I've just acquired a 2005 XLT, 3.0 Vulcan engine, automatic, 91000 miles.
Previous owner said he shut it off one day, tried to restart it a few minutes later, and it cranked "too fast" and refused to start. He thinks the timing chain broke or jumped. I'm inclined to agree with him.
Of course, I tried to start it. It cranks unevenly, as you might expect from an engine that's out of time. I sprayed starting fluid into the intake, and it ran for a couple of seconds with no backfiring.
Things I've learned so far:
The fuel gauge is pegged below empty. Low fuel light is on. I don't hear the fuel pump when I turn on the ignition.
There is a small coolant leak behind the timing chain cover, so the cover has to come off even if the chain is ok.
I don't know how long it's been sitting, but I got the impression it's been months, not years.
I'm looking for opinions and advice. What's probably wrong with it, in the collective wisdom of the forum? How would you proceed to fix it? Etc.
TIA

 

If it starts with 50/50 test, adding fuel manually, then compression is fine, and so is spark, no broken timing chain, and just FYI never even read about that in regards to the 3.0l Vulcan, it doesn't even have a tensioner on the chain to go bad

So If it started then you have spark and compression but no fuel delivery, and another FYI the 2005 Ranger didn't have PATS(passive anti-theft), which shut off fuel system if wrong key was used or no key(theft)

So best guess is that the Fuel pump fuse is blown or the fuel pump itself

In 2005 fuel pump fuse in in engine bay fuse box, #23, 20amp
There is also a fuel pump relay in engine fuse box, unlikely failure but you can swap it with another relay in the fuse box, like power window relay

But the "one day it didn't start" reads like fuel pump failure, electric motors usually don't just stop after started/spinning, but not starting is the common failure mode
You lift the bed or slide it back to check or change fuel pump
6 bolts in bed(torx-55) and 3 screws(phillips) for filler hose
Watch the tail light wires


Yes, not uncommon for timing cover to get a coolant leak on the 3.0ls

 

It was the relay. Thanks, RonD, for pointing me in the right direction. Now that it runs, taking care of the (ahem) deferred maintenance and filth is next. .

 

Good work

Thanks for the update and the FIX

Its odd for a relay to fail vs fuel pump itself