'98 Ranger 3.0L Manual - 190k miles

for the past year or so, I've had this odd rattle that I think is timing chain, but not sure. it keeps with the rpms. I can hit the clutch and rev the engine to get the noise to go away, but generally comes back. Usually happens when I'm tooling around town. As far as I know, it has not been changed. I have the great slow coolant leak.

any help would be appreciated.

 

I've heard it described as marbles in a can

 

x2

 

Hmmm. Guess I'm okay for now. It sounds more like the chain of a chainsaw as it flies around.

It doesn't happen when idling...I'd say maybe between 1750 and 3500 rpm.

 

if you can press in the clutch and rev it and the sound goes away then it obviously is not your timing chain... unless you installed one in your transmission lol.

how old is the clutch?

 

I think the clutch was replaced at 130k. I got it at 150k.

If I just hit the clutch, the noise will still be there as long as the engine is within the above range. I just hit the clutch so I can rev the engine while going down the road. The noise follows the speed of the engine, not the vehicle.

 

....I feel like such a dolt.

I changed my oil today. I think only 2-3 quarts came out... I'm willing to bet I was low. S.O.B.

Guess I'll be checking oil more often now. I'll be sending in an oil sample to be tested.