Hi everyone, I have a 2000 ranger 3.0 that blew a head gasket, I replaced the head and put it all back together and when I start the engine, It started just fine but idled rough and made an almost ping tick noise like a small backfire or misfire. So I replaced all my spark plugs and wires, but now for unknown reasons it won't start after turning the key. While its cranking it makes an odd low noise and my oil pressure gauge drops and I smell a hint of gas.

Hopefully I put enough info for anyone to help, thanks!

 

Recheck firing order for wires and on coil pack

3 4
2 6
1 5
Front

Above is the coil pack wiring, notice the easy 1, 2, 3 on one side
And the often goofed up 5, 6, 4 on the other side

Engine cylinders are numbered this way on a Ford
3 6
2 5
1 4
front
It is easy to mix up wires at cylinders and on coil pack, so check it twice and then have someone else check it.


Because you removed the intake you may have missed a vacuum line, check over the intake and look for open ports, check the fuel line, see if it is leaking.

 

They are plugged in the coil pack in that order, I noticed that the right side went 5-6-4 but still no luck. That was my first thought, me plugging them in wrong

 

Also, once I put everything back together it started, just now that I replaced plugs and wires it won't start.

 

Do you hear the fuel pump come on for 2 seconds when key is turned on?

Have you checked for fuel pressure at the schrader valve(looks like tires air valve) on the fuel rail.
Be careful it should have 65psi of pressure in there.

When you turn on the key does the CEL(check engine light) come on and then go off after a few seconds?
That's the computer starting up and running self-test

Can you try starting fluid or putting gas directly into the intake and seeing if it starts?
If it fires up and dies then fuel system is the problem.
If it doesn't fire then Spark is the problem.

 

I'm also working on replacing my ranger 3.0 head gasket. I'm fighting a bent egr tube right now.

Anyway, does it turn over or just not crank?

If it is turning over, check for spark by sticking a screw driver in the end of 1 plug wire and hold it near the ground bolt while someone else turns the key. If you see a blue ark you're good. Check several plug wires. If they are all good, you're having a fuel or plug issue. Are plugs properly gaped and snug but not over tightened?

If no blue ark check for voltage at the ignition module. Also your CKP has to be plugged in or it won't start.

 

Sorry for the long wait, I haven't had a day off from work. My check engine light doesn't come on when I turn the key on, the other lights do. When it's trying to start it will turn over a couple time the act as if it's dying or just a loss of power for half a sec then comes back and repeats every 2 or 3 seconds. All vaccuum lines are plugged in and brand new plugs and wires are in the correct order. Battery is charged and I'm using a jumpstart kit just in case there isn't enough juice in the battery. Do you think it would be my ignition coil?

 

ignition coil should have been replaced many years ago

they usually last around 4 years , then begin to leak EMI which interferes with the engine computer being able to properly read various sensor data

 

If the CEL isn't coming on then computer might not be getting power, which means no spark and no fuel, so no start

CEL(check engine light) comes on when computer is powered on, computer runs a self test, takes a few seconds, then CEL will go off, self test passed.

In the Engine fuse box there will be an EEC Fuse and EEC Relay
EEC = Electronic Engine Control
This fuse and this relay powers the computer when key is turned on.
EEC relay should "click" when key is turned on
And the Fuel Pump relay right next to EEC relay should also "click"(ON) and then 2 seconds later "click" again(OFF), computer operates fuel pump relay.

Do you hear the fuel pump coming on?
It is not quiet, it comes on each time key is turned on, so turn key ON and listen, turn key off and then on again, repeat as many times as you want to decide if you hear it or not.

 

I do hear the fuel pump come on everytime, I will Check the fuses and relays when I get off work tonight. I'll also go buy an ignition coil just to put it in and if it doesn't change anything I'll take it back.

 

If you hear the fuel pump come on then computer is coming on, CEL bulb could be burned out or...............if you are not the original owner it could be disconnected.

 

I had a relay switch go bad recently. When it did go bad, I was unable to start my truck. The engine would turn over but never crank. Turn the key to the on position and listen for fuel pump and the relay to make 'click' sound.

 

you had the cam sync sensor out did you time it when you replaced it?
Ford Ranger 3.0L Camshaft Position Sensor