Okay maybe somebody knows what this is. I have a '96 Ford Ranger w/4.0L V6, as it warms up it make some crackling noise from the engine compartment. It sounds just like those import small compack car does when you turn them off, but it doesn't happen when you turn it off. Know I'm not worried about it, runs fine, hasn't any problems, and its made that sound from the time I got it.

 

Does the sound seem to be coming from the inside or outside of the engine? My guess is that youre hearing something in the exhaust heating up, like a manifold gasket or O2 sensor.

 

outside, it has been my belif it is the exhaust heating up and expanding

 

hey cctxfish, mine does it too! since the day i bought it. hasn't caused any problems yet. just anoying!

 

mine does the same thing,in cold winter,makes a crackling noise,then as the engine warms up,it goes away,and the truck is fine.did this from day one.