2003 2.3l, clicking sounds coming from the intake manifold area, the sound is present at idle and up to about 2000 rpm's then it just goes away. Here is a video link I took of the sound:


Anyone else have this issue? I just had the car in the shop and replaced the plugs, intake manifold gaskets, valve cover gaskets and plug wires 2 days ago.

I've had the problem as well... I have no idea I've heard it on mine and 4 other rangers at work... I just accepted it and moved on. I replaced the pcv and cleaned everything around it as well as ur standard tune up. If u find out what it is let me no. Mine gets quiter as it warms

Yea same here it's a very common issue for the 2.3 duratechs. Its a great engine though. I believe the noise is caused by the valve tappets i was planning to replace them but i havent had time for it. If you decide to fix it please take pictures.

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Oh and if you decide to fix it check the intake manifold for air leaks and seal it real good the plastic doesnt do well in the heat.

Weird, so I brought the car back to the place I had it serviced for a new intake manifold gaskets and valve cover gaskets last week. They fixed it! I asked them what they did and they said that when they had it apart they noticed something to do with the actuator missing?? So they just replaced it when putting it back together. For some reason, the previous owner did this on purpose to stop the click so they just reversed what they did and it stopped making the noise again. I checked everything I could see and could not see anything missing from the actuator. Weird. Sorry I cant be more help but they did say it had something to do with emissions and it doesn't really make a difference if it is there or not and it does not throw a check engine light so who cares if it is missing! lol