2000 2.5L Valve lifter replacement

[F-ranger]

Hi guys,
I have a 2000 Ranger XLT 2wd 2.5L. I hate the loud noise my lifters make at a cold start up. I know it's the lifters, because there is no mechanical problems what so ever with the engine. She idles and runs fine, also the noise quickly goes away once it's warmed up. I just bought some replacement lifters from Advanced Auto parts. I am sure I am going to have to compress the valve spring to remove the rockers to access the lifters. What I would like to know is what valve spring compression tool would you guys recommend to specifically work on this engine. The engine is in the truck, so no C-clamp style compressors can be used. If anyone has done this before, I would appreciate any info on this matter. Thanks.

 

[scotts90ranger]

two pry bars from the cam to the valve spring cap, or if you have the ability make a bar with two fingers that hits the cam between the lobes and hits the spring cap with enough clearance to get the follower out after compressing the spring, could be made with some steel strap and a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" square tubing welded appropriately. I've done it with two long screw drivers in the truck with only removing the valve cover and throttle body... Little tip I picked up on here a couple years ago is to put a dime in each hole before you put the lash adjusters back in to give them a little extra preload to help stop the ticking...

There is a purpose built tool to do this, we have one at work, tried using it but had clearance issues on the followers.

 

[F-ranger]

two pry bars from the cam to the valve spring cap, or if you have the ability make a bar with two fingers that hits the cam between the lobes and hits the spring cap with enough clearance to get the follower out after compressing the spring, could be made with some steel strap and a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" square tubing welded appropriately. I've done it with two long screw drivers in the truck with only removing the valve cover and throttle body... Little tip I picked up on here a couple years ago is to put a dime in each hole before you put the lash adjusters back in to give them a little extra preload to help stop the ticking...

There is a purpose built tool to do this, we have one at work, tried using it but had clearance issues on the followers.

Thank you very much. This is just what I needed to hear. For the dime trick, did you do this on your old lifters in your truck, or to new ones?

 

[scotts90ranger]

I haven't done it, it's kinda a pain to get to to fix something that isn't broken right now, but if you go through the trouble of getting to them, might as well change them while you are there. When I ordered the lash adjusters they were like $8 each so $60 isn't too bad compared to other things...

 

[4b316]

Also when you do it,it will be a lot easier to make sure you have the lob up and take the screw driver or bar(I like using a Craftsmans cuz its square shaft dosn't slide around)put it under the cam and pry down on the edge of the valve spring,pull out the follower,pull the lifter and put the new one in.I used the tool like scott said but seems like it was for the older,bigger springs so I made my own for the 95 up engines,a piece of 1/2 pipe and two pieces of flat stock about 2 inches long and weld them to the pipe at the right angle.If I was just doing one or two heads,the screwdriver would be fine but we pull a engine a month apart so we made one.I think I'll make a couple tools and offer them for sale on here.

 

[F-ranger]

Also when you do it,it will be a lot easier to make sure you have the lob up and take the screw driver or bar(I like using a Craftsmans cuz its square shaft dosn't slide around)put it under the cam and pry down on the edge of the valve spring,pull out the follower,pull the lifter and put the new one in.I used the tool like scott said but seems like it was for the older,bigger springs so I made my own for the 95 up engines,a piece of 1/2 pipe and two pieces of flat stock about 2 inches long and weld them to the pipe at the right angle.If I was just doing one or two heads,the screwdriver would be fine but we pull a engine a month apart so we made one.I think I'll make a couple tools and offer them for sale on here.

Thanks for the info. I'd be interested in one if you get around to making them. I have all the parts needed to do the job. I'll more than likely change them out in the summer time. I'll make sure to take lot's of pics.