2.3 is banging what are some options

[acidh3r3t1c]

Okay i know this doesn't fit the best but i know its a similar engine to the rangers so i was wondering if you might know what the problem is. I've got an 87 2.3L mustang and it just started knocking pretty loud there wasn't any build up it just started on the interstate. I limped it home and have tried a few diagnostic things. I was concerned about it being a rod bearing and i had heard if i pulled spark plug by plug it would quiet it down a little when i got to the cylinder it was bad on. It didn't change at all as i went through all of the plugs so im hoping its not that. What im thinking it is, is the hydraulic lifter w/ the lash adjuster i've heard these aren't the most difficult to replace and i have them on order. I plan on replacing these unless anyone has any other ideas of what the problem could be and how to diagnose it.

 

[Mark_88]

Have you tried using a stethescope to listen to the valve cover? I know not everyone has one of these, but it might help narrow it down...if you don't hear it on the valve cover it could be something in the bottom end that needs attention...

Also, did you check the oil?

I've never heard a banging 2.3 so I'm kinda wondering about the specifics of the noise you're hearing...could be any number of things though...

Oh, and the mustang 2.3 is the same engine as the Ranger so this is a good place to ask questions...

 

[acidh3r3t1c]

yes i have checked the oil it and was changed with in the last 1000 miles i did change one thing from what i usually do and that is instead of 10w30 i used 10w40.
And the stethoscope thing my dad did that and said he can hear in the valve cover towards the back of the engine.
He said he has started pulling the lifters and is going to replace them the full set is only 65$.

Oh and the 2.3 being the same motor i've got a 91 ranger with it they've got a few differences but i like the older one a bit more. Sorry this information isn't straight from the horses mouth im relaying this for my dad hes back home and im at school for the week im just helping the not so computer savvy.

 

[86bigred]

good to know mine decided to start knocking tonight as well.i'll try the stethoscope thing tomorrow.

 

[dmassey]

If you don't have an engine stethescope, a section of heater hose works good too. Just becareful where you put your hand (as always).
Danny

 

[acidh3r3t1c]

well the lifters were just replaced and its still knocking quite loud when i get home tomorrow i believe ill be pulling the head and possibly replacing it. The knocking sounds like its coming from the back of the engine around where the valve cover meets the head. I've also heard a piece of carbon could have broken free and lodged into a piston. If anyone has any other ideas of what it could be before i get more than a weekend project on my hands. That would be great.

 

[acidh3r3t1c]

Problem has been discovered it looks like a few small pieces of metal possibly from a bad gasket came loose and got in to the combustion chamber. These then lodged into the piston and were slamming into the head every time the piston went up. The little pieces picked out of the piston and the head just has a tiny dent in it looks like its all going back together today with new gaskets hopefully to be running better than ever.

 

[SykoRanger88]

good to hear

 

[Bryan22]

finding peices of metal would be reason for me to tear the motor down if they were big enough to be causing problems. I don't think a new gasket is the solution. you need to find where the metal came from. possible broke a rod, that'll cause one helluva knock.

 

[Mark_88]

Problem has been discovered it looks like a few small pieces of metal possibly from a bad gasket came loose and got in to the combustion chamber. These then lodged into the piston and were slamming into the head every time the piston went up. The little pieces picked out of the piston and the head just has a tiny dent in it looks like its all going back together today with new gaskets hopefully to be running better than ever.

Hopefully that will do it...did you inspect the head gasket to see if the edges crumbled? There is a metal ring around the gasket for the cylinder hole, and I've seen some of these get blown into adjoining cylinders when they let go...if that is the case then you should be fine just by replacing the gasket and putting the head back on...

BTW, my #1 piston had a fair sized chunk missing from it when I first took the head off...I didn't do anything with it at the time and it lasted another year or so...

But you might want to try the wiggle test on the pistons before putting the head back on...see how much play is in the pistons when they are TDC...this may indicate your rings are shot...if no wiggle...rings are good...