[CyberCon]

This isn't for a mustang. It is for a 2001 Ranger with the 2.3 engine.
When the truck is crank it sounds like someone is banging under the hood with a hammer.
Anyone know what this problem is?
Is there a way to fixing it without replacing the whole engine?

(For the curious ones, no the truck isn't being driven. It is parked. haha)

[steves72grande]

Some questions -
Have you looked under the hood while someone else cranks it over to see if there is anything obvious moving around that shouldn't be and causing the banging?
With the motor off (not running), can you move anything by hand (a pulley, a bracket, something like that)?
Is it an automatic or a standard transmission? You might have torque converter or flywheel bolts loose.
Where is the banging louder - inside or outside? Under the hood or inside the cab? When did it start? Did you change/replace/repair anything just before it started? Does it happen all the time? Is it time or temperature related?
In other words, the more info we have, the easier it is to fix over the Internet.
And if it is fixed, let us know what it was.

[CyberCon]

Use to be my truck. And if i get it fixed it will be again.
Havent personally looked at it.
But its louder under the hood.
I think the banging gets louder when rev'd.
Nothing was replaced.
Automatic transmission.
Not temperature related.
Started maybe a year ago, but the vehicle hasn't been moved since then.
(Someone suggested a thrown rod, but it was just a guess)

[CyberCon]

But besides the noise, it does idle smooth. (just the banging noise)

[steves72grande]

Check the oil level and see if it's just low on oil.
If it's OK, drain the oil and see if there are any metal pieces (anything from shavings to chunks); that would indicate a mechanical breakdown (thrown rod, someone suggested?)
Get a broom stick or a long screwdriver or a set of mechanics stethescopes and listen to each cylinder (intake through the valve covers or at the manifold; exhaust as near to the exhaust port/manifold as possible); try to narrow it down to a particular cylinder or part of the motor.
Keep in touch - we'll get it figured out.

[Danodandan777]

ur pin in your piston might be loose on one of them check ur compression because if the piston is moving a little loose the compression will be lower than the other cylinders but when u say knocking do u mean full load banging or just radling

[CyberCon]

Originally Posted by Danodandan777

ur pin in your piston might be loose on one of them check ur compression because if the piston is moving a little loose the compression will be lower than the other cylinders but when u say knocking do u mean full load banging or just radling

Banging. Like you hitting metal with a hammer.
Thanks for the advice steves72grande and Danodandan777.
I will follow ya'lls direction this weekend and get back at it.
Thanks again!

[mg man 75]

Does it sound like this.

2.3 turbo noise video by mgman75 - Photobucket

I hope not, This what was wrong, Notice chunk of piston gone.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w...5/100_6252.jpg
Replaced my motor had chunks missing in cylinder wall.

[turboeeyore]

broke pistons suck, sounded like a lash adjuster sticking.