Hi all.. newbie to the group. Im on my 3rd 4cyl Ranger. Past 2 were 2.5L. This is my first go round with the 2.3L.

@97K the engine runs strong and as expected. There is a strange ticking noise (great describing a noise) that sounds like a lifter? Or possibly just something loose.

What makes the noise strange is that it does increase and decrease with the RPM of the motor. BUT.. it cuts out totally at certain RPM's. and sometimes goes away all together...

Im no mechanic but I would think that if it were something most serious that it would be there all the time.

Im posting because a buddy told me that this noise is typical with the 2.3L enignes so I thought id see if anyone had any ideas or thoughts on this being typical ??? If so, what is causing it and is there a way to fix it ???

thanks

what year 2.3?..... what grade of oil and brand of filter are you using?

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MY BUILD THREAD
1999 MAZDA 2500SE, 2.5L 4-clanger, 5 speed, Green n slow. Rangers as daily drivers since 1988.
ASE Certified Mechanic, Builder of Show Destroying Protouring and Classic cars..

2003 Ranger

5-W20 - Valvoline

on that note.. it looks like it might be slightly over-filed by the oil change place.

Also I forgot to mention that im 99.9% sure the noise is coming from the top of the engine.

a cheap filter can cause lifter chatter

__________________
MY BUILD THREAD
1999 MAZDA 2500SE, 2.5L 4-clanger, 5 speed, Green n slow. Rangers as daily drivers since 1988.
ASE Certified Mechanic, Builder of Show Destroying Protouring and Classic cars..

it could be the fuel injectors

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).