I have a 95 ford ranger with a 2.3/ 4 banger in it. Not sure what the trans or rearend gearing is. When towing my jon boat (boat, motor and trailer weigh about 1,000 Lbs) up a incline at highway speed or when it down shift's I get a chatter that sound's like it's from the valve train. My fishing partner recommended putting premium fuel in it. That seemed to work. Does using 91 octane in an engine designed to use 87 hurt it?

Also, I alway's tow with OD off. RPM's are about 1,500 away from redline on the tach (3,500 at 70 MPH. Redline 5,000.) Little p/up really suck's down the gas at speed. Would it hurt to turn OD back on during long stretches of level highway? Does turning OD on and off harm the engine at highway speed?

Sounds like it could be detonation that you are hearing. If you go up in grades of fuel and the noise gets quieter, than more than likely that is your problem. The detonation does worsen under load such as towing or going up an incline. Maybe time for a tune up? Going to 91 is actually better than 87 any day. More money, but better. Some people will fill up with 91 only when they are towing and run 87 on regular drives. Many of the newer cars will self adjust timing to keep from detonating. If it were the valves, you would hear it all the time, towing or not.

As for the OD, personally I will turn it on if the road is level as long the truck does not feel like it is struggling. But to be on the safe side, just slow down and not use OD if possible.

Yeah the clattering will/can be solved by higher grades of fuel, and shouldn't hurt anything. If the truck is computer controlled, there's not much you can do to correct it, aside from using higher octane fuel.


If/when you turn the OD back on, just make sure the converter isn't slipping for extended amounts of time. This generates a lot of heat and can burn up the fluid and damage internal components. As long as the converter isn't slipping, you're OK.

When your not towing the boat, take a mental note of your rpm settings at certain speeds. Then roll your foot into the throttle until the rpm's come up a few hundred. That's the converter slipping (it's designed to do that). Then roll your foot into some more and it will down-shift. Let off a little let it up-shift again, as you keep rolling out of the throttle you'll notice the rpm's fall off a few hundred again, that's the converter locking up. When the converter is locked up it will not generate nearly as much heat as it does when it's slipping.

I always tow in OD, but am sure to make sure my converter stays locked up. If it starts slipping going up a hill, I manually downshift (turn off OD) until I head back downhill or get on level ground again.

Once you get intimate with throttle position and rpm's you'll get to where you feel what's going on in the tranny, and you'll just know when it's time to up or down shift manually. And you'll use less fuel.

Another great thing is to install a trans cooler on it (it's a must on any vehicle I use for towing). They don't cost much (around $50) and they're worth every penny. They're also very easy to install with a few basic tools. They will extend fluid life, and thus tranny life, a great deal.

Jay

Yup, detonation is what is happening. Will give the trans cooler a try. Don't think it's getting hot as it's never had that burning smell over heated trans give off. Will have to pay someone to do it. To painful for me to even do an oil change these day's! Thank's.

jump up a octane level

Carbon build-up on the pistons is causing the detonation- heres a simple fix- remove spark plugs- fill each cylinder with top engine cleaner (gm works the best)- let soak overnight- turn engine over by HAND two complete revolutions - then spin engine over with starter to remove all of the solvent - re-install spark plugs- drive it fairly hard for 1-2 miles- your noise will be gone.

Putting a can of Seafoam in the gas can do the same carbon treatment. It works in both 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines. Buy a couple cans and treat two tanks and it should clean it up.

You can always add a can of octane boost, Outlaw is pretty good and a cheap fix too.....

carbon buildup causes pre ignition not the same as detonation