2001 3.0 ranger - mystery rattle

[71PA_Highboy]

I pickup up this ranger when I broke the frame on my other ranger, it is an ext cab, 3.0 auto 2wd.

It had a water leak from the TC cover, so I said WTH, pulled the motor, did a re-ring, new bearings, valve job.

Now, about 3000 miles later I have what sounds like a rocker rattle on the drivers side front.

I pulled the valve cover, all the rockers are tight. (sled style with torqued retainer).

Put the upper intake back on, got everything connected and the engine running and it sounds like it is coming from the front cylinder.

Rattle changes with RPM, but does not go away. All pushrods are straight, rockers are tight, I don't feel any differences indicating a collapsed lifter.

I don't have a borescope, but have most every other tool needed.

Any ideas what this could be? Hoping I don't have to pull the head.

 

[TrikeKid]

Pull spark plug wire or injector connector on the suspected cylinder and see if it changes, that would helpt determine if it's inside or outside the cylinder.

 

[71PA_Highboy]

Derp... my ts skills are outta use.

I called a buddy (he's about 500 miles away) who has his own shop.

He walked me thru everything and said he thought it was an exhaust manifold leak.

I had run my hand around the ports and felt nothing (several times) but went back and did it again and damn if he wasn't right.

Anyway, it was good to be reminded to use basic troubleshooting before you think the shit is serious...