start up noise
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 149
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From: tennessee
start up noise
Since the mornings are getting colder I have noticed that my truck has a slight tapping noise for a couple minuetes until it warms up, I think that it may be the lifters????? I have a 98 ranger 2.5 auto, with 149,000 miles. So my question is are rangers with high mileage engines known for their lifters tapping in the mornings and is this something I should worry about. And I it matters I run 10w30 oil. Thanks in advance.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 576
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From: crete, illinois
i used to have an old buick that did this and my buds use to tell me it was the main-bearing. i don't know if i ever beleived them but it could be something to consider. cold does some strange things to vehicles, they can make all kinds of noise. i'm sure that some more guys here have better suggestions but the oil-pump may not be working as it should.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
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From: West Mansfield, Ohio
In the winter I run 5W-30 in my 91 ranger 2.3 with 306,000 miles and dont have a lifter noise. Thinner oil works better in the winter. Now in the summer, since shes old and worn out, I run straight 30 weight or I'll use a quart of oil every fill up!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 149
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From: tennessee
I do change my oil every 3000, I will switch to 5w30 on my next oil change and hope that helps, I was using motorcraft oil filters until wal-mart stopped stocking them, now I use purolator from auto zone. I am not sure about the deposits because I have never had to tear into the engine for anything so I guess I am lucky. Thanks for all the replies and any more tips you may have will be helpful. Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
Well if you have been changing the oil & filter every 3K miles, & the PCV valve as scheduled, the engine is likely clean inside.
You can sorta get an idea of how things are in there, from how clean the oil filler cap & valve cover neck is, where the cap screws in & from any deposits on the dipstick (varnish, carbon, gel, sludge, ect.
But the best way is to pull a valve cover & take a peek!!!!
I believe 5W-30 is specified for your engine, so what weight have you been using????
Did the tic begin just after you switched filter brands or chaged oil weight????
You can sorta get an idea of how things are in there, from how clean the oil filler cap & valve cover neck is, where the cap screws in & from any deposits on the dipstick (varnish, carbon, gel, sludge, ect.
But the best way is to pull a valve cover & take a peek!!!!
I believe 5W-30 is specified for your engine, so what weight have you been using????
Did the tic begin just after you switched filter brands or chaged oil weight????
Last edited by pawpaw; Oct 5, 2005 at 12:27 PM. Reason: correct spelling
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: tennessee
well, the oil cap and dipstick are both clean and I have been using 10w30 since I got it with 60000 miles on it, and I just started to notice the ticking since it is colder in the mornings. I am definatley switching to 5w30 though to see if it helps.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 819
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From: Northern Maine
If worse comes to to worse, you should be able to remove the oil pan and change out the rod and main bearings without taking the engine out. While you are there, I would be putting in a new oil pump as well, seing that you will have the old one in your hands. Before going to that much work, I would check the compression first as there wouldnt be much sense in rebuilding the lower half if the top half needs attention too.