Did I Get Ripped Off? Bought a Ford Ranger with Junkyard Engine

I bought this ford ranger to be my new daily driver to help with gas. But the more I dig into it, the more problems I find. Did I get more than I bargained for?
A missing PCV Valve ended up being the high idle problem
DISCLAIMER'. this is not a how to video and I am not responsible for any actions you take on your equipment or property
#kleeman
#fordranger
#highidle

[@wesatche]

i just watched this again, 12 days later. I needed a "Captain" fix this morning with my coffee!

[@calholli]

They will always idle high at first, until it warms up. Similar to having a manual choke on; that idle air control (IAR) is literally doing the same thing as a manual choke. If your temp gauge isn't working-- the computer will think that it's still cold and keep it at high idle. So that's another thing to check-- make sure the coolant temp gauge is working; that is what controls the IAC and tells it when to "virtual choke" the engine when it's cold.. Sometimes the IAC gets sticky from being old.. If you just take it off and spray it clean and get it free'd up and moving again-- you can get more life out of it when it's sticking shut.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

I had a problem with a Ford Cortina automatic many years ago. I did all kinds of adjustments to no avail, it turned out to be as simple as a one inch hairline split in a vacuum pipe I’d not noticed until by accident. Excellent as always Mike 👍👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@tbix1963]

Thanks for sharing, should make for an interesting addition to the channel. Wishing you and your family the best.

[@bobpenner4260]

Some folks would charge you extra for that antiglare coating on the hood.

[@wink9970]

looking forward to sanding on the hood.

[@bluegrallis]

If ya be needing any parts, I have an 01 Ranger 4x4 here that only has 131,000 on it. everything worked when I quit driving it 2 years ago, but the frame is completely rotted out. 3.0 Automatic OD with working AC and heater! It will most likely get hauled to the scrap yard next spring, if I get rountuit.

[@Edwardmodos]

Every 3.0 I've ever touched died with blown head gaskets, it was a car motor they shoved in the Ranger as a mid-level option. The 4 cylinders are dead reliable, the 4.0 OHV was indestructible, but the 3.0 and the 4.0 SOHC were marginal.

[@jimdaly5077]

Hi to be brutally honest I don’t think you can get ripped off, as long as you go in with both eyes open. If you pick up a diamond in the rough then great, if there are a few problems that is to be expected, and you can always walk away if you’re not sure. All the best .👍🐝🌞

[@justinotten6673]

Ussually leaving it disconnected for 10 mins or more will clear the codes out of the puter..

[@fluffyashes]

Of course you didnt get ripped off you got that pencil!

[@rhondasweeney7271]

I don't think you got ripped off that's a nice work truck😊

[@brotherbruce]

Keep at it. A great truck.

[@ZombieWarningStation]

every time I see one I always say to myself ooo go kart!!

[@prinzeugenvansovoyen732]

Is it 4x4? Also when fix dump bed pickup truck

[@tmacie2]

Mike, You might take a closer look at the IAC, you checked the solenoid but you didn't check the function. The varying voltage moves a rod in the IAC depending on what the computer calls for. The rod could be catching at a certain point, or points in its travel causing the RPM hang you are seeing. Its common in that era Ford.

[@Roger-tl2gj]

You are right on the money, I had same issue with my old Ford

[@allensharlow7763]

Not a bad looking truck Mike👍👍😎

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n I asked myself…. “Why did he get another Ranger?” And Self told me, “Because the last half one he bought worked out so well!” Then a question struck me…. “Is there another Subaru in your future?”

[@jarvisautofabrication284]

The 3.0 engine is super reliable and a great engine. Still check for vacuum leak, but also clean the IAC valve. That plunger can get stuck from soot. If it still idles high check plunger actuation. Also just unhooking battery cables for x amount of time will not reset the computer, there are capacitors that still hold a charge for memory. You will have to touch the cable ends together when unhooked from the battery to properly do a computer reset/relearn phase. Just subscribed to your new channel, keep it up!!!

[@dougdavidson175]

The toolboxes are worth the price of admission. Nice find. Take care & stay safe.

[@chrishelms1967]

Yes ,I caught the very subtle joke about the long tube.... perfectly played Mike....😏

[@calholli]

If that engine and trans really has only 88k miles, then you got yourself a great truck. These trucks are so light weight that everything seems to last forever on them; wheel bearings, ball joints and tie rods, etc.

[@rwecks597]

3.0 engine is a good engine, I had one in a 1995 ranger p/u.

[@jdhtyler]

You might have a look at this solution ? MAP sensor Wrenching With Kenny Poor Mileage and a Shift Light? This may be the culprit!! Easy MAP sensor replacement. 14nov2023

[@NetiTech]

If you check, your catalytic converter was removed or its contents. They might need to be replaced.....

[@michaelmcclure8673]

Captain Mike sometimes your commentary makes up the best part of the d*** video. The g/f drives to school 35 miles a day. Her 1500 4x4 silverado wasn't getting great mileage. She now drives a 2006 jetta getting 36 mpg .😅

[@jimkavalier2831]

I hear Subaru parts swap out with ford rangers.... i know a guy on KZbin that did it, might want to check out his videos... I'm trying to remember his name..... 😮

[@alanbierhoff6831]

I know who painted the hood. Here’s a hint: “I'm Earl Scheib, and I'll paint any car, any color for $29.95.” 🤣

[@Gman2930]

I had a couple Ford Rangers, and loved them. Couple problem issues with the rangers I had (1) bad heads (2) rear spring shackle brackets rusted off. Maybe change that IAC valve.

[@TylerDuysen]

900-1000 is higher then i like my autos to be but its not bad my 99 ford ranger was a 5spd with the 2.3 4 cyl great truck it idled around 5-650rpm which is generally where manuals should idle auto is generally 700-850rpmbut every vehicle is different for example supercharged vs na and so on

[@mikesmith8952]

How clean or dirty is the throttle body? I use carb cleaner to check for vacuum leaks on vacuum hoses, the RPMs will increase if the spray hits a cracked or broken hose. Clean the mass airflow sensor which requires a special spray cleaner. Little issues always add up to cause many bigger problems. Good luck 🤞..

[@Nick-nw6zg]

Mike, you got a great sense of humor it’s like a very cool Mr. Rogers type sense of humor if you know what I mean awesome videos 🤘🏼‼️😁

[@christophermitchell8986]

That gets worse fuel mileage than my 06 f250, I get arround 20 to 22 mpg.

[@buddyreed2623]

Hi Mike. Is this part of the trade up program? It looks good so it must be good if you decided to buy it. We will see if it shows up again. Have good days!

[@brendanfoley5070]

Good Choice Cap!!! I've always loved the look of the Rangers with the styleside (stepside) bed.

[@ScotReeder]

Damn Guniea or turkey creeping on by in the background 😂😅

[@donnaber4918]

You need to swing it by “Watch Wes Work” and have him give it a once over.

[@hvnfun8601]

Let the adventure begin. No Subaru parts this time.

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Lots of fun stuff to unpack. My favorite was your comment about the side benefit of the paint job on the hood. 👍

[@charlietanner6211]

capt k auto clinic somewhere hidden in the hills of indiana doing great things

[@wildtimbrown]

I saw what you said there there Captain! ;-)

[@HankinsExcavating]

Never a dull moment on the kleeman show!!!!! Keep it up Bub!!

[@alexosborne5629]

Not a rip off, but definitely a used pickup 😂 You tamed the high idle, what can you tame next ? 🤔

[@everestyeti]

Doesn't look a bad buy considering, let's face it new cars have there problems as well. Over here in the UK those storage boxes cost a fortune, so looks like it was a good purchase overall. Sorry but I don't like automatics, last time I drove one someone rear ended me and I ended up in hospital. 😩👍

[@gordbolton27]

You should have an Idle Air Control valve that controls the throttle opening. They do go bad. I would definitely check the electrical connections & maybe try another IAC.

[@tmacie2]

Its literally the first thing he checked. That being said, he only checked the solenoid integrity, not the function of it.

[@goptools]

Hi Mike. That looks like a pretty solid little truck. I had a 1985 Ranger that had a high idle which was caused by a bad throttle position sensor. Mine was a 4-banger so yours might not even have one but figured I'd let you know my experience. Good luck with it! -mike

[@timothyparsons7678]

Need to adjust shift cable

[@KEEPERBJr]

😎

[@andrewcarnes1726]

Beater with a heater the simple things

[@tomswindler64]

Your in your element.Mike ,you do find some interesting projects.just keep doing what your doing.great little video.👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@tugboat2739]

Howdy Captain

[@johnnylindsey5808]

Good job captain

[@Crewsy]

It’s good that the tailgate works. That way you have a place to sit when you’re waiting for the tow truck. 😉 Nice to see the new Kleeman logo. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rsbracer]

Good video

[@joycefuller9177]

Mike you make me laugh, smile, and shake my head at some of the things you say😉. Love the videos.

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Great video Mike

[@juanwaller1942]

Good buy young man 👍

[@TheFlyinrhino]

I have an 06 with the 4.0 love it it’s a workhorse of a truck!

[@boondocker7964]

I had an 04', traded it in for an '08, gave it to my son, I kind of wished that I didn't, it was a nice daily driver. If Ford made them again......., got a '14 F150 now, the kid is not getting this one.

[@americanpatriot2.06]

6:37 I'm not familiar with that particular transmission, but a common issue when a transmission pan is pushed up like that, it tends to close that gap between the filter and the pan and restrict the flow of fluid for the transmission. Not a good situation for the transmission!

[@young11984]

Unplug IAC and set idle with idle set screw to 850-900rpm, Check TPS voltage and reset to .85-.90v key on engine off, at green (+) and black (-) wires of TPS or use battery ground (voltage can be screwy from sensor to battery ground if engine ground isnt good to the battery)then with key off plug in IAC. Thats a base idle reset, a lot of people think the IAC is to control idle completely but it is designed to “assist” when AC comes on, PS gets pegged hard locked one way and when engaging R/D. When engine was swapped somebody could have moved the idle screw

[@fhuber7507]

I put a junkyard engine into an old car and then I put 25,000 miles on the car. Sometimes the junkyard engine is just fine. Most junkyards now give a 30 day or 90 day warranty on engines or transmissions. (trade the failed one for another, they normally don't compensate for labor or towing.)

[@CMDSR]

I don’t think you got ripped off. The truck came with it’s own pencil. A deal at twice the price. Gotta ask though what with all the red trucks popping up in Derby Indiana. 🐶

[@bradleyschroeder1738]

900-1000 is still kinda high, id change the coolant trip sensor, sounds like it thinks it's cold constantly, like stuck in warm up mode

[@michaelmullins1290]

A beater with a heater , and she's all yours. If you didn't have to empty your kids piggy banks to get it. I'm sure you'll get your worth out of it.

[@brentjones5227]

Paint drying with your narration would make a good video. Thanks for the entertainment

[@spencerrobinson2719]

I like those Rangers…up here in the northeast, they are all infested with tin worms, that one looks like worth putting a little work into.

[@randydobson1863]

hello mike & it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks mike friends randy

[@billbyrnes9505]

You just might have told on yourself? Be on the look out for local CC police. You never know who is watching your channel? Great find, though. Good luck to you on the new purchase. If you need any help with it, I know a guy????😁😁😁😁😁😁😂😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@casycasy5199]

for a guy who says he's not a mechanic.you sure look like one .nice job

[@wildbenny11]

I got the same truck and red also but mind got a 4.0 in it

[@martineastburn3679]

Is it cold and runs fast and warm settles down ? How cold is it at night ?

[@davidmeynen8120]

talk to your bosses mate wes as in watch wes work if he don't no one no all the best mate

[@Richard-C]

nice purchase Mike but don't forget it's a Fix Or Repair Dayly🤣, can't wait to see more adventures with this gem.👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌

[@lonniechartrand]

Hey Mike, I just have to say that I follow ALL of your channels. I find you entertaining AND inspiring! I love your fortitude and ingenuity to get things done. "A beater with a heater"!!! Hahahahaaaaaa!!!

[@Bman2020]

I had a 2004 b200 Mazda owned it for 8 yrs it also had a 3 litre gas was great compared to the 4 litre that some had it was one of the best trucks I have had but it got cancer the box and the ribs spring shackles sure wish it was worth fixing not the case I think you got a survivor well done Bud 👍👋🇨🇦

[@dontlookback3549]

If you bought a ford you got ripped off

[@bobmoroney3643]

Another fine beater.

[@randybarber5308]

👍👍👍

[@julle1st]

😁

[@jerryc3050]

👍

[@richardc3208]

Got you another sub here, might be a good idea to fluid film her or whatever y'all use up that way. Enjoy the savings

[@timkis64]

i got a 90 4.0.i had to remove my IAC valve & physically clean it out along with the air passage with a long "block cleaning brush".after cleaning its idled great every since.there long lasting little trucks if you treat them right & maintain them regularly.

[@tom519az]

I use WD40 to find vacuum leaks.

[@calholli]

I use starter fluid.. it finds it in a hurry. Besides, it evaporates very quickly.

[@MrDaniel3105]

Seems like a good little range them range run for a long time if you keep up on the maintenance. Its nothing to get 500,000 out of it

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

Seriously and no BS: my 99 Ford F-250 crewcab short bed with the good 7.3 diesel gets just over 21MPG on the highway and 16.2 in town. I would have guessed the Ranger would get more MPG than what you said.

[@ccswede]

You need a manual transmission then it wouldn’t matter. My 1968 VW was rebuilt with a 3/4 cam which required higher RPM to start moving in gear.

[@sstvega]

Do a intake cleaning, I believe amzoil still has their power foam product for induction cleaning process. It will definitely help and it’s not expensive

[@terryrogers1025]

Nice find young man, nice, shall we say, “grocery getter”, to say cheap run around “get stuff with it” 😊thanks for video.

[@theraiderfan3296]

its a fucKEN FORD RRRAAANNGGERRRR 😂 👍

[@cyberhornthedragon]

capt K i just had to do a high idle issue on the families ford escape its the throttle position sensor can do the same thing we thought it was the iac but it wasnt it also they put loctight on the threads of the position sensor the screws are a softer steel we had to replace them as they stripped out 5mm x 30mm socket head cap screws prefect replacements

[@rustyul]

Probably at the idle around 750 maybe a little lower.

[@leemunger8597]

Ffr...lovem....welcome 2 the club..

[@clarencewiles963]

Good purchase 😊

[@smudger797]

🤠🛻

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

subscribed

[@Kleeman1]

Thanks!

[@Jake53]

👍👍👍🇺🇸

[@randycook4364]

I also have a 3/4 ton GMC. DO NOT make it a daily driver...the fuel cost will kill you bank account. I use an Explorer for that. The GMC for heavy trailering and the like.

[@Kevin-is-here]

Did I miss how much? Then maybe we’ll see if you got shafted

[@lateksisadisti2808]

I was kind of hoping that you would modify that truck and go to Danger Ranger 9000 that @CleetusM organizes.