Sorry this is not about my Ranger. Its about another truck that is supposed to have a broken timing chain. The thing is the truck runs. It only goes 10-15 mph but it runs. I was under the impression that a non interference engine would not run at all if the chain was broken. In general is there something I can look for myself to determine if the timing chain is an issue? Its a 3.5 L 5 cylinder.

 

Vortec 3500 I5 is an interference engine, has DOHC timing chain, runs 10:1CR

Just test compression on one or two cylinders, under 120psi would be out off time valves and pistons, 130-140psi could be burnt valves
Good compression would be 180+psi

Or try Vacuum gauge, 18"-21" is expected running at idle, under 14" would be low compression

 

Could be a bad cat. Pull the O2 sensors before the cats and take it for a ride.

 

Thank you. I cannot do all of that. I did see a page that said the the 3.5 was a noninterference but that is a new term to me. If there is no racket coming from the engine bay wondering if timing chain might be ok. Guy says he was told chain was broken. Truck drives 10-15 mph only. So it could be a clogged cat. But he is saying the chain is broken.

On 21. in the pic it saying its non interference and I thought that meant it would not run if the chain were broken. Just hoping the chain isn't broken and that its something else so I cna buy it. Thanks Ron.

Yes I thought about that too. Something I am looking to buy but don't want to buy something I am gonna have to do a lot to. If I had some confidence the chain was intact I might purchase.

 

You miss understood my post. By pulling the O2 sensor you are given the exhaust gasses another path ( out the hole where the O2 sensor where) and by passing the cat. If the truck run better than the cat is bad.

 

No I did understand. I was saying I won't be able to dona compression test reaponding to the other post.

 

Engine can not run with broken timing chain, period
Engine may run, but poorly, with a "slipped" timing gear, most engine makers have stopped using "keys" on shafts to hold timing, its cheaper to use compression/friction fit, so gears can slip, this lowers compression and so lowers the power the engine can generate

+1 on the clogged exhaust, if exhaust can not get OUT then new air/fuel can not get IN, so no power generated

If you can not do testing then you will need to take it to a shop that can