Details- 2002 3.0 edge. 255k
This weekend I performed my first compression test on my Ranger. I decided to do this after a hellacious rough idle occurred. This started when I was sitting in traffic and noticed temp gauge climbing very high. Rev it up and returns to normal. Went home checked for leaks, none. Replaced thermostat and problem still exist. Took it for a short drive and temp gauge went hot and shut it down. Able to restart after it cooled off.
codes P0113 and P0302 at the time.

new parts-
MAF
Temp sensor and sender
spark plugs
fuel filter
waterpump/timing chain within last 3 years.

checked compression with a cheap auto zone tester. A couple of these were big jumps, and a couple didn’t hold the highest pressure on the gauge, maybe it’s junk?
dry/wet
Cylinder-

1- 50/90
2-50/60
3-125/145
4-125/200
5-60/100
6-120/170

Any thoughts on this test? I was hoping to just replace heads, but I’m not sure. I’ll look into doing a leak down test soon. Might be time for a new motor…

 

Yes, looks like you have a blown head gasket and/or maybe a cracked head

Just to confirm, compression test is done on cold engine with all 6 spark plugs removed, then test each cylinder
Must have all 6 spark plugs removed or crank speed rotation will not be the same for each test
Dry test all 6 first

Yes, if you don't trust the gauge then a waste of time, repeat dry test a few times to confirm readings
WET test is done to seal the rings better, but can also seal the spark plug threads better, lol, if gauge threads were not sealing properly

Leak down test is used to HEAR whats leaking the most, intake valve, exhaust valve or rings
So with piston at TDC, both valves closed and 50+PSI in spark plug hole listen at the intake, tail pipe and Dipstick hole(rings)

 

Thanks for confirming. Test was done cold, pedal to the floor, and all plugs removed. Going to do a leak test ASAP

 

was able to do a leak down on a couple cylinders. Tested #1 and heard air from throttle body. Checked #5 and heard/felt at from oil dipstick, although not nearly as apparent. The truck did sit for months before being ran again prior to the breakdown. Attached are a couple videos of how it’s running.

 

Videos below

 

There will always be leak down past the rings just not much, as you described
The intake is odd unless you were not on the correct TDC

And no tailpipe leaks?
That's the most common, exhaust valves

And was the radiator cap off, I didn't mention that before, it should be, if coolant start to come up and out, in a leak down test it means blown head gasket

Tried watching the video, I see the engine bay but thats about it no sound and its short
But I know what a misfiring engine sounds like, lol

 

I’ll try the videos again. Is this much smoke leaking from the PCV are normal?