I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I think the 302 that's in my ranger is like a sixties model. I'm still waiting to hear back from the guy I bought it from. The drivers side head started ticking last night. First off, I was told that I can run the motor without the valve cover on to try and narrow it down... Is that correct? Second, how interchangable are the heads throughout the years? For instance, could I run a later model head oN this old motor?

 

IMO the early heads are better (smaller comb chambers). The early heads have adjustable rockers not bolt down. Rockers prolly just need to be adjusted

 

You think that's what's causing the noise?

 

Look at the casting on the side of the block C=60's D=70's E=80's F=90's

 

Yes, later model heads will fit on that motor. BUT, you need to make sure they are from a carbed motor, if you're running a carb. Also, I have seen rocker fulcrum's go bad before and cause ticking. I replaced the rocker and fulcrum, and the ticking was gone. But that was years ago.

 

Very good possibility....the rockers are adjustable, and stock have lock nuts and over the years they get wore out and can / will back off

 

Why is that...people put carbs on FI heads daily. Aftermarket aluminum heads dont come FI or carbed versions, right?

 

u are correct there the main diffrence is in cam selection and intakes.they have ecm freind cams ....so they say.

 

You were right! I had one rocker that had backe out a bit. Simple 10 minute fix.

 

Advanced used to sell those rocker nuts cheap by 2's...It may be time to throw some new ones on it. Glad I could help