2.3L exhaust droan and vibration

[aviatortech]

Late model Ranger owners w/ 2.3L Duratec engine, has anyone experienced undesirable exhaust noise (resonating, droaning, etc...) at idle or low RPM cruise? If so, are you getting vibration with it?

The dealer ordered an exhaust damper as part of a TSB for my truck, engine listed above, 2009 4x2 reg cab Sport. Wondering if anyone else has seen/heard this, had the TSB done, did it help? Thanks!

 

[gordo]

Has your 2.3L done this from day-one?

I have a 2008 2.3L . Just recently I've noticed a droaning/vibration that seems exhaust related just going through 2000 RPM. If you hold the RPM at 2000 or once the RPMs go through 2000, it's gone. It almost sounds/feels like what my '93 did when I had a bad drive-shaft u-joint. The difference is that the u-joint got louder at highway speeds, while this condition is gone at highway speed in 5th. What is the Tech Bulletin # and what the hell is an exhaust dampner ?? - maybe like a rubber shock-mount or something?

 

[aviatortech]

TSB 09-18-5 Auto Transmission 2.3L Engine Idle droan/Moan/Vibration in Cab.

Exhaust noise is definitely less post installation. The engine starts much easier now after the PCM update associated with this TSB. However, the vibration that troubles me is still there. I haven't looked yet to see what exactly this exhaust damper looks like. I'll repost after I look under the truck.

To put it simply, the truck vibrates like my grandfather's Plymouth Reliant K car. I'm having trouble accepting that a 2009 vehicle is unrefined to this extent. Other sources claim that Ford replaced their former four cylinders with Mazda's Duratec line for several reasons, one of which being smoother operation. I feel vibration in the seat, in the steering wheel, and the airbag unit in the pax side dishboard rattles at engine idle, in gear while stopped at red lights and stop signs. Vibration continues in stop and go traffic, but seems to smooth out as speed increases.

 

[gordo]

Duratech engines vs. Lima

I had the old Lima 2.3 in my '93 Ranger - which I gave to my son and it still runs like the proverbial "top". Having had both, I find the Duratech to be a smoother, higher reving, and definetly a more powerfull engine in comparison. I think they went to the Duratech design because it's aluminum - therefore lighter weight. We learned in Dynamics (many years ago!) that one way to dampen vibration is to increase the system mass - not decrease it.

What you are experiencing sounds like it "came with the truck" from the beginning, whereas what I hear/feel just started (- come to think of it after I put on my snow-tires and installed my weight in the bed for winter - hmmm.) Also, I have a stick so that there is less "load" on my engine at an idle because I am not spinning a slipping torque coverter.

I suppose they checked your @#$! IAC valve for proper operation. That thing is just a vacuum leak waiting to happen - thanks EPA!! My older son had an Accura that had IAC trouble and I bet it ran rougher than your Ranger and your Dad's K-Car put together !! The dealer told him he must have a cracked-head, blown head gasket, intake leak, on and on ( you know, out of warranty!). I replaced the IAC and it ran fine -then he sold it because he learned that a Honda IAC valve costs almost as much as a Duratech engine!.

Anyhow, please repost anything you find.

 

[HardcoreKeith]

Only a little bit -- and right around 2000 rpm as well. Actually, there's a really cool place somewhere down there where with the right throttle position I can get the truck to sound like a U haul for a couple seconds if I short shift it a lot.

 

[Dar70]

I just had the TBS work done today. I had alot of exhaust noise as well as a rattle. Thats why I had it done. Exhaust noise and rattle is completely gone now. The vibration never really bothered me but its has been significantly reduced. The vibration of course is mostly felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is at idle. Mine fluctuated daily so Im not sure yet to the extent the vibration has lessened. My dealers service department told me if there are any more problems they will contact Ford engineering. So they were pretty cool. I do think some are still unhappy with even a reduced vibration. It never bother me when it was very loud so Im very happy for a reduction. As I posted in RPS if you cant live with a little vibration its probably best to get rid of the truck.


Ther is one poster at the Handymanclub who had it done and still was unhappy with reduced vibrtion. Ford told him the vehicle is operating within specifications. So I doubt they will do anything beyond this work order. But again the work order seems to work and I think most will be very happy with the results. Just dont expect 100% cab noise reduction or vibration.