Let me just start off by saying i have next to no automotive experience. This is my first project that i am trying to learn on. I picked up an 88 RWD 2.3L for $750. Condition is amazing but there is a small knocking coming from the top-left side (when facing the motor) of the cylinder head. it almost sounds like a woodpecker at times. The seller told me it could be a "roker arm" ive done a little research and found them online for like $20 but what is it going to take to get into the cylinder head to check? and do i have to drain the oil before i open it up? That would make sence?????? Thanks any help and discriptions will be great!!

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'89 Ford Ranger - 2.9L 4x4 - 5 Speed

you don't have to drain the oil to pull the valve cover.

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

sounds like no oil bad filter or bad pump but pull valve cover off and start Eng if theres no oil on top or its not spitting oil means pumps gone or either your oil filter is plugged.

It might be a rocker arm, if the other owner was way lax on service. So it could have a just a bad rocker, but also could have a lobe gone off the cam as well. Pull the valve cover and take a look at things.

I can pull the valve cover but that doesnt mean im going to know what im looking at or for.... What is the best way to learn all this stuff. like i said i am trying to learn but i dont even know where to start. obviously doing it is the best way to learn but i dont want to make thigs worse than they already are.... lol

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'89 Ford Ranger - 2.9L 4x4 - 5 Speed

It's not your rockers! The 2.3 liter is an over head cam setup, no pushrods or lifters or rockers

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1995 f-150 4x4 4.9 inline 6 5-speed
1996 Ranger 3.0 2wd Auto 4r44
2008 Ranger 4.0 4x4 Auto 5r55 extended cab

What? Overhead cam engines still have rocker arms

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

Well, I will say you're starting on something that sounds easy, so don't be afraid to ask questions. I personally am thinking rocker arm myself. The 2.3 is an OHC motor, but it still utilizes rocker arms. If you have a bad rocker arm, I recommend doing them all. Also, you could just have an oil delivery issue. Be it, low oil, plugged filter, or bad pump. Pumps can be a pain to do, due to pulling the oil pan, but other than that, they are simple. If your pull your rocker and nothing seems odd, start wiggling the rockers, some movement is good, but so much that the thing almost seems to jump out is bad. Also, look for odd wear signs on the cam. You may notice that even with your limited experience. We're here to help, feel free to ask!

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2002 4.0 4x4 auto.
Black Rock steelies, 32" Cooper Discover AT/3
Power leather buckets, Full length console
EATC, OHC, Lighted visors, Wite cluster
>CLICK<

We'll not all oHC engines have rockers. Most are cam love right to the valve tapets. I've never actually pulled my valve cover off to check

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1995 f-150 4x4 4.9 inline 6 5-speed
1996 Ranger 3.0 2wd Auto 4r44
2008 Ranger 4.0 4x4 Auto 5r55 extended cab

no you need rockers regardless

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2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

You need rockers... whoever told you that is wrong.

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2002 4.0 4x4 auto.
Black Rock steelies, 32" Cooper Discover AT/3
Power leather buckets, Full length console
EATC, OHC, Lighted visors, Wite cluster
>CLICK<

Okay my research has led to yes, 99% SOHC engines do have rocker arms. Like i said, I've never took my valve cover off. HOWEVER, i was speaking from my experience as a powersport mechanic, where most everything is DOHC, which doesent usually use rockers. One if my hondas has the cam right on the valves

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1995 f-150 4x4 4.9 inline 6 5-speed
1996 Ranger 3.0 2wd Auto 4r44
2008 Ranger 4.0 4x4 Auto 5r55 extended cab

Smaller is understandable, but not in automotive applications.

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2002 4.0 4x4 auto.
Black Rock steelies, 32" Cooper Discover AT/3
Power leather buckets, Full length console
EATC, OHC, Lighted visors, Wite cluster
>CLICK<

All the 2.3s I've owned had a slight knock from the top end from time to time, I think it's kinda normal in these older 2.3s

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1996 f150 4x4 ext cab, Eddie Bauer edition, 5.8l auto, 3.55 gears and 31/10.5/15
My babe/DD-1995 2.3l 5speed 4x4, long bed, 4.10 open dif, "red rocket" 31/10.5/15s good years