Engine noise

[rum runner]

I started having lower engine noise (crank case) after using a bottle of Bar’s stop leak in the oil. Would stop leak cause the engine not to oil properly? The noise is apparent at low RPM’s.

Any opinions will be appreciated.

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by rum runner

I started having lower engine noise (crank case) after using a bottle of Bar’s stop leak in the oil. Would stop leak cause the engine not to oil properly? The noise is apparent at low RPM’s.

Any opinions will be appreciated.

You put Bar's stop leak... For your cooling system... In your oil?

[Mac626]

It might be your oil pump. Older pumps can act goofy if you change things up too much.

[rum runner]

Originally Posted by Mac626

It might be your oil pump. Older pumps can act goofy if you change things up too much.

It makes noise at lower RPM's. At speed there is no noise. Oil pressure gauge is normal..............

Is changing an oil pump a big task?

[rum runner]

Originally Posted by Psychopete

You put Bar's stop leak... For your cooling system... In your oil?

Bar's makes a stop leak for engine oil.

[Mac626]

Originally Posted by rum runner

It makes noise at lower RPM's. At speed there is no noise. Oil pressure gauge is normal..............

Is changing an oil pump a big task?

Did the can of Bars recommend an oil change after putting it in? I can't imagine it was good for the filter. It might be best to try that before spending too much on swapping parts.

Regarding changing the pump, I have not changed one on a Ranger yet. Old Fords used to be a two bolt, ten minute job - I can only guess that it is probably somewhat more complicated now. I'll check my Chilton's manual tonight and get back to you.

[rum runner]

Originally Posted by Mac626

Did the can of Bars recommend an oil change after putting it in? I can't imagine it was good for the filter. It might be best to try that before spending too much on swapping parts.

Regarding changing the pump, I have not changed one on a Ranger yet. Old Fords used to be a two bolt, ten minute job - I can only guess that it is probably somewhat more complicated now. I'll check my Chilton's manual tonight and get back to you.

Thanks Mac626......

The Bars stop leak did not give many instructions at all. I did change the oil and filter afterwards. I put Castrol 10W-30 synthetic blend oil in it. I later read where synthetic oils can cause seals to leak. It now has Valvoline 10W-30. The noise is apparent when idling in drive. The noise seems to go away when the transmission is in park. If it were the crank bearings or rod bearings it would make noise continuously, wouldn’t it??

Signed,
Confused

[Mac626]

Originally Posted by rum runner

Thanks Mac626......

If it were the crank bearings or rod bearings it would make noise continuously, wouldn’t it??

Signed,
Confused

Yes, it should. It is definitely a puzzler... Is it a loud noise? I mean, is it possible that you just can't hear it clearly at the slightly higher RPM when it's in Park?

It sure sounds like the oil pressure is dropping when the idle gets too low. Do you have access to a mechanical oil pressure gauge?

[rum runner]

The sound is getting louder. It sounds as if something is hitting a cover plate (thin wall metal). Could the torque converter make noise? The timing chain cover? Should I still check the oil pressure? How do you hook up a mechanical oil pressure gauge?

Thanks in advance....

[Mac626]

Originally Posted by rum runner

The sound is getting louder. It sounds as if something is hitting a cover plate (thin wall metal). Could the torque converter make noise? The timing chain cover? Should I still check the oil pressure? How do you hook up a mechanical oil pressure gauge?

Thanks in advance....

That does not sound good.

The mechanical gauge plugs in where the electrical gauge sending unit plugs in. I would still test the oil pressure at idle just to eliminate the oil pump as a possibilty.

If you're sure this is coming from the underside and is not altenator bearings or a valve tick, you should probably park it and put it up on a lift or some jack stands and give the underside a real good looking over. You might want to drop the lower transmission cover (if it has one) up by the torque converter and also the oil pan to see if it is something you can easily spot. You might even try manually turning the engine over (do not turn it backwards, you might slip the timing belt) and see if you can hear or see anything.

Noises like this that get louder are often bearings in my experience, so pay attention to the rod and crank main bearings if you decide to drop the oil pan. If you wait too long you could end up with much more extensive damage.

If you can't obiviously spot the problem, you should probably bite the bullet and go to a mechanic.