Engine Rattle But Need to Get Home

[FATHERnSON]

I have a 1999 Ford Ranger manual and I lent it to a friend who stalled it three times really hard he says. Needless to say he ain't borrowing it no more. Anyways, it started to make an odd rattling sound immediately after and I noticed the crankshaft pulley seemed to wobble a bit but steadied out at higher RPMs. I was driving it a few days later and it started making a real nasty metal clanging sound. I think somehow the harmonic balancer was damaged, but I don't know how stalling it could have done that. I am in college and need the truck to get me back home 500 or so miles next week and every auto shop is jampacked. Does anyone have any ideas as to what the issue is and whether I can drive on it or not. Thank you much!

 

[Uncle Gump]

Check the belt tensioner and idler pulley. Those make a good racket when bad.

Try taking the belt off and see if the noise goes away... but don't run it for more then a minute.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I haven't had a 4.0L for over a decade so I don't remember much, but I'd be tempted to take the belt off and just see if the crank pully is loose. It could be as simple as missing a couple bolts (the pulley is probably held to the balancer for by 3-4 bolts, probably 6mm or 8mm)

 

[black_demon69]

Sounds like the harmonic balancer has seperated. If it has you will need a new one

 

[superj]

harmonic balancers have a bit of rubber in them and as it ages, it can crack and come apart. when it does, your engine will run funny and it can make noises. you can look at it, or take the belt off and grab it and see if it moves. if it does' swap it out as noted above