Irritating tick

[stormy663]

I have recently rebuilt a 2.9l for my 89 Ranger. The only issue that I have left to troubleshoot is a irritating tick coming from the front of the engine near the most forward fuel injector. The engine runs very well and has lots of power.

I have ruled out a valve / bearing / rocker cause for the tick as it is a tick, not a knock/clack. I have noticed that the injector in question is not fully seated as the others are. There is a very slight gap. Could that be a problem?

Prior to the rebuild I had no problem with the injectors. I have another set of injectors from another 2.9l. Can these old injectors be cleaned and reused? I would like to have spares.

 

[Hahnsb2]

How loud is it? Can you hear it while driving?

 

[stormy663]

It is just loud enough to hear from the cab with the windows closed.

 

[IMenriched]

What kind of oil pressure are you getting?

 

[stormy663]

I have only the stock gauges. The stock gauge reads about mid gauge.

 

[IMenriched]

I have only the stock gauges. The stock gauge reads about mid gauge.

stock gauges are notorious for sending poor/erratic feedback information. Other here will comfirm that as well.

get a desent set of mechnical gauges...I'm happier that I did. For Example, after my OH the factory temp gauge kept saying it was over heating...it wasn't.

yes, your concern is around the lifter/injector noise so...oil pressure really needs to be known. I can't really hear my injectors from the cab...but it could be, you may have a fautly injector.

how does it run other wise?
hope that helps

 

[stormy663]

I will check into some gauges. Other than the ticking, the truck runs very well.

 

[Chic N Stew]

could it be lifters?

 

[Psychopete]

Does the tick persist and increase as the engine RPMs increase?

It's hard to say exactly what it could be...

Sometimes an exhaust leak is mistaken for a tick.

I just recently replaced my injectors because one clogged, the old ones had a lot of miles and ticked. I really noticed when I put a stethoscope of them. You can use a long extension against your ear and parts of the motor to help narrow down where it's coming from.

Not sure about the injector, they usually go in pretty easy... The only thing that comes to mind on that is a vacuum leak, but they'll usually hiss. Hit it with some carb cleaner around the seat/seal while the engine is running. If the idle surges, then it's not completely installed...

Pete