2001 Ranger...a bit long

If the truck is still under warranty, make them fix the timing chain noise. There is no sense putting up with problems from a truck that you have a warranty on.

The TSB takes care of the timing chain tensioner. This is simply a tensioner built into a big bolt that screws into the head and keeps tension on the timing chain cassette (a cheap plastic guide for the chain).

If the tensioner was replaced and the noise is still present then the chain guide(s) need to be replaced. There is a guide in the front and one in the rear of engine. The only problem you have now is whether or not the broken plastic guide allowed enough play in the cam to bend a valve or two. I've seen it quite a few times.

The cylinders that are effected are 4 thru 6. All the cylinders on bank 2 (drivers side of engine). There is a procedure for the Technician to follow to determine in any valve damage occurred. (symptoms are noise and slight to heavy miss in engine) usually at idle.

The procedure calls for the Technician to measure cylinder leakage and if leakage of 50% or more is found in a cylinder the engine gets replaced (if your vehicle falls within certain parameters, mileage etc).

The thump in the rear could be several things. If it happens when you first accel from a stop then the driveshaft does need to be replaced. I've also seen the four bolts (12mm torx head) that attach the driveshaft to the differential flange come loose just enough to cause a concern.

Hope you get it fixed,

John

Man. Now there's a way to answer a post. Wish I could find such great info whenever I need it.

Andrew

they're 12mm 12-point, not Torx

with all the freaking Loc-Tite that Ford slathers on the driveshaft fasteners ????? or did they stop using it ?

Sure enough! :) If you really liked that one, get yourself an old aircooled VW they have all kinds of similar problems too. Rangers are cool that way too, from what I've read here, sounds like a good vehicle to own if you want to fix it yourself especially.

Since a vehicle is going to have problems anyway, they might as well be the same ones all its brothers is having, is the way I see it. :) But I'm kinda weird. :/

Alvin in AZ

Thanks for the good info. As of 6:00pm today still no word about the truck. The service rep. assured me they will look into all my concerns. I'm not sure if the valves are bent or not, but the ticking is a very quite tick. It can only be heard when outside the truck after it warms up. It could be normal, I don't know. I'll post a follow up to what they find.

Tony

Here's the follow-up I promised. I got my truck back yesterday....they replaced the MAF sensor....pinging problem is much better. I only get very light pinging now when engine is under load (ex. up high with the engine hot and AC on). They replaced the driveshaft which took care of the thump noise/ slipping feeling in the rear. I was told the light ticking noise was the fuel injectors. As for the timing chain rattling they wouldn't listen to me. They claim they start the engine when cold and hear nothing. I tried to explain to them the truck needs to be driven with the RPM's above 3K. They said it was probably just the pinging problem. The chain ratlle still exist, but I don't see much sense in making a big deal about it. After the truck warms up the noise is gone so I figure the hell with. My last 6 auto's were Fords, all purchased at dealers. The last 2 purchased from the same dealer doing my warranty work....all I can say is my next 6 autos *will not be Fords*. They can treat me like a smuck, thats fine, I'll try Toyota next time....I'll but $1,000 dollars they'll take care of me and I know their trucks don't ping, rattle and tick!

Good luck to you other die hard Ford fans...this one has finaly died. Tony