94 2.3 knocking

[b411sac]

i have a 1994 ranger 2.3l, 5 speed. has 76xxx miles (seriously), oil has been changed religiously, it doesn't burn, drip, or use and a drop of oil, i've checked everyday for the last week, no change. but shortly after moving to ft. drum, ny it started knocking, it sounds like metal on plastic, and i have seriously been asked if its a diesel. also, if i'm sitting at a steady speed holding the throttle completely still, it lurches and then slows, and continuously does this. anyone have any ideas?

 

[b411sac]

to add some detail, it also does not have an exhaust leak, the sound does speed up when under throttle, and it has been cold enough that i would have seen the stem from the escaping exhaust gasses.

 

[scotts90ranger]

does it get better when the engine is warm? If it's just a ticking that comes from the top end of the engine it's from sticky lash adjusters (about $8 each, need 8 of them), if its from the bottom end it's more serious.

 

[b411sac]

it stays the same, cold or warm. and its loudest from the upper passenger side of the engine bay.

 

[scotts90ranger]

if it's the top end it's going to be a failed lash adjuster, go HERE for a quick explination of changing the lash adjusters, they are super intimidating to do but on a '94 you don't need to keep track of what follower goes to what lobe on the cam or anything since it's all roller, I would suggest the dime trick too, I didn't know about it until after I replaced my lash adjusters, they work fine so I'm not worried about it.

 

[modelageek]

it stays the same, cold or warm. and its loudest from the upper passenger side of the engine bay.

buy yourself an auto stethoscope for $10....report back your findings

 

[dorman68]

Check your timing belt. I have seen partially shredded timing belts hitting the plastic timing cover/shroud. Hope this helps.

 

[b411sac]

it hasnt had the timing belt done yet, and it is a '94. so i probably need to do that, but I'm only sitting 75xxx miles. and no, it hasnt rolled over yet.