Truck ran rough on way to work. Started it at break and it barely ran for a couple of minutes the blew white smoke and died. Hasn't started since. Been suffering from a no heat issues all winter. Never figured out why. Was losing some antifreeze and never seen leaks after replacing radiator. Truck never overheated. Have milkshake substance on cap and cap tube but not on dipstick or in radiator. Ideas?

 

What YEAR ranger?

I assume 4.0l engine but there were TWO 4.0l engines used in Rangers, 1990-2000 4.0l OHV, it was prone to "white exhaust smoke", 2001 and up 4.0l SOHC , it was not

Condensation on the oil cap and tube are not signs of blown head gasket, it means PCV Valve needs to be replaced and engine is not warming up fully when it is driven
You need to run an engine 15-20 minutes to fully warm it up and "burn off" water vapor in the valve covers and crank case
Short trips means water vapors builds up inside and causes what you see.
PCV valve circulates air in these areas, so keep water vapor to a minimum.


The white exhaust would be a sign of coolant leaking into a cylinder, cracked head or blown head gasket

You can do the Glove Test, its FREE and accurate, and no need for running engine to test it

Seen here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-o...sensor-157397/

 

It's an 03. 4.0

 

So a 4.0l SOHC engine, Head gasket would be a long shot then, possible but less likely

2003 has PATS(passive anti-theft system) so fuel system is disabled and THEFT light on dash will flash rapidly if it is triggered, so No Start
'
Does the THEFT light come on with the key on and then go off?
Or does it flash?

If no flashing and starter motor works then its not a PATS issue

Try 50/50 test
Spray gasoline or Ether(starting fluid) into the engine and try to start it
If it starts and dies then you have good spark and good compression but no fuel from injectors or fuel pump

If it doesn't start then you have no spark, or no compression(long shot)


When did you last get gasoline?
"Bad gas" is gasoline with too much water in it, water is heavier than gasoline and will settle to the bottom of the tank when vehicle sits, and fuel pump is at the bottom of the tank so...........
You won't notice bad gas until the next day, after turn sits a bit and water settles
Then you have rough running, and some times white smoke from exhaust from the water

 

Thanks for the response. The anti theft doesn't flash. My first thought was clogged fuel filter. Changed that but still did not start. Was pulling out of the driveway that morning and thought " oh I need gas". Was low but check gages light had not come on yet. Gas was fresh but have added 5 gals of gas to it. Plenty of gas was in the lines when I pulled the filter. Can here fuel pump activate. Will try the starter fluid test.

 

Yes, 50/50 test will tell the tale, spark or fuel issue, instant results

 

Did 50/50 test. No start. Pulled plug and found this. Black and wet. Next plug was the same but not quite as bad.

 

Out of focus :)

All fuel injected engine computers have a "Clear Flooded Engine" routine

Press gas pedal down to the floor and hold it down all the way
Turn key on and try to start engine
It should NOT start, it should NOT fire at all, fuel injectors are turned OFF, thats what "Clear Flooded Engine" does

You are cranking engine with wide open throttle(WOT) to dry it out if it was flooded

If the engine fires then you have fuel leaking in, may be an injector is stuck open or there is a injector shorted to Ground