Engine Noise

[smudvapor]

88 2.9 2WD Ranger XLT
I rebuilt the engine about 8000 miles ago and everything has been fine. I slowly started to get a ticking from the engine that I thought were lifters. I readjusted them and the noise is still there. I did it again and the noise is still there. I cut the top of a valve cover off and checked the engine while it was running. Everything looks good, oil flow is real good on all lifters. I listened around and I am starting to think that it is coming from behind the timing cover. Has anyone ever heard of that? I took all of the belts off and ran it so I could make sure it wasn't the water pump. Noise was still there. It has been below zero here quit a bit and I am wondering if something happened. The truck runs perfect by the way except for the noise. Any ideas? I am debating on whether or not I should pull the front off the engine and take a look.

 

[adsm08]

Have you considered the possibility that it is an exhaust leak?

 

[RonD]

Yes ^^^ or spark arcing

Unplug one spark plug wire, from distributor, at a time with engine idling warm, arcing or exhaust leak tick will stop if that's the source of the sound

 

[smudvapor]

I will try it but it sounds like a metal sound to me.

 

[Big Jim M]

When you "rebuilt" the engine did you install new camshaft, lifters and pushrods? If not then what parts did you reuse?
If you have the top cut out of the valve cover then use your hand and apply pressure to the rockers one at a time and see if the sound varies on a particular rocker.
I'm thinking it is the valve train till I get more information.
Also you can use a long rod and place it around the engine and see as the sound gets louder where it is coming from. (old timers trick)
Big Jim

 

[smudvapor]

New camshaft, lifters, old pushrods but cleaned. I used the rod and listened also and it sounds like it is coming from the timing cover. What I have done so far is put the valve cover on that I cut. Run the engine. Turn down the nuts on one cylinder a half turn. Start the engine and listen. If I still have a noise I move to the next cylinder. So far nothing has changed. I have the fan off and I can put my rod right on the timing cover and it really sounds like that is where it is coming from. My problem is the noise is really loud and it runs really good. One thing, when I first start it up there is no noise for a second or so and then it comes.

 

[Big Jim M]

Timing cover doesn't do it for me. Have you put your hand/finger on each rocker at the end that has a rod in it? You should be able to "feel" the click as it happens. The wear of each push rod is a little bit different. When reusing them, and especially in different rockers/lifters, they tend to wear more quickly and start to click.
Also placing the listening rod on each rocker can find the click.
Big Jim

 

[jeremysdad]

Yes ^^^ or spark arcing

Unplug one spark plug wire, from distributor, at a time with engine idling warm, arcing or exhaust leak tick will stop if that's the source of the sound

That test will also remove the sound of a bad rod bearing.

No 'Bang', no knock.

 

[jeremysdad]

Piston slap? It is a Cologne...maybe try again with 10w30? Sub-zero temps and all.

 

[martin]

If the bolt that holds the camshaft pulley on has come loose it will cause those symptoms.

 

[smudvapor]

I am thinking the same thing. I am digging into it tonight when I get home from work.

 

[smudvapor]

Not the timing set

Pulled the cover off and everything is perfect. What the heck? It is not piston slap or anything like that, it is an engine was machined and the pistons matched to the cylinders. It is not piston slap. I am wondering if I wiped a cam lobe because of the extreme cold we had. It still runs great so I am still not sure if it is the lifters. Great oil pressure so its not a bearing. All that is left is to go back to the cam and lifters I guess. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Big Jim M]

Put that rocker cover with the hole in it back on and put your HAND on each rocker with a little pressure on the rod end of the arm while the engine is making that noise you WILL FEEL the click on whichever rocker it is. Done it many times.
Used parts put back in with new parts in the valve train will wear unusally and start ti make noises.
Big JIm

 

[Dune Runner]

Do what Big Jim says. Did you break in the cam after rebuild? Might have lost a lobe.

 

[smudvapor]

Do what Big Jim says. Did you break in the cam after rebuild? Might have lost a lobe.

I am thinking it may be a lobe. I put everything back together and readjusted the valves again. Runs great, has great oil pressure, but I have the tap. The engine idles great too. If I lost a lobe wouldn't it run a little rough? I tried the thing that Jim said and the noise can be felt in multiple places. I am going to record the sound tomorrow and post it.