1993 Ford Ranger valve chatter under load

1993 FORD RANGER
185,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ZAXON
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Hi, my Ranger makes a pretty proufound valve chatter/clatter under load, mainly going up steep hills at highway speeds (45 to 50), and losses power noticably with top speed of about 45MPH. If I down gear it subsides only slightly. Under normal load it drives fine and only makes occassional, light clatter noise when excellerating.

My questions are- how critical could this problem be? Is it indicitive of needing an entire valve job or top end. Or could a simple valve adjustment remedy the problem? For that matter, can the valves on a 93 4.0 even be adjusted? Am I likely to cause major engine damage if I continue to drive it without addressing the problem? Like I said, I hardly notice it under normal driving conditions.

Many thanks!
May 29, 2009 at 12:37 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Top speed is only 45 mph? Check fuel pump pressure and see if the catalytic converter or exhuast is clogged...Is check engine light on?
May 30, 2009 at 7:06 AM
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ZAXON
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Just going up steep passes. On normal or relatively flat grades it goes as fast as I want. I suppose being an old engine it's not unusual for it to labor going up a good hill. I live in the Oregon coast range so lots of steep grades. It's the valve noise that has me concerned.


Check engine light does not come on.
May 30, 2009 at 12:12 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Yes but if a code is stored for a knock sensor, it can retard the ignition timing, and make your problem worse than it is, poor gas can cause it too...
Jun 4, 2009 at 3:03 PM