my 2005 ranger, 4.0L 5spd 4x4, started to make a LOT of noise coming from the valves (i think). i still need to diagnose it further. i will be doing a compression test on each cylinder to find my problem....
if i need to pull the engine and replace it would it be worth it since it is out to put on some headers? will i get any performance from them, better sound, fuel mileage?
how much difference would an electric fan make?
how about a mild cam?



any suggestions on ways to fix this problem or ways to get more performance out of a new engine would be awesome! please help a brother when he's down!

 

sounds like the infamous SOHC timing chain rattle. as far as i know, its unavoidable on older SOHC's and isn't doing any damage..

 

I thought the timing chain problem was supposed to be fixed halfway through '03 or something like that.

 

i thought it was the 06 and newer trucks that got the fix

 

How many miles are on your truck?

 

Does it do it at idle? And sound like the old ohv lifter noise? My 05 has a slight tick i notice when parked next to something. Ever since i used 5w30 its been very quite. And anything i have ever read the timing chain rattle was fixed in 03.

 

No it's not the chain rattle. I know that for fact. Truck has about 92000k on it. I have talked to some of the mechanics I work with and they told me it's most likely injector knock caused by the dead alternator. Injectors can't open properly because of the low power. I have a 130amp alternator ordered and hopefully by Wednesday I can put it on and try it out

 

Interesting, let us know if the charging system repair fixes it. Thanks.

 

Nope new alternator did not fix it. I did a compression test on cylinders 1,3,6 today... Cyl 1- 158psi, cyl 3- 90 psi, cyl 6- 155psi. My haynes manual says all cylinders should be within 15psi of each other... Minimum of 100psi. So at least now I know I have bad compression. Next step is to find if I have a faulty valve or piston in cylinder 3

 

Is it worth it to put on a set of headers and an electric fan when I replace the engine?

 

Is there anyway you could take a video of the noise? Did you try putting a little oil inside cyl3 and redoing it? Thats odd how it would just give up unless something else caused it. Its not like it has tons of miles.

 

I think the engine has been sucking in a lot of dirt. I have noticed recently that everytime I open the hood I have to reposition and relock the air box clips. I am going to start pulling the engine apart this evening to see what I can find.
I had a nice vacation this weekend so I'm ready to get my hands dirty!

 

And does anyone know if I can use an older 4.0L engine in my truck if I can't find an 05 or newer???
And are headers worth the money... It's a lot easier to install them while I have the engine on a stand