Little tick at idle

[Kaeden]

I have a 1988 2.9. So recently I’ve noticed a slight a tick at idle I’m thinking lifter or rocker There were no issues with ticks in the fall and early winter. At least i think, again it’s faint. If you turn the fan on you can’t hear it. If this something i should worry about or is it just a 2.9 thing and run it.

 

[franklin2]

This link tells you about the 2.9 engine and it's faults. You can throw a can of Rislone in the engine oil and see if it gets quieter. Otherwise, ignore it like you do the valve cover leaks.

Ford Ranger 2.9L V-6 Engines - The Ranger Station

The 1986-1992 Ford Ranger came with a 2.9 liter V6 engine. Here is the history and specifications of the motor.

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Kaeden]

Yeah I looked at that and feared what might have to be done. I don’t wanna tear apart the motor for cam bearings this soon.

 

[Suwanee Broncos]

The 2.9 tick.

Per my machinist buddy:

The 2.9 is a German motor. Germans build nice, precision things. The 2.9 has small oil passages, and in time they stop up. The Germans are probably a little better about maintaining things than us. Anyway, there's not much you can do about the low oil flow.

Opening up the oil passages probably wouldn't be impossible, but wouldn't be cost effective.

I've tried Risolene, ATF, diesel, Seafoam, Marvel... Sometimes the tick leaves for a day, a week, maybe longer. But it always comes back.

Thinner oil helps more than anything. I first tried Rotella thinking that heavier oil would cushion the tick, but in fact made it worse because it was harder to cram it through the journals.

I've put a lot of miles on 2.9's and I've never had a failure in any way related to "the tick." The cracking head will take it out before the tick does.

 

[Kaeden]

that helps a lot thanks. Now i don’t have to worry as much. Plus i plan on getting some improved heads. Just one less thing to worry about