Hey, guys & gals, I stupidly overheated my 2000 4x4 Ranger & now it wont crank. I'd like someone out there to tell me the possible causes, ex. melted plugs(#1 plug looks good),
worn rings, broken rings ( the engine turns over good,but every now & then it will lurch like it hangs up on something), or anything you can think of.(I've just gotten out of the hospital with 3 strokes or I'd just tear it apart.) Trying to save myself a little work here. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. btw Happy thanksgiving!

 

Well first things first do a compression test and post up the numbers. You may have cracked/warped your head(s) blew a head gasket fried some rings who knows. Have you checked for fuel spark ect? Got any codes? Good luck man. Oh Happy Turkey day to you to!

 

i've overheated my 93 XLT 4.0L many times and its always started right up after..


do a compression test first, should be above 125psi per cylinder. even if it did have a blown head gasket the engine should still run.

 

There's no visible water (antifreeze in the oil). No computer codes show up on my code checker I'm guessing rings, but I don't know. When it gets a little warmer here I'll check the compression. The fuel pump runs & shuts off just like always, I haven't had time to check the spark, but I will. This is second engine in this truck. ist one overheated & cracked heads. No truck problem, just pilot error both times. Appreciate your help. I'll post the results. May take a while. I'm moving pretty slow these days. Thanks again.

 

i had the same thing happen to me a few days ago, im not sure what to do,my spark plugs are good and i have no water in the oil, what do i do now?

 

I'd check the compression. If it's good, I guess you start looking at the firing system. Coils, plug wires, etc. But I'm only guessing here. I know I miss my truck. That's the only thing I'm sure about. Maybe we'll both have good luck.

 

i got it to start last night but now it won't, it will turn over but not start

 

The headbolts on these engines are called stretching bolts, when the engine overheats the headbolts will stretch and it will blow the head gaskets, if water is added when it is still overheated it tends to crack the heads, usually between the valves but sometimes going to oil galleries. you might try retorquing the heads and see if that helps if not you will be pulling the head or replacing the engine. Have you noticed whether the water level is remaining up or if it has gone down after filling? water in the cylinders will prevent it from running.

 

Thanx for all the good info. I think I got it narrowed down. I went out to check the water level but remembered that I didn't fill it totally up so I checked the oil. 1st time I checked it , it was fine. This time it was a little grayer on the stick. I'll try torquing the head bolts but I'm thinking the head(s) or gasket will have to be replaced. After I tear it apart, I'll post what I find unless I have another flipping stroke! Thanks again!