03 ford ranger xlt 2.3L 5 speed

long story short.

ants attacked my truck and it no longer turned over even when jumped. the truck sat for a little over 2 months. i finally narrowed it down to the starter and battery. i changed both. truck started up smooth as butter, but...

the problem...

it idles just fine. smooth. no problem, but when i put it in first and accelerate or 2nd and accelerate it makes an odd almost knocking like sound that gets faster the more i give it gas. its close to sounding rough that gets rougher as i gas it. if i rev all the way into red while in neutral, its fine.

any help would be much appreciated...

 

I don't think its starter related but could be "sitting" related

Could be a u-joint
On the 2.3l could also be the Damper on end of driveshaft by transmission

 

a damper you say? would that wear down on its own? the truck ran fine before the starter crapped out.

 

I'm going to change the oil oil filter plugs and wires... maybe just maybe...

 

It was just brought to my attention that it may be a collapsed lifter from low oil pressure

 

That would be tough on the 2.3l DOHC engine, no lifters

 

the best way i can describe the noise is like a card in a bike spoke/ tire, but louder and more metallic sounding and the sound speeds up when i give it gas...

i did just change the plugs, boots, and wires. i changed the oil filer and oil and i added the lucos complete engine treatment. tomorrow i will change the air filter and tranny fluid.

any other suggestions on what that sound could be?

theres no loss in power either. accelerates fine. idles fine without that sound.

 

 

fly wheel teeth? i will look into it. thanks.