I own a 2001 Ranger with a 4.0 V-6 with 35,000 miles. My truck when accelerating makes a knocking/pinging noise which sounds like denotation. It has been getting progressively worse through the last few months. Brought it to the dealer and said it was the timing chain and cost 1400 bucks to replace. They said there was a TSB on it saying it was timing chain rattle. I didn’t see what the TSB suggested to fix it, (I imagine it said replace the timing chain but who knows) Timing chain need replacement after only 35000 miles? I was lead to believe they last well over 100K

<o =""></o>I did some searching on here and found the post about removing carbon deposits and I am going to try that as well as cleaning my MAF. But that TSB does not include my year. Also I put either 89 or 87 octane in it over the last few months (Get the 89 cheap from my work or if I am out driving I put 87 in it). Would running higher octane lead to carbon deposits? Would switching from 87 to 89 then back to 87 and so on have any effect on the timing?

<o =""></o>Thoughts and suggestions on what to do next? I am not so excited to spend 1400 bucks which may NOT fix my problem.

<o =""></o>Thanks

 

Which 4.0 V6 do you have - OHV, or SOHC? SOHC timing chain rattle is quite common, well documented, and does require replacement of the timing chain guides I believe.

 

SOHC


I thought the 4.0L V-6 Came only in the SOHC and the 3.0L V-6 was a OHC?

I could be wrong though

 

4.0 OHV V6 was introduced in '91 and was used in Explorers, Rangers, and Aerostars (maybe others, too, not sure). Basically, it's a bored and stroked 2.9.
4.0 SOHC V6 was introduced in '97 as an option in Explorers. Other options were 4.0 OHV and 5.0. Not sure when it was introduced as an option to Rangers.

I don't know anything about the 3.0L V6.

 

FWIW, there are two Ford 3.0L engines: the OHV "vulcan" and the DOHC "duratec". The duratec is used in the Escape but was never used in the Ranger.

3.0L Vulcan Spec Sheet (PDF)

3.0L Duretec Specs

As for the timing chain guide/tensioner issue that affects some 4.0L SOHCs, read here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=181793

 

If it is your timing chain that is the problem (common on this year and motor), it is not the chain itself, but the tensioners. I have the same motor as you, and have had the primary chain done. It's going to the dealer on Monday to have the secondary chain done, which requires pulling the motor. The symptom of the timing chain "rattle" is an obvious rattling sound between 2500 - 3000 RPM when accelerating a cold motor. It seems to go away when the engine comes up to temp. I've heard of some people getting Ford to take care of it outside of the warranty period. Under certain circumstances you can be allowed 2 warranty adjustment repairs. This is such a common, and well documented problem, that it is worth a call to Ford! To find out a lot more about the issue, use the search function at http://www.generation-edge.com/forums/