Creaking noises after engine shutoff
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Creaking noises after engine shutoff
Hello all,
I have a 2002 Ranger XLT, 4X4 with the 4.0L engine with 46,500 miles on the odometer; I bought it new.
Just within the past couple of days, when I shut off the engine (even after a short trip) the vehicle makes all kind of creaking sounds and the occasional loud clank, as if it's been driven all day at 70mph and something very hot is suddenly cooling down. I've been looking under the truck and it seems to be coming from the exhaust system.
I've been monitoring the engine temperature gauge and the engine temperatures are normal. I've never heard these sounds before; if I did it certainly didn't go on so long and so loudly.
I put four new tires on it the day before yesterday; I have the 16" aluminum rims. The stock tires are 245/75s and I put on some 255/70s for better handling and four heavy duty shocks. I also had the oil changed at JiffyLube. Could there be some kind of connection between these events and the sudden onset of these noises?
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Mike
I have a 2002 Ranger XLT, 4X4 with the 4.0L engine with 46,500 miles on the odometer; I bought it new.
Just within the past couple of days, when I shut off the engine (even after a short trip) the vehicle makes all kind of creaking sounds and the occasional loud clank, as if it's been driven all day at 70mph and something very hot is suddenly cooling down. I've been looking under the truck and it seems to be coming from the exhaust system.
I've been monitoring the engine temperature gauge and the engine temperatures are normal. I've never heard these sounds before; if I did it certainly didn't go on so long and so loudly.
I put four new tires on it the day before yesterday; I have the 16" aluminum rims. The stock tires are 245/75s and I put on some 255/70s for better handling and four heavy duty shocks. I also had the oil changed at JiffyLube. Could there be some kind of connection between these events and the sudden onset of these noises?
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Mike
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: South Jersey
Welcome to FTE Mike!
Some noise (light pinging noises) from the exhaust system while it's cooling down is normal, more than this could be excessive heat in the exhaust. How's the truck running, a rich condition could cause the cat to get hot from the unburned fuel.
I'm sure the other users will have more ideas.
Some noise (light pinging noises) from the exhaust system while it's cooling down is normal, more than this could be excessive heat in the exhaust. How's the truck running, a rich condition could cause the cat to get hot from the unburned fuel.
I'm sure the other users will have more ideas.
) opened the radiator cap and managed to get a big gulp of air into the cooling system?
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Ken and Bill:
Thanks for your quick responses. The truck's running fine and there's no difference from the way it's been running recently. Could a sensor have failed? (O2?)
As far as JiffyLube is concerned, I suppose anything's possible. Although, I did have a look myself into the radiator and it was full to the top with green coolant. There is only a slight amount in the overflow tank (maybe a 1/2" or so).
The FORD maintenance guide says the green coolant should be changed at 45,000 miles. I haven't done that yet. I suppose I should get after that.
Bottom line, after my morning commute, (about 10 miles at highway speeds) the noises were heard again after I got out of the truck although they seemed to be somewhat less than they were. Then, again, that could just be wishful thinking. The engine is not running hot; something else is, I suppose the most likely thing would be the exhaust.
Could the new tires/shocks somehow have stressed any of the other parts? Or, as it seems, there may be no cause and effect relationship here.
I suppose I'll just have to take the truck down to the local garage and have them hook it up to their computer.
Thanks again for your input.
Mike
Thanks for your quick responses. The truck's running fine and there's no difference from the way it's been running recently. Could a sensor have failed? (O2?)
As far as JiffyLube is concerned, I suppose anything's possible. Although, I did have a look myself into the radiator and it was full to the top with green coolant. There is only a slight amount in the overflow tank (maybe a 1/2" or so).
The FORD maintenance guide says the green coolant should be changed at 45,000 miles. I haven't done that yet. I suppose I should get after that.
Bottom line, after my morning commute, (about 10 miles at highway speeds) the noises were heard again after I got out of the truck although they seemed to be somewhat less than they were. Then, again, that could just be wishful thinking. The engine is not running hot; something else is, I suppose the most likely thing would be the exhaust.
Could the new tires/shocks somehow have stressed any of the other parts? Or, as it seems, there may be no cause and effect relationship here.
I suppose I'll just have to take the truck down to the local garage and have them hook it up to their computer.
Thanks again for your input.
Mike
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RangerPilot:
I did have a look yesterday and I did not see any glowing CAT (only one). I held my hand near it and it didn't seem to be releasing any extraordinary amount of heat. But, I'll certainly double-check it again tomorrow morning after my trip down the highway.
Could the heavy duty shocks have been installed wrong in some way? So that they are stressing the suspension?
Mike
I did have a look yesterday and I did not see any glowing CAT (only one). I held my hand near it and it didn't seem to be releasing any extraordinary amount of heat. But, I'll certainly double-check it again tomorrow morning after my trip down the highway.
Could the heavy duty shocks have been installed wrong in some way? So that they are stressing the suspension?
Mike
