Gen 1 '91 XLT - Advice Needed!

[msimmering]

August 1990 manufacture date on VIN B1080...mint pure stock 4.0 OHV, daily driver w/268k. Oil change every 3K since new.

After moving to Florida in November, engine decided it was time to begin ticking and erratic knocking (valve train?). Suspect collapsed lifter and time for rocker arm/shaft and pushrod replacement. Engine still runs strong. AT started refusing to upshift from 2 to higher only after vehicle is warmed up (around 1.5 miles) and then only when when selecting 2 and changing to D after warm.

I've definitely recouped my investment but want to squeeze a few more years of driving out of this first Gen 1991. Any advice on how to get my baby healthy again?

 

[F14CRAZY]

The valvetrain problem you described is common with these. Somebody more qualified will post on this.

I have the same transmission problem with my Limited. The speed governor in the tranny is bad. If I remember right it's about $130 from Ford. It's in the end of the transmission, meaning that you don't have to pull it all out, but you have to remove the transfer case to get to it (I'm assuming you're 4x4). It's been said to be a 4-6 hour job. Me, I've just been putting up with shifting manually to 2nd and then keeping it under 35 mph (not much traffic on my road) till I get to Lansing Road

 

[Con Seann3ry]

Yeah, from what I've heard sounds like it might be the govenor. They get sticky and all you might need to do is clean it out. This does involve dropping the tranny though. I don't know for sure, as I'm just going by what i've read, but it may be worth researching.

 

[Bashman]

Is the ticking occuring all the time or just when accelerating or under load (eg: going up hill)?