94 2.3 engine noise

[Monolithe]

So I have looked around in here and in my Haynes manual and still can't find a definitive answer to my question. The girlfriend drove my truck the other day and now the engine makes a clattering noise, really noticable at idle, but clatters throughout the rpm range as well as I can tell. I am just wondering if I could have loosened up the the valvetrain or what? Not terribly good with engines, especially OHC set ups. Any ideas or tips? And if I wanted to replace the cam, what all would I need? can't find information on whether I have cam followers and what all would be needed.

 

[Nater]

my 2.3 always makes that sound....

 

[scotts90ranger]

that could be a lack of oil pressure or collapsed lash adjusters, I would stick a manual oil pressure gage before you drive it too much more, if you put a tee where the stock gage is on the rear drivers side of the engine just under/behind the intake manifold that is the best location for the gage fitting. you might want to check the oil level before you get too far...

you have roller followers, they are unlikely to be the problem, neither is it likely that the cam is shot. the lash adjusters are like $8 each, you can replace them in a couple hours even if you aren't the most familiar with the engine setup, get yourself a couple pry bars (the kind with the screwdriver type handle that are around 12" long would work great), once the valve cover is off (you will want to take the throttle body off most likely) pry the valve springs down with the pry bar between the cam and the spring cap until the followers come off, the lash adjusters just pull right out, you don't need to soak them in oil before you install them, reassembly is the reverse of disassembly.

 

[Monolithe]

Thanks, I will have to look into that asap