New Engine?

[airline tech]

When did Ford implement Cylinder Deactivation in the 2.3 Engine?

I am going to backtrack (at this point) on the Cylinder Deactivation System, as it shows it in the descriptions of the engine controls and shows it in the IPC diagrams, however I cannot locate it anywhere else. (R&R) or (Engine Disassembly) until I can confirm it is actually INSTALLED on the Ranger 2.3, I will say we don't have it; however, some 2.3 variants may have it.
It is intended to operate (when the PCM cuts fuel on the injector - The Intake & Exhaust valves close on that cylinder)

I believe that the Ranger actually uses a similar version of this system (For Fail Safe - Limp Mode) and it only cuts the Injector (fuel) into the cylinder, and it alternates the cylinders it deactivates
This system limits RPM's and the main function is to help in engine cooling if an overheat condition is detected.
The valves still operate normally - to achieve cylinder cooling

The VCT System is CONFIRMED to be installed

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[airline tech]

Compression testers are pretty inexpensive and there are only 4 cylinders. Usually only one or two cylinders might be low, but the motor will start and run rough on the remaining cylinders. What are the trouble codes? Is it getting spark?

This is why I was asking how deep they went for - (Low) Compression Test Results
Dry / Wet and which cylinders were Low and did Dry / Wet results drastically change in the cylinders.


If (2) adjoining cylinders - suspect Head Gasket
If all cylinders - suspect VCT system, holding either Intake or Exhaust valves open.

 

[Socalnative]

Wow congrats! I'm about to replace my original brake pads at 128K...

Thanks and pretty surprised myself! And no way that’s awesome! I replaced mine at 105k

 

[Retirednavy2010]

I would recommend a second opinion, but it depends on how deep they looked at the Low Compression.

As if this just (popped up) and no indication of issues prior, my troubleshot would direct me to what electronically could possibly cause this issue.

Now granted I have NOT dug into these systems much or dealt with them. I just know that they are incorporated into the 2.3 Engine.

1. VCT - Variable Camshaft Timing, this could throw off compression - holding the valves open
2. Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid - this would kill the cylinder
or a sensor input that these 2 systems are looking at (In an engine start condition)

So, for me, it's hard to grasp an engine replacement for this, at this point without a deeper look as anything mechanical (low compression bad enough for a no start) would have shown some kind of drivability issues (misfire, rough, stumbles, intermittent starts etc) not just all of a sudden

My hunch it is something electrically controlled and since the engine will not start, it may not be picking up a failure code and MOST LIKELY the VCT system is the issue.
I would ask the dealer if they looked into these systems as a possibility, as it sounds like they do not know (confirmed) cause and are shot-gunning a 10k engine at the issue.
GET A SECOND OPINION on this.

I agree, ran good then nothing. No major indicators like water in oil or in anti freeze? What happens if you spray starter fluid in it?

 

[Jason B]

One way people used to test for blown head gasket or cracked head on the 4G, was to remove the radiator cap and stretch a ballon or latex glove over the opening, If the glove/ballon inflated, you probably had one of those problems. I think you'll had to block the overflow tube also. You could do
this only on a cold engine, so if it won't necessarily show anything if problem happens after warming up. I haven't even looked at out coolant setup so this may work differently on newer setups.

 

[Mustang2Ranger]

Do not use starter fluid on this motor

 

[seasprite]

Maybe the timing chain jumped ? Would like to know what codes if any were set

 

[KJRR]

I installed a metal coolant reservoir and it would slowly lose coolant through the blowoff tube. I had that tested no leaks detected they determined it was the pressure cap not working properly and replaced it. I wondered if Maybe it was exhaust causing this? Or maybe just a lack of it being able to expand like the plastic? Still never noticed coolant in the oil or vice versa just that it was slowly coming from the tube. Other then this I’ve never had any problems with the truck besides the infamous bucking which stopped after sensor was replaced.

Guessing head gasket. Its leaking exhaust into the cooling passages which likely caused the original issue with the overflow tank.
Shouldn't suddenly cause a no start issue though. Know anyone with a code reader you can borrow?
@airline tech is there any kind of alarm or security system that would cause a no start?

 

[Markubis]

1980s me would check compression first. Then pull engine and send the head out to be magnafluxed for cracks. Rebuild the top end with new rings and head gasket and put back in.
Engines these days have more going on but the issue certainly seems like the top end.

 

[TechEditor]

Did the dealer do both a dry and wet compression check? If the compression goes up wet, then it'$ $omething internal, and most likely $omething mechanical, not a sensor.

If a wet compression test shows an increase in compression over a dry test, your rings are leaking. If it does not increase, it is your valves leaking.
FYI: 51 yrs MC/ATV mechanic

 

[shovelhd]

The oil can also temporarily close a small head gasket leak, at least for the first few cranks. No certs, just prior experience.

 

[Buckbull]

I'm surprised the dealer offered to tear into the engine. I didn't think dealers did those kinds of things anymore. Take the truck over to Dave's Auto Center in centerville, utah. Would like to see him diagnose your truck on his youtube channel.

 

[airline tech]

Guessing head gasket. Its leaking exhaust into the cooling passages which likely caused the original issue with the overflow tank.
Shouldn't suddenly cause a no start issue though. Know anyone with a code reader you can borrow?
@airline tech is there any kind of alarm or security system that would cause a no start?

Negative - The PATS would not allow the engine to crank

 

[got3fords]

Any update on this?

 

[TomSim]

It ran fine until this no start ?

i strongly suspect they are lying to you

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