Hello Ranger Forum,

2004 Mazda B3000 DS

After changing the oil and filter this weekend, I went under the truck while it was running to check for leaks. I noticed a slight knocking noise coming from the oil pan.

With 166K miles, I'm assuming the noise is caused by piston rod and crank bearing wear?

Would this be something to be concerned about or is some noise normal?

Note: No problems with engine misfires, fuel trims, acceleration, gas mileage, or engine check light, and vacuum gauge readings are normal.

Thanks ahead of time.

 

Depends if your planning on overhauling the engine anytime soon. One test that may help you diagnose it and buy you some time. Put thicker oil in it. Or maybe some Lucas oil stabilizer. Thicker oil helps out the bottom end and thinner oil helps out the top end and lifters. So if noise gets better with thicker oil then its probably rod knock. If it gets louder then its probably lifters.

 

Thank you Webby,

I was hoping to get 200K miles on existing engine before replacing it and the transmission.

I did replace all the lifters at 160k miles, 6,000 miles ago. I will try the heavier oil.

Thanks again for your insight.