Hey guys hows it going, im looking to buy a 98 ranger with the 2.3l anyways guy says it has a ticking noise but started using 91 octane and it quieted it down. Thinking maybe high compression cause by sticky/bent valves?? Would love some advice because im new to rangers. Thanks! -Cooper

Sent from my Z982 using Tapatalk

Sticky bent valves would make it run like crap, might have some lifter, rocker or cam lobe trouble.

Or a shit-ton of pre detonation..(?)

And unless they swapped out internals, decked the block, milled the head, or some how modified the quench zone in the head.. compression won't/can't change (unless a crack/broken rings then you might get low compression).

Id be curious as to what the oil condition looks like and especially what previous owner uses. Should you follow through with the purchase because in my honest opinion, unless its REALLY noticeable on all levels of idle as well as acceleration, I dont think its a deal breaker. Switch to a Valvoline or Mobil 1 synthetic and a Ford filter and listen for a change.

Some people just dump the cheapest shit on sale, don't maintain or monitor low fluid conditions because they were never taught right, just don't care, or well.. Stupidity does play a large part too at times.

He may think he did an oil change last month or two ago and not know its burning oil and its low 2 qts.. Again also, cheap gas? For the shitty $2.60 people save on a typical 17 gal tank (std cab only, 20 on extra cabs) you may as well put the better grade of gas.

Speculative on some peoples part but I swear if I drive normal with light to no offroad, I see an extra 17-20 miles out of a tank, trunk runs better overall, and even if the cost difference was $4 more.. People waste more than that on a cup off coffee.

__________________
_______________________

My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support

If it was driven by a little old lady that never revved about 2000 rpm, you may have a ton of carbon on the piston and combustion chamber. That can cause higher compression and pre-ignition(ping). It can also provide 'glowing carbon' that can ignite the fuel:air mix before it is desired.
Get it to full temp, running at an idle, with access to the throttle plate. Speed up the idle, and spritz (NOT POUR) in some water. The engine will react, as the water turns to steam and cleans off the top(crown) of the piston and the chamber. You will know when you are spritzing too much as the engine will want to stall. Try running water in for a few minutes, put the air intake stuff back on, and take if for a ride where it always pinged before. See if that helped a bit. If so, and you still have ping, repeat, gently.
tom

I like it Tom...

__________________
_______________________

My Build Pg. Threads
+ 93' Ranger Overlanding Build
+ 94' Ranger Bed Overlanding Trailer Build
+ 12° North Industries ~ I Support