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  #1  
Old 10-26-2015, 11:31 PM
mattsop mattsop is offline
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Default Engine tick: Something? Nothing? Timing chain?!

Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a 2002 Ford Ranger 4.0 L, 4x4. Everything seems good and I was looking pretty confident in this thing.

HOWEVER here's what I got today from the seller:

"It runs really well there's a ticking sound on the motor but it does that
because of how the engine is made not because something is wrong with it."

and when pressed for more details:

"The ticking is common for the 4L ford motors it's just a slight valve tick, my sisters boyfriend has a 2011 ranger same 4L motor with 74,xxx Km's and ticks the same, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the motor it runs great it's just a ford thing"

Now this ticking sound seem rather suspicious to me, so I started doing some digging on the internet.

I haven't really found anything specific to the 4L's having any harmless, insignificant little valve tick, but I did find a fair bit of stuff on this forum about the timing chain's going on them, needing replacement, etc. And I'm starting to have second thoughts.

I live in a small town four hours away from the city, so if I made the trip I'd like to be confident in buying it and/or knowing what I was getting myself into.

I was just wondering - does anyone know anything about these so called valve ticks? Or would Vegas odds point to a timing chain issue?

I realize it's pretty damned hard to diagnose things over the internet, but as I'm so far away that any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Matt
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  #2  
Old 10-27-2015, 12:37 AM
LilRanger93 LilRanger93 is offline
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Default Re: Engine tick: Something? Nothing? Timing chain?!

My neighbor has 98 4.0 with 150,000 miles and it does not have an engine tick. So imo, what they told you about the tick being normal is bs. It is probably a valve tick and/or the timing chain.

If you are really interested in the truck, take it to a mechanic (one that you trust) and have them look at it. And if repairs need to be done, adjust the price accordingly if you want to buy the truck. Other than that, I would say pass since you can find a better truck elsewhere.
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If want real power you need to Plasti-Dip the entire engine including the valves and bearings, that's good for up to 150 horsepower.
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  #3  
Old 10-27-2015, 03:58 AM
Jswifto Jswifto is offline
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Of course a 98 and a 02 are different engines. The 98 is a OHV and the 02 is an OHC. It is most likely something to do with the timing chains. It could be the tensioners need to replaced or that the guides are worn out. There is I believe a tsb on this from Ford.
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  #4  
Old 10-27-2015, 06:50 AM
02RangerFX4 02RangerFX4 is offline
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Tick and rattle.. Two different things, you should find out which it is and report back. I know the 4.0s injectors are pretty noisy, which could be the "ticking" sound, if it's a rattling noise, look here:

4.0 sohc timing chain rattle - everything you need to know
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  #5  
Old 10-28-2015, 09:10 PM
Xx-L1l-M3-xX Xx-L1l-M3-xX is offline
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Default Re: Engine tick: Something? Nothing? Timing chain?!

I've read on all data that the newer 4.0s (2005-2011) have a valve tick at cold start. Idk if the older sohc's had it since my 02 doesn't. But I have the timing chain rattle and trust me you'd know if its rattling.
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  #6  
Old 10-28-2015, 10:15 PM
02RangerFX4 02RangerFX4 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xx-L1l-M3-xX View Post
I've read on all data that the newer 4.0s (2005-2011) have a valve tick at cold start. Idk if the older sohc's had it since my 02 doesn't. But I have the timing chain rattle and trust me you'd know if its rattling.
Really??? That's interesting.. The part #s are the same for pretty much the whole top end of the 4.0 sohc throughout the years. I wonder what changed. I wonder if the 05+ heads have different oil galleries for the lash adjusters, causing them to not fill with oil as easily.
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Last edited by 02RangerFX4; 10-28-2015 at 10:30 PM.
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  #7  
Old 10-29-2015, 06:49 AM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xx-L1l-M3-xX View Post
I've read on all data that the newer 4.0s (2005-2011) have a valve tick at cold start. Idk if the older sohc's had it since my 02 doesn't. But I have the timing chain rattle and trust me you'd know if its rattling.
I have an 05 and theres no valve tick. I also would not believe everything on Alldata. I've found several incorrect pieces of information on there.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  #8  
Old 10-29-2015, 06:59 AM
02RangerFX4 02RangerFX4 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigfisher View Post
I have an 05 and theres no valve tick. I also would not believe everything on Alldata. I've found several incorrect pieces of information on there.
Very true. They spec'd the rear two oil pan bolts for my truck at something like 65 ft/lbs. it was supposed to be inch pounds.
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  #9  
Old 10-29-2015, 07:02 AM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02RangerFX4 View Post

Very true. They spec'd the rear two oil pan bolts for my truck at something like 65 ft/lbs. it was supposed to be inch pounds.
Look up a 2000 f150 with the 4.2 and they say 5qts for the oil capacity with filter change. 4.2s take 6 qts.

----------

The "tick" mentioned is most likely the fuel injectors. They are fairly loud on SOHCs
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  #10  
Old 10-29-2015, 07:10 AM
ranger024x4 ranger024x4 is offline
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Default Re: Engine tick: Something? Nothing? Timing chain?!

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigfisher View Post
Look up a 2000 f150 with the 4.2 and they say 5qts for the oil capacity with filter change. 4.2s take 6 qts.

----------

The "tick" mentioned is most likely the fuel injectors. They are fairly loud on SOHCs
True
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  #11  
Old 10-29-2015, 07:27 AM
Xx-L1l-M3-xX Xx-L1l-M3-xX is offline
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Default Re: Engine tick: Something? Nothing? Timing chain?!

Quote:
Originally Posted by 02RangerFX4 View Post
Really??? That's interesting.. The part #s are the same for pretty much the whole top end of the 4.0 sohc throughout the years. I wonder what changed. I wonder if the 05+ heads have different oil galleries for the lash adjusters, causing them to not fill with oil as easily.


Ill try and get a pic of the tsb later I couldn't find it on anything below 05. But ill double check it
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  #12  
Old 10-29-2015, 07:51 AM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xx-L1l-M3-xX View Post

Ill try and get a pic of the tsb later I couldn't find it on anything below 05. But ill double check it
Its not for a tick, its for a "buzz".
TSB 10-5-7 4.0L BUZZ NOISE - UPPER ENGINE
Ignition coil bracket may be loose. Tq specs are 89 lb-in, then 45*.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  #13  
Old 10-29-2015, 10:23 AM
mattsop mattsop is offline
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Default Re: Engine tick: Something? Nothing? Timing chain?!

Thanks for the info so far guys.

Just got a hold of the guy. He told me that it ticks only on start up, and for a little bit when it's cold. Once it's warm it doesn't tick, and when he puts on the gas it doesn't tick, it only ticks when it's idling.

It's also apparently not a super duper loud tick, you only hear it when you're right in front of the vehicle.

Does this help figure out what the problem is? He also told me that he would get me video so I'll post that whenever he does. Still considering driving into the city this weekend if it doesn't sound like it's the timing chain...

----------

He's also said that the ticking has been going on for about a year... and he apparently hasn't blown the engine yet! :S
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  #14  
Old 10-29-2015, 11:59 AM
bigfisher bigfisher is offline
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Check the spark plugs to see if they're loose. I found cylinder 5 loose on my 05 a month after buying it and it made a ticking noise. Tightened that plug and its quiet now
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2013 F150 FX4 5.0 - Sold
1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 5spd - Sold
2001 Mustang Bullitt - Sold
2005 Level II - Sold
2001 Integra GSR - Sold
1999 XLT - May 2013 TOTM - Totaled

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2004 fx4 level II
fuckin Nissan shhhiitttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last edited by bigfisher; 10-29-2015 at 12:15 PM.
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  #15  
Old 10-29-2015, 07:36 PM
Jimmyaf Jimmyaf is offline
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Default Re: Engine tick: Something? Nothing? Timing chain?!

The symptoms of that motor are classic for disregard on timely oil changes or a sludge problem. The Tick is lifter noise because the oil pressure isn't proper when the oil is cold. As the Engine assembly warms with combustion the oil thins and flows easier and your tap goes away. Likely if you maintain your truck properly from here on out you'll have lots of miles left as it is. If you want to fix the problem properly it's a partial tear down, but I wouldn't spend the money now until the problem got worse if it was mine
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