or wires on that bank.

Are these replacement pugs & wires the specified OEM parts & is this a flex fuel Vulcan engine????

If you come to suspect the coilpack, most autoparts stores can/will bench test it at no cost.

If you have to replace it, have the new one bench tested before leaving the store with it.

On the P0171, lean bank one & with the mileage on this ride, maybe a lazy O2 sensor belongs on your suspect list, or maybe an intake manafold leak also, though I don't know how that would likely affect only all of bank one cyl's.

Be sure to scroll down & check out the Vulcan 3.0L information in the "Tech Info"thread atop this forums thread listing page.

More thoughts for consideraton, let us know what you find.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 09:51 AM
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Misfires will cause lean codes because the air on that bank is not being burned. Sound to me like misrouted wires or bad ignition components. This vehicle is supposed to use nothing besides Motorcraft or Autolite double platinum plugs and Motorcraft or Autolite wires. Other brands cause issues and wear out prematurely. If you have something else on there, they belong on your suspect list.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 12:12 PM
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oachs83
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Update:

Did a compression test

#4 cylinder 100lbs.
#5 cylinder 50lbs.
#6 cylinder 10lbs.

Threw oil down the holes and compression numbers did not change.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 04:01 PM
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Head gasket failure between 5 & 6 likely. Possible valve 'recession'. Some have noted that the vulcan can sometime wear the beans out of the valve seat, and then the valve will not hold compression. Depending on your locale, you may be able to plug in a used 3.0 from a Taurus/Sable of similar vintage with little problem. Not a real expensive engine to replace, and may cost less than having the heads serviced and the gasket set.

I am considering a used one for my old car, it has about 250k on the original long block. But, it also needs CV joint boots, and the rack leaks.
tom
 
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 04:11 PM
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Speaking of taurus 3.0, Montana Dept of Trans is having an auction Saturday with a yard full of taurus's with 3.0's. So you might google that if you're interested and in Helena MT Saturday. They also have a few Rangers and F150's, no Broncos.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 04:27 PM
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I will start to tear into it tonight. I am thinking the same that the gasket failed and #6 has a bad valve. I can get a rebuilt head for $100 if that is a good deal?
 
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