3.0 Engine Help

[Rage]

1990 P/U with the 3.0, 5 speed

I have this tick (not a knock ) coming from the engine, it kinda sounds like a loose rocker arm... When the truck is at an idle there is no sound you can hear it good around 2K RPM. Has anyone had this problem or know what it might be. I thought maybe the valve lash, but nnot entirely sure. Any adivce would be greatly appreciated. This is my DD and don't want it to take a shit on me while I am driving it.

FYI.. heard something about bad headgaskets with these motors, but the prior owner had the engine swapped with one from japan. I am not loosing any coolant, but once in a while I get a wiff of anti-freeze. Dosen't have the usual symptoms of a bad head gasket. Thanks a ton in advance!!!

Jeremy

[LarrySmith]

does it sound like its coming from the intake? my 3.0 was ticking there, put some lucas fuel cleaner/lubricant in the gas and it stopped.

[stump runner]

when I bought my 4runner w/230K mi it had a slight tick that I thought was valve lash or tired lifters. it got a little louder over time. With my old Mazda 20w 50 quieted the valvetrain so I gave it a shot. No differance. Then one chilly november day I went to go joyriding in the fresh snow. When I started the engine a rod bearing spun. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCKITTY KNOCKITTY!!!! I put in a new crank kit and haven't had any trouble since.
I had heard that the 3.0 is prone to slight rod knock but that it isn't normaly fatal. Not sure they were right about that.
On the other hand if it is just gummed up lifters, like the older Subarus are prone to, my friend substituted 1 quart or Marvel Miracle Mystery Oil during an oil change. Before he put it in, the car sounded like an angry sewing machine. After a ten mile freeway drive with Marvel , all of the noise was gone! So far I haven't needed to try it myself. Good luck.

[bodo]

Where are the lifters located in a 3.0?:dunno:

[stump runner]

Right not hydrolic lifters - cam follower or whatever you want to call them. I like to call them close enough for me, but mine actualy were within spec when I did the work.

By the way, mine didn't make noise at idle either, only 2500 and up.

[22REkid]

This is common for the 3.slow. It IS probably a silght rod knock. I see them a lot, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The 3.0 does not have lifters, rocker arms or anything like that. It is a shim and bucket deal like piano keys.

[Rage]

Thanks for the info everyone!!!! I will try the MMM oil and see if that helps. I really hope that I don't spin a bearing, that would really make me angry..lol... I will post once I get the oil change done. Hopefully I can get to it this weekend.

Thanks again!!

Jeremy