I've done some searching and reading on the forum about this problem and still have a few questions:

1. What exactly causes the problem? Since people suggest oil treatment stuff to help, then I assume it is something building up on/around the lifters, or something like that?

2. Is it completely harmless? It happens to me a lot on the highway, and I have avoided highway driving because of it -- I figured it couldn't be a good thing. Should I just not worry about it? It would be nice to be able to drive it for an hour or two on the highway.

3. I've noticed that I can "fix" it by getting off the highway, and sort of "jerking" the truck around, by downshifting and letting the engine slow the truck down, or by coming to a stop and taking off again a few times. Stuff like that -- i.e. not constant smooth driving. Why does that make the ticking stop?

and just for reference it is an '88 2.9.

 

From what I've seen over the years and my own experiences with lifter noise, it's caused by (no particular order):

*cam going flat
*lifter(s) collapsing
*lifter(s) sticking due to lack of engine oil changes and crud buildup
*low oil pressure
*low on oil
*sludge in oil pan restricting oil flow into pickup (lack of oil changes and crud buildup)
*bent pushrod(s)
*failure of rocker arm (not so commom from my experience)

 

I use a some trannny fluid in the oil
if it is just a dirty lifter the tranny fluid will typically remove it
once the noise is gone - change the oil soon after

 

if you put ATF in the engine, avoid the high speed driving.

 

Hi,
My first post here (great forum!!!!) Just some backround, I have a 97 ranger xlt 3.0, getting a ticking noise as well. It started after a long trip (800 km). Latley the ticking is getting worse, seems like once the engine heats up the ticking isn't as loud (although over the last few days its not gettin any better) I assumed it was the lifters. I just cheched my oil and it needs a top up, if I try the tranny fluid how much should I put in? How long should I leave it in?

 

depending on oil level use no more than a litre (quart) and make sure it is topped up will regular oil. Run it for a few days and then preform oil change. It has worked well for me in the past. I prefer not to use engine flushes- what am I disturbing that should not be disturbed. (MHO).
Tranny fluid works becuase it is a lighter weight and no harm will happen in moderation and short periods.
keep us posted.
Cheers Craig

 

great thanks, just put some in tonight. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again