engine rattle 2004 Ranger fx4

[soma26]

hi folks, I need to go to the garage and don't want to get messed around on the problem, so I figure you fine people can help.

2004 ranger 4L automatic, has a rattle like sound when going up hills when low RPM and getting close to shifting to a higher gear. It goes away when the gear changes or I floor it, does not happen anywhere else. Not affected by temp either. what the hell is this? Its driving me crazy and seems to be getting worse.

Thanks people.

 

[bcost882]

sounds like a detonation problem. it happens when you usually put to much load on an engine at too low an RPM. clattering valves are a sign. If goodluck, maybe lean fuel

 

[JohnnyO]

Engine knock, try 89 octane or if that doesn't work, 91. It is possible for a Ford dealer to reflash the computer so it will run okay on 87, however different parts of the country get different gas at different times of the year so that could be the other culprit. My old '99 Ranger ran like crap on the oxygenated summer gas we get here no matter what the dealer did and I'd have to run at least 89 in it.

 

[bruker]

Try doing a Seafoam treatment (see other thread).

 

[KyleTay]

I am having trouble with this myself and I plan to do a writeup as i solve the issue.