Hello all, This is about a 1997 3.0 manual trans 4x4.

Alright here is the thick and thin of it,
About 3 weeks ago I drove into the crown of a fallen tree and had a whole host of problems from then on out, I do not know if the impact was the main cause but heres the list of problems. ( had no real damage other than some dents to hood and grill)

I was having a misfire on 5 and 2, Lean on bank 1 i believe, ruptured brake lines.
The truck felt as if it had a serious lack of power, and a wild shake at idle.

I pulled the wires off the spark plugs to check for spark to the block and both cylinders did not have any. I replaced the plugs and coil pack with a accel coil pack, Then had the codes all cleared. the truck ran great for about a week.

Now the CEL is back on and it feels as though the truck is back to having no power.
It idles roughly, and under power struggles to pull throughout the rpm range, Lots of hesitation and the occasional popping thump sound from the engine/underside of the truck.
The idle is a rough sort of rolling gurgling. No smoke or anything though.

The truck revs pretty well freely in neutral..
Not as great as when all cylinders were firing properly but not bad either.

Also when i pull the plug wire for cylinder 5 off the coil pack the spark fails to jump even a 1/2 inch to plug wire. All other plug wires with jump up to 2 inches. It deffinately has a much weaker spark discharge.
As well as i hear a clicking/ fast ticking sound from the drivers side of the engine bay towards the back of the engine...

Also does anyone know what the cylindrical item is right behind the coil pack, There are several wires leading into the base of it, and it seems to spin freely in a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation.

Random problem as well, My speedo does work from time to time, Mostly when the truck is cold until it warms up a little. I believe this to be my speed sensor in the rear housing.

If i left anything out i will continue to update. and add to this post.

Any imput to sort out these problems would be greatly appreciated.. I know i listed alot but i want everyone to know the whole story to solve this in the best way possible.

Thank you for all and any help, Insults please keep to yourself.

 

The round thing behind the coil pack, Do you mean between the rear of the valve cover and the firewall?
That is the camshaft syncronizer assembly.It has a sensor in the top and the base of it drives the oil pump.It should not turn freely by hand.
The unit is a known problem and has been covered numerous times on the forum.
If you remove the two 5mm screws from the top,pull off the sensor and can turn the shaft..........
Sorry , but the engine is most likely hosed.

 

Here is a how-to on replacing the syncro.
https://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-3-0-cam-synchro-replacement-81674/

If you don't have the tool,you can rotate the engine over until the magnet under the sensor lines up with the cutout.Then remove the assembly and inspect the gear for broken/worn teeth.

 

I dont believe we are talking about the same thing, I take a picture of it tomm afternoon and post it. I just cant figure out why one cylinder is having less spark then the rest.

Any one have any thoughts on this?

 

all those codes were cleared and now i have codes 0174and 0300