Engine advice

[Cooper_G]

Hey guys hows it going, im looking to buy a 98 ranher with the 2.3l anyways guy says it has a ticking noise but started using 91 octane and it quieted it down. Thinking maybe high compression cause by sticky/bent valves?? Would love some advice because im very interested in this truck. Thanks! -Cooper

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[adsm08]

Sticking and bent valves do not raise compression. They lower it. By 99-ish%.

Improper spark timing can cause pinging, carbon deposits in the cylinder or on the piston face can cause hot spots that cause pre-ignition, which can also cause pinging. Both would be corrected by higher octane fuel.

 

[Cooper_G]

Hmm so maybe the distributor cap and some seafoam? Or could the problem be more severe? And would it be worth looking at?

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[scotts90ranger]

Ranger 4 cylinders haven't had distributors since 1988, or adjustable timing...

Running a bit lean, or an EGR valve or passage that is gunked up can cause pinging as well. I'd clean the MAF (Dirty MAF is not seeing as much air passing by it, hence thinking it doesn't need much fuel and running lean) and start there, maybe look into cleaning the EGR passage in the intake but thered likely be a code for low flow if that was the issue