My 97 ranger 3.o 6cyl died driving down the highway, at first it quit rev-ing up then slowed and shut off completely. I opened my hood to find power steering fluid everywhere, assuming it blew out the prv in the cap of my reservoir, but that shouldn't kill my engine. It would then turn over but wouldn't fire up. so I check the fuel system and it's getting fuel to the injectors, the air filter is new and my oil level is perfect with no coolant in it, as well as no oil in the rad. next I pulled out a plug to test for a spark and it had a very good one (new plugs and wires) then I put the plug back in and my engine quit turning over. now all I get when I turn the key is a loud click. it almost seems like it has locked up. anyone ever had this issue?

 

sounds to me like you seized your motor. that's a direct description of what happens when a motor locks up.

if it is, you going to need a new block.

 

that's definitely the sound im getting.. that was very helpful thanks you :)

 

If you found the power steering fluid all over, I suspect you may have a power steering pump locked up.

I had something similar happen with a 99 Cougar. The A/C bearing locked up when I shut it off to fill up at a gas station. When I tried to start it, it would turn over but would not start. I kept trying but the battery seemed to be losing charge. I called AAA and they jumped the battery. While I was cranking the AAA guy told me the serpentine belt was not turning. I was shocked but that is when I discovered the A/C was locked. We towed it to a repair shop and installed a shorter belt to by-passed the A/C and the car started right up. That gave me time to get it to a proper place for A/C repair.

You could try taking the serpentine belt off to see if you can turn the engine over. Then try to turn the power steering pulley by hand to see if it is locked up.

If that fluid all over the place is power steering fluid, it should not cause damage to the engine. If it is motor oil you may have a very serious problem with the engine.

 

good advise! ^

 

i am going to agree with gary,