97 Ranger 3.0 Knock

[armalite]

I have a 97 Ranger that has a slight knock when I started it at cold temperatures, it only last a few seconds however I'm a little worried. Sometimes however the engine does not get to operating tempertures because of the distance to work also the temperature at the time of the knocking is around -22 C. Could this be carbon build-up or just normal knocking, it does not haoppen when I use the block heater.

 

[almostclueless]

At -22 any engine deserves to tap for a second.



I'd use a quality oil filter and the correct grade of oil....the filter should have an anti-drainback flapper inside it and the thin oils pump up to the top of the engine quicker.

 

[07rangersport]

try putting in a good oil filter with an anti drain back valve to keep oil in the top end. worth a shot, but -22 is damn cold.

 

[Ranger44]

You have to think that when the engine first starts up that it metal on metal and the oil has to work its way in. This might cause a knock or chatter for lack of instant lubrication. It takes a little while longer due to the cold. I'd say it's best to use a slightly thinner oil and keep that block heater on it.