Engine ticking during idle/not under load.

[Extremepeta]

Running it as is: Yes, it can seize up and cause more damage.

Is there anything I can do to be able to drive it without worrying about it getting worse? I was looking at the AC bypass pulleys but I can't seem to find one that'll fit my Ranger. Any other ideas?

Running it w/o belt - NO - It does not take long for the engine to build internal heat, plus in addition the PCM would not see cooling fan speed input and would not run correctly (it will go into Limp Mode)

Thanks for the info. I never considered the feedback of the fan RPM to the PCM.

The belt can be removed w/o pulling the fan, but auto parts stores have a (rental tool) fan clutch removal tool. (It holds the pulley in place for the hub nut removal / install.
Note: LH Threads

Good to know about the LH threads on the fan hub nut. I didn't see anything about that in the shop manual.

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[RangerBill]

This is the engine with the AC belt removed. There is still a rythmic ticking sound in there, but it's definitly not the same ticking/knocking that I was trying to diagnose.d of the fan clutch, but the AC belt is off here, so I don't think it's that.

That is the normal engine sound of the fuel injectors and high-pressure fuel pump. Totally normal for the 2.3L engine.

 

[Trustable]

That rhythmic ticking sound you hear with the ac belt removed is normal, I think there a few threads discussing it at length.

 

[Extremepeta]

That is the normal engine sound of the fuel injectors and high-pressure fuel pump. Totally normal for the 2.3L engine.

That rhythmic ticking sound you hear with the ac belt removed is normal, I think there a few threads discussing it at length.

That is fantastic. I knew the sewing machine sound was normal, but wasn't aware that tick/tock sound was normal as well.


On another note, does anyone know if I am able to replace just the AC clutch without having to remove the compressor? Based on other threads it seems like I may be able to replace just the clutch, but there's not a whole lot of detail about the process and whether it involves the compressor removal. In the meantime, I found some diagnostics guidelines to figure out if my compressor is bad too. I'll run through that and see if that needs replacing as well. Depending on that, I may end up bringing it to a mechanic anyways if draining and charging the AC is required.

 

[airline tech]

Normally the old school way was to find a (perfect sized) shorter belt and by-pass the AC Compressor - so it would be a trial & error situation.

So, the question is: can you get enough tension on a shorter belt bypassing the AC Compressor?

I won't say impossible -I just don't see it working due to the design and layout

 

[airline tech]

You may get lucky and only need the clutch, can you place your hand on front of the clutch and turn it - this will give some indication if the compressor is locked up.
Normally it's easier to replace the clutch on a bench but can be done (on truck) with the compressor unbolted.
I have replaced a few clutches, but normally just replace the unit.

 

[Extremepeta]

You may get lucky and only need the clutch, can you place your hand on front of the clutch and turn it - this will give some indication if the compressor is locked up.
Normally it's easier to replace the clutch on a bench but can be done (on truck) with the compressor unbolted.
I have replaced a few clutches, but normally just replace the unit.

Yup, I can spin the middle part of the pulley no problem.

According to FORscan I have 550kPa (80psi) of pressure so I'm not out of refrigerant unless the sensor is wrong.

 

[Extremepeta]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to hold the clutch plate while I try and loosen the center bolt? Is that bolt LH threaded?

I can't see any places where a pin wrench/spanner or a pulley holder would work and I can't put a strap wrench around the pulley either.

I was planning to run through a PCM key-on self test and unbolt it when it activates the clutch, but turns out there must be some other problem because the clutch doesn't activate when I do the self-test.

 

[RangerBill]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to hold the clutch plate while I try and loosen the center bolt? Is that bolt LH threaded?

I can't see any places where a pin wrench/spanner or a pulley holder would work and I can't put a strap wrench around the pulley either.

I was planning to run through a PCM key-on self test and unbolt it when it activates the clutch, but turns out there must be some other problem because the clutch doesn't activate when I do the self-test.

There is a tool to hold it if equipped with a spring rubber clutch.

If equipped with a spring plate clutch:

 

[Extremepeta]

There is a tool to hold it if equipped with a spring rubber clutch.

If equipped with a spring plate clutch:

Thanks for that page. I've downloaded the free service manual that I found on the forum, but I don't think I have that page. Or if I do it's hidden quite well.


I've got the spring clutch plate. Any ideas on how to rotate the plate while holding the bolt? I think 24 ft/lbs is a bit more than what I can generate using just my hands/fingers.

 

[RangerBill]

Thanks for that page. I've downloaded the free service manual that I found on the forum, but I don't think I have that page. Or if I do it's hidden quite well.


I've got the spring clutch plate. Any ideas on how to rotate the plate while holding the bolt? I think 24 ft/lbs is a bit more than what I can generate using just my hands/fingers.

Maybe a strap wrench?

 

[Extremepeta]

Maybe a strap wrench?

I don't think so. It doesn't protrude a whole lot from the pulley face, and if I put it around the pulley, the pulley will just spin.

 

[RangerBill]

I don't think so. It doesn't protrude a whole lot from the pulley face, and if I put it around the pulley, the pulley will just spin.

Looks like another special tool is needed.

 

[Extremepeta]

There is a tool to hold it if equipped with a spring rubber clutch.

If equipped with a spring plate clutch:

What section number in the service manual is this in?

And yeah, I'll have to figure something out for holding that clutch plate.

 

[RangerBill]

What section number in the service manual is this in?

Section 412-00 Climate Control System - General Information 2019 Ranger
General Procedures

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