There's this ticking noise in my engine, and it gets faster as I accelerate. The guy I bought it from says all it needs is a valve clean, but my mechanic said his gut feeling is its a rocker arm, and that'll cost me big bucks! Got the quote back today and it said like 1 GRAND! I need other work done to it to, and I'm not gonna pay too much. However, the guy I bought it from said he opened up the engine and the rocker arms were fine. I don't know, I bought it less than 30 days ago and there's a lemon law. If it is the rocker arm, I'm giving it back but if its just a valve clean out then its ok. Anybody know anything? Please help, I'm getting really attached to it, it's my first truck

The cam lobes did wear on those along with the rockers if the oil wasn't changed like it should be. But before you go to any lengths, check the exhaust manifold for gasket leaks or cracks. One small exhasut leak will sound like an upper end ticking.

used vehicles don't fall under the lemon laws. Most times when purchasing a used vehicle unless stated warranty you are at your own risk and can't hold the seller responsible as it most likely was sold "as is". If you believed the seller that it needed a simple "valve cleaning" and the ticking would stop, you need to ask yourself, why didn't he /she just do that simple maintenance? Best of luck with it

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'95 Yellow 2.3 liter, 5 speed manual Splash Edition
'11 Mustang 5.0, 3.73's, 6 MT, Hushpower axle-backs, Eibach Pro springs, CDC Center Fog Grille

I'd recommend an oil change. Make sure to use the proper oil for you specific truck.
Make sure you have enough oil in it.
These motors are known for a little bit of tick anyhow.

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2003 Ford Ranger, 2.3, 5 speed.
Stock

You are dispensing inaccurate information.......Lemon laws vary from State to State.......The Op says he is from New England.......I know Massachusetts has a lemon law for used cars.....technically you can not sell a car "as is"......and walk away it is a spec more complicated http://www.malawforum.com/content/se...ing-automobile .

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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).

Wolfdog,

GREETINGS,

Change the Oil and Filter (some folk just change Oil, ???), and upgrade to a Blend (Syn/Conventional), then in 2000-3000 miles, change to Full Syn.
Most of these engines run best at 5W-30.
If ticking not less or gone with Blend or Full Syn, then possibly valve cleaning needed.
BEFORE YOU SPEND $1,000.00 plus, do the Oil change and update US.
- - -
Just got my truck recently and have yet to oil/filter change.
Just did the sparks and wires (man, ain't it fun getting around the Intake Manifold?) and considering the Coil Mod. http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...2-5l-only.html

Thank You for your time.
CHEERS!!

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89 XLT, 2.3L, 5 spd, 185,xxx+ miles. NO a/c.
Some new bits.

Greetings Wolfdog,

What's the mileage?

Along with the rest of the suggestions, Change Oil to Blend (Syn/Conv.) and see if it helps. If there, go Full Syn.
Most engines like 5W-30.

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89 XLT, 2.3L, 5 spd, 185,xxx+ miles. NO a/c.
Some new bits.

There is a very good chance the ticking is coming from the fuel injectors. Go buy an auto stethoscope for $5 and put it on the injectors. A ticking injector is normal.

1999, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 145k. (Sent from my DROID BIONIC using FRF App)

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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).

You did not say if you bought the truck from a dealer? My suggestion if you keep the truck is to learn to work on it yourself. Most maintenance and repairs are very doable. Start off changing the oil and other fluids Then do a tuneup, etc. Post any questions you have on this for on this forum. You will get help. Go to control panel and create a signature. Use mine as a template.

1999, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 145k. (Sent from my DROID BIONIC using FRF App)

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I am guessing you have the Lima engine but the normal running duratec makes some noise.

1999, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 145k. (Sent from my DROID BIONIC using FRF App)

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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).