I have a 2000 Ford Ranger with lifter noise. Oil pressuresis good.I pulled passenger valve cover and everything is clean and well oiled. One of the rocker armes is loose so I'm assuming I have a collaped lfter.Can the lifters be replaced without removing the head?

 

what engine?

 

3.o Flex fuel

 

it would be best to remove the head.... its not hard at all. If you know how to turn a wrench then you wont have a problem. Could you go into further detail about the noise? does it sound like a bunch of marbles are in the motor?

3.0's are plagued with valve train noise, especially when the winter mix is out. It couldve been just that the rocker as loose that would make the noise. Which is interesting.... to be sure you can replace the lifter and if the noise is back its typical of all 3.0's ffv and non e-85. Try Lucus oil stabilizer that always does the trick. Dont change the weight of the oil just add the lucus to your normal oil change.

 

I would not pull the head off for a lifter.
You pull the upper and lower intake off to access the lifters.
Find your problem lifter.
Pull intake off.
Take rocker off and slide out push rod.
Pull out lifter with a magnet or needle nose pliers.
Install new lifter and reinstall push rod and rocker.
Torque to 20 ft. lbs.

Good luck.
Tony

 

Thats how i'd do it. but as a rule, i never use rods once they've come out. so you might just wanna replace that whole side's rods.

 

Did you get an oil change recently ?
What weight oil did you use or have put in ?

Ford Engines are funny about the oil weight and tell you so with lifter noise.

Stick to Factory Weight recommendations no matter what the garage has to say.