shakieh31

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 and was wondering if you guys could
help me with something. It’s not a real serious issue...... yet. I’ve
heard this sound on the road before with other cars and it’s not real
loud on mine. Usually occurs when I’m going up-hill and the engine is
working a little harder. The noise kind of sounds like there are
bottle caps bouncing around under my hood, almost like it’s coming
from the pulleys near the belt or something. It’s a metallic sound but
isn’t real loud and is really only noticeable up-hill. I know it’s
pretty hard to give me an idea of what it is seeing the fact that I
guess that you would have to hear it to know. I just know it’s a
distinctive sound that I have heard other cars making before. I do
appreaciate the help though!!!!! Thanks!


Tony

--
Posted using the http://www.autoforumz.com interface, at author's request
Articles individually checked for conformance to usenet standards
Topic URL: http://www.autoforumz.com/Ford-2002-...ict135507.html
Visit Topic URL to contact author (reg. req'd). Report abuse: http://www.autoforumz.com/eform.php?p=657805

reece talley

You're kidding right? OK, I'll bite. I have the exact same model. During the
summer, when pulling up a hill on warm days, I get that sound too. What it
is is pre-ignition or spark knock. A little is normal and nothing to worry
about. If it becomes very loud, causes the truck to vibrate noticeably or if
it occurs when cruising on level ground, it needs to be looked at. Go to
the local Costco/Sam's Club and pick up a 4 pack of Chevron's Fuel Injector
Cleaner. Here in the PRK it will run you $9.00 and change for four bottles
verses $10.00 for one bottle at your local auto parts store. Follow the
directions on the bottle and see if things improve slightly. Odds are they
will. At 3+ years since purchase you might have maybe 40K on the clock
already. I know I have just shy of 48K. There is bound to be some carbon
build up in the motor by now, especially on the plugs. This stuff will clean
it out pretty well.

--
R. J. Talley
Teacher/James Madison Fellow
NAR #69594
NRA #133073736

jamoran

am guessing htat it's engine knocking you did not say what altituse you
were at or how steep a hill you were climbing.....

shakieh31

I recently changed the spark plugs about 3 months ago and I did find a
little oil on the 3rd cylinder’s plug. Just also wondering if that’s
anything to be concerned about. I’m not burning any oil, nor does it
seem that I’m losing any between oil changes. Thanks for the help
though!! I’ll definately try that. Like you said, it’s not a real
serious issue yet, but I would like to prevent if from getting any
worse. I just wasn’t sure if the fact that I had changed the spark
plugs a few months ago may lead it to be something else. Thanks again
for all the help though!!

--
Posted using the http://www.autoforumz.com interface, at author's request
Articles individually checked for conformance to usenet standards
Topic URL: http://www.autoforumz.com/Ford-2002-...ict135507.html
Visit Topic URL to contact author (reg. req'd). Report abuse: http://www.autoforumz.com/eform.php?p=658258

shakieh31

I live in Ohio, if that gives you a good idea of altitude. Not
anything too crazy like Colorado or anything. The hills don’t have to
be too steep. I now realized today that it happens in 3rd gear. Like I
said, the sound isn’t too loud doesn’t really sound like a knocking or
a thud. It sounds more like there is something bouncing around under
my hood like there’s something loose or something. Anyways, I
definately appreciate all the help from you guys!! Keep the ideas
coming if you have them!!!!


Tony

--
Posted using the http://www.autoforumz.com interface, at author's request
Articles individually checked for conformance to usenet standards
Topic URL: http://www.autoforumz.com/Ford-2002-...ict135507.html
Visit Topic URL to contact author (reg. req'd). Report abuse: http://www.autoforumz.com/eform.php?p=659297

ulysses

Sometimes a sound like that can be caused by the starter motor not
retracting. The gear on the starter motor hits the flywheel and usually
only while heading uphill (on Rangers and Explorers anyway).

What I did to isolate the problem (and verify) on my Explorer was to park on
a hill headed up so that it was making the noise and very carefully backed
out the starter motor while it was running. Be careful if you decide to do
this. Block your wheels etc and take car not to short anything out.

BTW mine sounded like it was coming from inside the front of the engine.

http://www.autoforumz.com/eform.php?p=657805

sharky

What you are describing sounds like the fuel injectors pulsing, which on my
1991 Ranger with the same engine, sounds like valve tapping. I've been told
by many people that the injector pulse is noticeably louder on these engines
and not to confuse it with the valvetrain. However, as you suggested with
your own truck, my trucks noise is much more noticeable while accelerating
up a hill or under load.

Chances are, this is probably what you are experiencing too. I've had my
truck 3 years, it has over 230,000 kms and the engine still runs like a top
and absolutely no engine work. If I were you, I would not let it worry you.

Sharky

shakieh31

So I’m guessing that the fuel injector cleaner suggestion would be a
good idea to try? Anyways guys, thanks for all the help!! I appreciate
it!

Tony

--
Posted using the http://www.autoforumz.com interface, at author's request
Articles individually checked for conformance to usenet standards
Topic URL: http://www.autoforumz.com/Ford-2002-...ict135507.html
Visit Topic URL to contact author (reg. req'd). Report abuse: http://www.autoforumz.com/eform.php?p=666129

reece talley

You're kidding right? OK, I'll bite. I have the exact same model. During the
summer, when pulling up a hill on warm days, I get that sound too. What it
is is pre-ignition or spark knock. A little is normal and nothing to worry
about. If it becomes very loud, causes the truck to vibrate noticeably or if
it occurs when cruising on level ground, it needs to be looked at. Go to
the local Costco/Sam's Club and pick up a 4 pack of Chevron's Fuel Injector
Cleaner. Here in the PRK it will run you $9.00 and change for four bottles
verses $10.00 for one bottle at your local auto parts store. Follow the
directions on the bottle and see if things improve slightly. Odds are they
will. At 3+ years since purchase you might have maybe 40K on the clock
already. I know I have just shy of 48K. There is bound to be some carbon
build up in the motor by now, especially on the plugs. This stuff will clean
it out pretty well.

--
R. J. Talley
Teacher/James Madison Fellow
NAR #69594
NRA #133073736

jamoran

am guessing htat it's engine knocking you did not say what altituse you
were at or how steep a hill you were climbing.....