Ford Ranger 3.2 Oil Pump Priming: WARNING
- The Ford Ranger 3.2 oil pump priming will not work if the oil has been allowed to drain for longer than 10 minutes.
- This is due to engine oil draining internally from the pump assembly as well as the sump.
- The variable flow oil pump makes use of vane elements which allows the pump to control the flow rate at varying engine speeds.
Many Ranger owners are concerned about the maximum time limit of the Ford Ranger 3.2 oil drainage procedure.
It’s recommended not to allow the oil to drain out for longer than 10 minutes.
What if you were unaware of this time limit and allowed every drop of oil to drain out before topping up with your new liquid gold? Is there a safe workaround?
If you accidentally start the engine in this state you risk catastrophic engine damage since the oil pump will not be primed.
Is there some DIY fix you can apply or are you destined for a trip to the dealership for major engine work?
Download Your FREE Service Tip and Oil change guide on the 3.2 Tdci Diesel engine here
The next part of this article will cover the process of successfully priming the oil pump to ensure you do not damage the engine.
DISCLAIMER: The priming procedure for Ford Ranger 3.2 is done at your own risk. 4wheeldriveguide is not liable for any damage caused. If unsure, seek the guidance of a professional mechanic.
The following is an oil pump priming method for a Ford Ranger 3.2 Diesel and MAZDA BT50.
- Disconnect the battery to prevent you from starting the engine
- Place an oil catchment bucket below the engine.
- Remove the oil filter
- Fill up the engine with 15 (Fifteen) liters of oil
- Allow the engine to stand for a full day 24 Hours
- After 24 hours connect a portable compressor to the breather pipe situated on top of the engine.
- Seal the air hose to the breather pipe securely.
- You can seal the oil dipstick if you wish, but not 100% necessary.
- Get an assistant to watch the open oil filter housing for oil coming through
- Start pressurizing the system by forcing air through the breather pipe slowly
- Do not exceed 0.6 bar of pressure if possible. (High pressure can damage or unsettle any seals)
- Low air pressure is enough since you simply want to induce a bit of pressure to push oil into the oil pickup tube
- Watch the oil filter housing for any oil pushing through – this is an indicator that the oil pump is full and primed.
- Refit oil filter
- Reconnect the battery
- Crank the engine in short 10-second intervals
- Leave the oil cap off and observe the oil pushing up over the hydraulic lifters
- Secure the oil filter and cap
- DO NOT REV THE ENGINE!
- DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE!
- Drain the engine of the excess oil.
- Ensure you do not exceed 10 minutes
- Close the sump screw with a new sump washer
- Check that the oil pressure light is off (allow 5 seconds)
- Remove the oil cap to ensure oil is flowing over the hydraulic lifters
PLEASE NOTE: This is a risky procedure so attempt it at your own risk!
Important: Always ensure you use the same grade of oil and avoid mixing oils.
Always use the best synthetic oil for your vehicle to ensure maximum protection from a cold start.
This is an emergency procedure and not the normal oil-changing process. Only attempt this if you have allowed the engine oil of the 3.2 diesel engine to drain for longer than 10 minutes.
Ensure the correct oil level when draining; use a dipstick and measuring container.
Avoid overfilling to prevent seal and component damage. Caution: Left-hand threaded, unmarked Diesel pump bolt; handle carefully.
For safety, ensure the oil pressure light turns off within seconds of starting.
3.2 Liter Ford Ranger Engine Oil Capacity
The engine oil capacity of the 3.2 Ford Ranger and Mazda BT 50 is 9.8 Liters (Including the oil filter).
You want to ensure you use only the best engine oil for your 3.2 diesel engine, especially if you drive in lots of stop-start traffic in the city.
City traffic is hell-on-earth for engine oil so only use the best.
Castrol MAGNATEC STOP-START 5W-30 A5 is a fully synthetic engine oil suitable for use in automotive gasoline and diesel engines.
Use where the manufacturer recommends an ACEA A5/B5, API SN/CF, ILSAC GF-4 or earlier specification 5W-30 lubricant.
Ford Ranger 3.2 Oil Pump Priming Recall
Extended draining after oil change can cause oil pump priming failure in Ford Ranger or Mazda 3.2 diesel engines.
Earlier 3.2 Ranger models experienced blown engines due to prolonged draining, resulting in an airlock and oil pump failure, leading to critical no-lubrication situations.
Attempts to prime the pump by increasing RPM worsen the issue, risking component failure. No official recall exists for the 3.2 Diesel oil pump.
Ford Ranger 3.2 Engine Oil Specifications
Ford (EU) Ranger, T6 / KE (2011 – ) Ranger 3.2 TDCi 4×4 (2011 – 2015)
Capacity 10,1-litre Initial fill
Capacity 9,8 liter Service fill
Filter capacity 0,4 liter
Fuel sulfur level > 350 ppm
Intervals: Change 30000 km/ 24 months
Products: TITAN Supersyn F Eco-DT SAE 5W-30
Resources
Final Thoughts
Despite recalls and reported turbo issues, don’t avoid buying a 3.2 Ford Ranger.
They’re great vehicles, and the oil change time limit shouldn’t deter you.
Every vehicle has its quirks. Follow the oil drainage procedure carefully for a smooth experience.
Stay organized with tools, and breaks, and avoid distractions.
Recall, there’s no need to extract every bit of oil from the engine.
If uncertain, consult a skilled mechanic or, if under warranty, hire a proficient professional updated on recent developments.
The era of simple engines is past; embrace modern, high-powered turbo diesel with complex service needs.
Adapt to the changing times!
