My ranger has had this ticking sound for a few months now and I can not figure out what it might be. It seems like it might be getting worse, (I know im dumb for not getting it looked at earlier but im poor man!). Ive enclosed a video where you can clearly hear the ticking almost popcorn like sound. Its coming from pretty much where im filming in the video, near the top of the engine in the centerish area. Any idea what it might be? I dont think its the lifters because it doesnt seem to be too rhythmic to me. Im thinking maybe the timing chain, but im really not sure.

 

Welcome to the forum


Sounds like a solenoid clicking
There are a few, EGR solenoid and EVAP solenoid come to mind

They will have vacuum hoses attached and a 2 wire connector, unplug the 2 wire connector and see if noise stops

Or get a length of vacuum hose, good to have around for repairs, and use it as a stethoscope to get into tight places and listen for the noise

 

Thank you for the suggestions, i will do all that. But from where the sound is coming from right now it sounds like possible the valve train or the fuel rail. Does this possibly sound like noisy injectors to you? Or pushrods or rockers maybe? I will get back to you after checking the solenoids tho.

 

No, it doesn't have the rhythm for injector/valvetrain

You can also remove/loosen fan belt on a COLD!!! engine
Start engine, it will be VERY Quiet in engine bay with no fan
Then see if noise is easier to locate
You can run the engine with no water pump for 2 minutes NO LONGER!!

But if it is a solenoid then you might not hear it on cold engine, the two I mentioned don't start working until engine is warmed up

 

Well I checked with a stethoscope like you said and it was definitely coming from somewhere around the valvetrain. I've been just too frustrated to troubleshoot it myself so I just took it in to get a diagnosis and estimate. The mechanic said it's most likey the back timing chain guard has broken and is rattling up against the chain, which in my research sounded somewhat common, and was one of the problems I suspected. To fix it they need to take the engine out and about 20 man hours. The estimate was around 3 grand for parts and labor. FML

 

Timing chain Guide

Rare problem after the redesign in 2005 model year
1997 to 2003, some 2004, had that issue

The rear chain on the passenger side was the one that showed a problem first
Your video didn't sound like the chain "rattle", but it is a recording so........

You may want to do this first: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LUdwhq-M3M

Change the rear tensioner.
You have to get a new tensioner regardless, so not a waste of money or time and it may just fix the issue.
Fairly quick and easy job
Jack up passenger side
Take off tire
take off old tensioner
install new tensioner
Put tire back on
remove the jack