91 Ford Ranger 2.3 noise in head?

Question

I have a 91 ford ranger with the 2.3 OHC engine , 125,000 miles, it has a loud knock in what appears to be coming from the head area (overhead cam), sounds like a lifter or something similar, very evident at idle , it quiet some on rev, but is still there, does not go away after warming up. Do these engines have lifters that could fail or possibly the cam followers? Timing belt has not been changed...

Answer 1

Most likely one of the cam followers ground a groove into the camshaft, go to your local parts store, they sell a kit for this engine that includes a new cam, followers and hydraulic lash adjusters.  Get a new timing belt while you are there, it will have to be removed anyway.