4 liter rattle

[Bob C.]

I know this is way off subject, but since I have 2K F350 I hope for moderator mercy.
(I have tried some Ford Ranger sites, but all they want to do is insult each other rather than exchange useful info.) I have this '99 Ranger with a 4 liter V6 that has a lot of bottom end noise when idling, been doing it for a while. My local dealer "decarbonized" it, which made it better for a day or so. I can't believe that enough carbon builds up so the piston hits the head and caused this noise. Has anyone else heard of this noise or procedure ?

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'00 F350 Dually 4X4 C/C W.the usual goodies

[This message has been edited by Bob C. (edited 12-19-2000).]

[NoMo]

After "decarbonizing", has the oil/filter been changed? It needs it. Sorry, I can't give you any info on how to fix the problem. But, I'd recommend that you ask at ford-trucks.com too. A lot of people driving different trucks visit there. Maybe they can help if no one here knows the answer.

[Bob C.]

Thanks No Mo - The ford dealer changed the filter, or at least charged my repair order for one. (I though that was strange) I have asked some more questions and found out exactly what the decarbonizing procedure is.
It involves adding some cleaner into the intake track until the engine stalls.Then you let it sit and soak.I see this cleaner solution running down the cylinder walls and into the oil, so changing the oil is a good idea. I did just that after reading your post. This whole decarbonizing thing has got me doubting Ford, this sure sounds like 1940's thinking.
Cdash- this noise is way "deeper" than heat shields - allthough I had a Toyota that had a heat shield noise that would drive you nuts, so the heat shield idea is not as far off as some would think.
If Ford ever comes up with a "fix" I'll let ya all know

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'00 F350 Dually 4X4 C/C W.the usual goodies

[This message has been edited by Bob C. (edited 12-18-2000).]

[Cdash]

This may be too simple of a suggestion, but have you checked the heat sheilds for the exhaust system? There has been tons of problems with them across different platforms.

[whostruck]

Have you considered asking on the Ranger forum over at www.ford-trucks.com?

[Bob C.]

Good sugestion, whostruck. I Just registered and posted there last night, no answers yet.
Thanks

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'00 F350 Dually 4X4 C/C W.the usual goodies

[AlH]

Let me tell you about one of our local Ford dealers, he diagnosed a bad rattle as a bad transfer case on a 4.0 company Explorer. $2000 later the rattle was still there. Turned out it was some gravel in the skid plate! I depend on dealers for NOTHING, have yet to find a good one out of the 3 we have.