Expert: Sean Halliday - 9/27/2007

Question
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT with a 3.0 liter engine and, as per the Ford Service Center in Harlingen, Texas, I have lost compression in cylinder #2 and #5 and that the rings have messed up on it.  They tell me that the engine has to be replaced.  Is this a fact or can it be rebuild? Also, what are my options without it being too costly?

Answer
It is possible to rebuild if the bores are not too badly gouged.Theres no way to tell unless you pull the motor and strip it.This will need to be done by a professional rebuilder.There is no easy fix or cheap way out unless you find a used motor online and fit it yourself.Ford shouldnt be too hard to find as i have bought engines online and your car should run around 2000/2500 $$ for a low mileage engine or approx that much.You can shop around on the Google page for breakers yards.Be interesting to know why the rings went out in the first place because these motors usually last a lot longer.