Ford Ranger Engine

Ford Ranger 3.2 Engine Problems: What To Check

Ford Ranger 3.2 engine problems and issues you can check yourself when buying any second-hand Ranger or BT-50 so you don’t buy a lemon.

Top 3 Ford Ranger 3.2 Engine Problems

There are some well-known documented common problems often referred to as textbook problems with the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50.

Example of a Ford Ranger Losing Coolant

Coolant leaks, in a Ford Ranger may arise from areas. There are some common places to inspect for leaks including:

  1. Radiator: The radiator is frequently susceptible to coolant leaks. Leaks can occur due to corrosion, cracks or damage to the radiator.
  2. Hoses: Over time coolant hoses such as the lower radiator hoses, heater hoses and bypass hoses can develop leaks as shown in the images below.
  3. Water Pump: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine. Leaks can happen at the water pump seal or if the water pump itself is damaged.
  4. Gaskets: The head gasket and intake manifold gaskets may experience leaks allowing coolant to mix with engine oil or escape externally.
  5. Heater Core: If there is a leak in the heater core it can cause coolant to seep into the vehicle interior. This is often noticeable by an odour resembling antifreeze inside the cabin.
  6. Expansion Tank: Cracks or leaks in the expansion tank (also known as the coolant reservoir) can lead to loss of coolant.
  7. Thermostat Housing: Gasket failure or housing damage can result in leaks at the thermostat housing.
  8. The temperature sensor for coolant: If the temperature sensor or its seal is faulty it can cause the coolant to leak.
  9. The lines that carry coolant: Over time different lines and connections that carry coolant can develop leaks.

It’s important to check your Ford Ranger for any indications of coolant leaks like puddles beneath the vehicle a decrease in coolant levels or problems with overheating. Taking action, against coolant leaks can prevent harm to the engine. Ensure that the vehicle runs smoothly and reliably.

Coolant Hoses Leaking

Ford Ranger losing coolant.
Ford Ranger 3.2 Losing Coolant
Ford Ranger losing coolant from heater hose.
Heater Hose Leaking
Ford Ranger losing coolant from bottom radiator hose.
Coolant Stain Around Bottom Radiator Hose
Ford Ranger lower radiator hose leaking.
Lower Radiator Hose

If you look around the passenger side of your Ford PX Ranger or Mazda BT-50 you will find various fuel hoses, airconditioning hoses and even cables going to the starter motor that have convoluted protector conduit on them. Check that these hoses or cables are not rubbing on the auto transmission heat exchanger coolant hose or other heater hoses. If they are check for damage and have the coolant hoses replaced if necessary. Also, insulate the new coolant hoses and make sure the clips or fasteners that secure these hoses away from coolant hoses aren’t broken.

EGR Cooler Leaking

For those who don’t know EGR is an acronym for Exhaust Gas Recirculation and sits at the back of the engine with 2 heater hoses connected. An inlet and outlet hose is used to cool exhaust gases in the engine.

The common problem is the EGR cooler is known to split internally causing coolant to leak externally and worse, internally into the combustion chamber causing hydrolock similar to what happens when you try and start a flood-damaged car. Major engine damage, like a cracked cylinder head or bent piston connecting rods. The EGR cooler set-up is similar to manufacturers of vehicles that use the engine’s coolant to flow through an automatic transmission heat exchanger and if it splits, corrodes or cracks the engine coolant mixes with the automatic transmission oil.

Unsealed 4X4 magazine mentions a specialist workshop can test the EGR cooler.

A specialist workshop will be able to test your EGR to see whether it’s leaking or not. The test involves pumping fluorescent fluid into the EGR assembly, pressurising the EGR to beyond its normal operating pressure and checking for leaks with a fluorescent light.

Unsealed 4×4

Ford Ranger 3.2 Timing Cover Oil Leak

The pre-purchase vehicle inspection Brisbane service conducted by BPC Auto Inspect on this Ford Ranger at a large reputable car dealer has revealed an oil leak originating from the front of the engine. The oil is seeping from the area around the front timing cover. If you notice a significant accumulation of oil in one spot, I recommend cleaning the entire area and closely monitoring the leak to identify its source. Possible culprits may include the timing case oil seal, timing cover gasket, or sump gasket.

Ford Ranger 3.2 oil leak front of engine.
Ford Ranger 3.2 Oil Leak Front of Engine
Ford Ranger 3.2 Timing Cover oil leak.
Ford Ranger 3.2 Timing Cover Oil Leak

Buying a Used Ford Ranger?

If you’re checking out a Ford Ranger or Mazda BT 50 I highly recommend getting underneath to look around the engine area. You can follow my steps to buying a car from a private seller to help you do the necessary checks before you book a pre-purchase vehicle inspection to make a final buying decision.