I'm new to this forum.
I just purchased a 2000 Ranger 5 speed 4x4 with the 3.0. 157000 miles on it. oil pressure is good etc. It was well taken care of by the previous owner.
There is a timing knock or what kind of sounds like an Exhaust leak when the engine is under a load. Acceleration is also a little sluggish. When I have it in my driveway hood up I can't hear the sound when I rev the engine. So as far as I can tell it's not a bearing or valves. Help guys any body know what this might be? cam sensor or ? Any help will be greatly appreciated

 

Its a 3.0l they are REALLY slow to accelerate its in there nature. Peak power is up around 5500 so its a rever! Also it could be pinging these motors do ping under load but the timing chains can knock and with that mileage id bet theres some slop in the chain. However with a few mods they can be made to accelerate pretty quick.

 

Thanks for the reply. Could be the timing chain, but it sounds like it might be something else other chain slop . sounds a lot like an exhaust leak but it's not.
Hard to explain I'm new to these engines.

 

hmm interesting its hard to hear mine over the exhaust so maybe worn rockers? I've herd they can give off sounds similar to exhaust leak when worn.

 

found the sound and a few other problems. It's an exhaust leak can't hear it at an idle only under a load (driving). It's the upper left side manifold bolt it's broken and was held in place by the dip stick bracket so I didn't see it at first. To cold here to want to repair right now so I'll live with it until spring. Cam synchronizer was shot and I replaced it. IAC needs replacing tried to clean it to no avail. Cleaned MAF also and engine runs much better now.