I have just purchased a 1990 Ranger with the 4.0L V6. The truck has 97,000 miles on it. The truck sat for 3 years without anyone driving it, but it was started every 3 mouths. When the truck starts it is quiet but after a minute the valve lifters start to tick in it. I put motor flush in it and drained the old oil out. It did not seem to help. Can you adjust the valves in these engines? If not what do I need to do. Any imformation will help.

Thanks, Mark

 

go and get some stuff called Rislone from the auto store. Add to the oil and run for the next oil change. Add another can at that point if still noisy. This stuff has been around a long time and works.

Some folks say to use Marvel Mystery oil, I use it as a top end lube in the gas tank, but it is supposed to be able for the crankcase.

As to the lifters they are hydralic and self adjusting. They have lost spring tension or may have some corrosion from sitting. It will take a while for them to become fully functional again.

 

Thanks for the help, I will go get some Rislone and try that. I hope it works.

Mark

 

have you drove the truck at all? if not drive it around a bit and maybe on the highway a bit also. worked for me.

 

I had to replace the rocker arms on my 93 4.0L.

 

No I have not driven the truck. I went today and purchased the rislone. I have not had time to put it in. Will it hurt anything driving it this way until the next oil change? I dont wont to blow it up.

 

the lifters are probably just sticking. take it around the block a few times and listen to the engine as you are driving and let the engine warm up.

 

Have these motors had a history of lifers rattling? I am trying to learn as much as I can about these motors. Is there anything else I need to watch out for?

THANKS MARK

 

Yep, they gotta history. Far as I can tell once they get about 100-120 thou on them they start to rattle.
Other than that I have had no problems with either of mine.

 

I have heard it alot with rangers that have been sitting and not driven for extended periods of time. mine sat for a month and when i started it up the lifters were ticking so i took it around the block and let it warm up and the ticking went away. Another guy posted w/ the same problem and drove it on the highway for a mile and the ticking went away. I would try it but go slow at first and keep your ears open.

 

No the rislone is supposed to be used oil change to oil change. Read the stuff on the can and it will explain it. You will need to circulate the oil real well and tha is done by driving or running the engine for a period of time.

Add the rislone and go for a nice ride in the country/city as the case maybe.

An important thing with this or any engine is the oil change. Do it at prescribed intervals and you will not have a lot of problems. I change every 3=4000 miles. Of course I drive 150 miles per day avg 70 mph. I bought a lifetime oil change programa couple of years backand pay $5 per oil change and my engine has 133000+ and I have no lifter rattle and the oil shows its been used but it is not dirty black.

Keep clean filters (air, fuel oil) and your truck will alst a long time, along with the routine normal maintenance.

 

most of the time that i run in to a 4.0 with noisy lifters its because antifreeze has leaked in to the oil pan, from a warped ,or cracked head.