2.9 Valve Adjustment Issue

[dduringer]

Hi, I was trying to find out where a sudden engine tapping was coming from on my V-6 '89 Ranger. Someone suggested it might be a broken valve spring. I pulled off the cover and springs looked good. I misread my Haynes book and thought I had adjustable valves, so started to set them to the 2.8 directions. Only worked on cyl #5 as I realized something was wrong, finding out that I had the hydraulic valves. I was able to turn the two adjust bolts back to about where they were. Since the valves are self adjusting, does anyone know if I might be ok?

 

[Josh B]

Welcome to TRS DD, it may be a bit late today. I expect you'll hear from someone soon enough tho

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Should be fine.

In regards to the ticking, its a 2.9 thing. They basically all do it. It usually is a result of cam bearings starting to see wear.

As long as the oil pressure is good (dont trust the stock gauge) i wouldnt worry about it.

Mine ticks like a sewing machine and other then being annoying, its never made any bigger issue

 

[dduringer]

Should be fine.

In regards to the ticking, its a 2.9 thing. They basically all do it. It usually is a result of cam bearings starting to see wear.

As long as the oil pressure is good (dont trust the stock gauge) i wouldnt worry about it.

Mine ticks like a sewing machine and other then being annoying, its never made any bigger issue

Thanks Rusty, reading more here I see others have the ticking problem.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Thanks Rusty, reading more here I see others have the ticking problem.

Its the 2.9s most infamous trait.

Behind cracked heads.

They are quirky but tough to actually kill

 

[Uncle Gump]

They have poor oiling up to the rocker assemblies... this causes wear.

Take a good look at the rockers and the rocker shafts.

 

[gaz]

@dduringer ,

The valve train on the 2.9L is adjustable but because it features hydraulic lifters, instead of adjusting the gap, the ***preload*** is adjusted instead.

It is worth learning how to do it as a properly adjusted 2.9L valve train can sing a beautiful song of SILENCE and make the powerplant as efficient as possible.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

@dduringer ,

The valve train on the 2.9L is adjustable but because it features hydraulic lifters, instead of adjusting the gap, the ***preload*** is adjusted instead.

It is worth learning how to do it as a properly adjusted 2.9L valve train can sing a beautiful song of SILENCE and make the powerplant as efficient as possible.

All the adjusting in the world isnt going to make up for lack of oiling though if that is indeed the issue.

 

[gaz]

@rusty ol ranger , @dduringer ,
That is a very good point, regarding the oiling of the upper head and valve train; to improve it, when you are ready to adjust your rockers, add the following procedures to improve oiling of the upper head and valve train components:

1) remove both Rocker Arm assemblies.
2) perform a complete tear down, clean and inspect for serviceability.
a) in particular, thoroughly clean the inside of both Rocker arms.
3) once cleaned and determined serviceable or replaced, address the oil passage ports/holes in both the rocker arms and rockers.
a) increase the oil holes by 1 drill bit size.
b) chamfer and deburr all edges and casting lines.

These rocker arms are prone to being full of gunk and sledge which can negatively affect oiling, also increasing the passage size will further improve oiling potential. Both of these concepts/ideas are not mine they were suggested in Sven Pruett's "How to Build the Ford 60° V6 for Power".