What is this noise coming from my 2.3?

[Dereck]

Hey everyone,

My dad drives a 1993 ranger basic XL with the 2.3. Recently, it started making a hollow clicking/clapping noise. I think it is coming somewhere from the radiator fan. The noise increases and gets louder along with engine speed. Here is the link.

Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

 

[RonD]

No link posted?

Could be fan clutch, with engine off and cold spin the fan, then see if you can wiggle it.

After engine warms up repeat the test, engine off, fan shouldn't spin much when it is warm, nor should is wobble at all.

Could be timing belt slapping the cover, tensioner could be failing or belt has stretched a little.

 

[Dereck]

Sorry! Here's the link. Thanks for helping me out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01D7_lqn9qs

 

[RonD]

Still hard to tell.

What I would do is to remove the fan belt, so fan, alternator, accessory pulleys are not moving, then start engine.
It is fine to run a cold engine this way for a few minutes at a time.

If you still have the noise then it's probably timing belt, put your hand on the timing belt cover and see if you feel belt slapping it on the inside.

If noise is gone then check each pulley for a worn bearing.


It also sounds a bit like an exhaust leak, and it becomes louder on increased RPM and lower on decreasing RPM, which is what an exhaust leak would do, but so would timing belt slack.

I am not sure if the Ranger 2.3l ever had a smog pump(runs off fan belt), but leaks in those sound similar to exhaust leaks.

 

[Mark_88]

Well, I agree with possible exhaust leak, but I have had a similar noise coming from my 2.3...it was valves/lifters/lash adjusters slopping around...

Yours could be too...the reason I think this is because your engine seems to have a reduction in power...like it's running weaker...and mine does this till the lifters reset...or I add something like Lucas Oil treatment to it and run it for a few minutes...this helps to release sticky valves that may also be causing the noise.

If you do happen to add Lucas, be aware that it foams up and this foam works it's way into your breather tube (TB) and can make a mess...but is otherwise harmless.

Anyway...another thing to think back on would be did you recently over rev the engine higher than you normally would (mostly on standard transmissions)? This could cause valve/lash adjuster slop...even with a roller cam...

Also, how many miles on the engine?

 

[Dereck]

Thanks guys for the idea. I'm pretty sure its not an exhaust leak. I think its something to do with the fan assembly like Ron mentioned. I'll look into that tomorrow! Truck has been running real well and this noise doesn't seem to hurt the performance of it. Truck only has 106,000 miles on it. Thanks again guys I'll keep you posted!

 

[Dereck]

So I finally got time today to take a look at the ranger. The noise seems to be the timing belt slapping against the timing belt cover. Is there any way I can tighten the belt? Is it time to replace the timing belt?

Thanks again guys!

 

[Mark_88]

You "MAY" be able to tighten the belt by moving the belt tensioner if...and that is a big IF...it is not fully released. I think it's a 10mm bolt...just remove the timing belt cover, and just below the tensioner there should be a bolt...undo it and gently tap the tensioner towards the belt...

However, you probably should just go that extra step or two and replace the belt...they are usually good for about 60,000 miles or so...maybe it's 100,000...not sure...but you can inspect the belt with the cover off and see if it is cracked or if the teeth are worn down...should be a square tooth belt...but may be round...can't remember when they changed them...

A new belt will cost you less than a tow for when it actually breaks and leaves you stranded...for sure!