Hello all, just bought my first Ford Ranger (Used). Always wanted one of these trucks, now I own one. :) I have some questions, but first let me describe my truck.....2007 Ford Ranger Super Cab, 4x2, 4.0 SOHC V6 12V motor. Bought the truck used of course from an online auction (sight unseen except photos). It belonged to a local nursery and had obviously been used to haul gravel, mulch, tow a few things, etc. It has 89k miles and is throwing some codes. It did run and drive when I picked it up (although a bit rough) and was losing power going uphill.

Codes showing on bluescan OBD2 were: P301-Cyliner 1 Misfire Detected; P304-Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected; P0442-EVAP System Leak Detected (Small Leak); P0304-Engine Misfire Detected on Start Up (First 1000 Revolutions); and B1318-Battery Voltage Low.

I have bought a new set of plugs and wires to install and plan to do a smoke test to see where any leaks may be. Will also change all the fluids (oil/ filter, coolant flush) maybe the transmission fluid and filter. There is some oil leakage from the heads that I may need to change the head gasket later. There was oil near the rear main seal, but I think that is rundown from the head gaskets.

Question: What does the Ranger Forum gang feel I should absolutely do (based upon the above codes) to get this old girl back running decent again? Able to make a 500 mile journey?

Your help and advice (any) would be greatly appreciated.

-Geep72 (Geoff)

 

https://www.mclemoreauction.com/auct...pa71031-431415

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, change the spark plugs and keep them in order so you can match them up to misfire codes
Spark plug tips can tell you whats going on inside each cylinder
Only use no coating spark plugs or Double Platinum coating, single platinum is a waste of money in Fords Waste Spark system

4.0l SOHC engines did have an earlier issue with timing chain tensioners, there are 2, pre-2003 but they should be changed every 100k regardless

If you hear a "rattle" on startup or mid-RPM then damage is done and engine will need to be pulled out to do the repair
If no rattles then I would plan on changing the 2 tensioners sooner than later, not hard to do , 10-20min for rear and an hour for the front
They should last 100k miles if oil changes were done on schedule.................or when ever you get a used one without a history of service..............lol
Pulling an engine gets expensive

P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
Won't cause running issues
EVAP is an emissions system that pulls out gasoline fumes from the gas tank when driving around and burns the fumes in the engine
System uses engine vacuum and a couple of solenoid valves
There is a Pressure sensor on the top of the gas tank
When the computer applies vacuum to the tank it watches the pressure sensor to see if tank is holding the negative pressure, if it holds pressure but not long enough then you get P0442
If it doesn't hold pressure at all then P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
It can be loose gas cap or the filler tube has a small crack

 

Thanks RonD, I appreciate the quick reply and pointer.