I have noticed lately that when I start up my '03 Ranger there is about 1/2 a second of a sound that resembles a soup-can full of gravel being shaken rapidly. It only does it when it has been sitting all night and is cold. I am very particular about the maintenence so it always has clean oil and I just got the trans fluid changed at the dealer about a month ago. Both are full and clean. I'm not sure if this could be the dreaded timing chain rattle that alot of the '01s had. It is obviously over the time limit for the warranty, but only has 32,800 miles on it. Any ideas?

 

I wonder if the oil drain back valve is not working? (in the oil filter)

Changing it out would be a quick and cheap way to rule that out.

Rich

 

I dunno. It's a Motorcraft filter, never had a problem with any of them before. I guess I could change it out, but I just changed the oil and I hate to lose an engine full of expensive synthetic. Would it be ok until the next oil change? The oil pressure looks normal (although I do know it is just basicly a dummy guage).

 

I have an 04 fx4 level2 and it seems to make the exact same sound at the exact same times. most of the time when i am starting to move.

 

You don't have to dump all the oil. Just drop the filter and replace it. Would only take a 1/2 quart or so.

Based on the noise you describe its just about gotta be oil pressure related. Either..
the oil is draining back because of a filter or leak in the pickup tube.
the oil passages have an obstruction
or the rod bearings are wore out something bad.

Replacing the filter is the cheapest thing you can do and a possible candidate.
Next up IMO would be the oil. Maybe go with a 10w-30 instead.


I'm a power nut and I build my own engines. I've for a long time used mobil 1 5w-30. Buit in the last year I've noticed the motors develope a little piston slap when cold and even a little at normal temps when the oil gets 4-5k on it. Even 10w-30 does this.

So for my ranger I'm sticking with the motorcraft semi-syn. The Lighting is getting valvoline racing oil, and I still am undecided what to do for the caddy (100shot of nitrous on it) It has 10w-30 mobil 1 in it now which has helped some. But with milage the oil seems to be not any quieter than a regular crude oil.

Rich

 

i also have heard this exact noise but only 1 time in the 3 years i have owned my 2002 ranger with 4.0.

 

Well, now the sound has dissappeared and hasen't been heard again since I started this thread...weird. The truck must have just had a bad day or something...lol!

 

My truck has made that noise since it had 20K on it. When it was under warranty, I had it at the dealer multiple times to have it fixed. Never got fixed. I got 88K on it now.

 

it is a mystery that some have and some dont. mine has it every so often. it runs and drives fine so who knows

 

I'd also suggest checking/changing the oil filter