1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 SOHC - Noise Question

[Guerdon]

This is my first post on the forum, so please let me know if there is something required prior to me posting in this section.

I currently own a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 SOHC
Vehicle currently has: 137,900 Original KMs

I've recently noticed an intermittent noise from my drivers side (LH) that sounds very close to what I would imagine is chain / guide noise, between 2nd-3rd gear at low speeds. During highway driving / hard acceleration I do not hear this sound.

Is there any recommendations on what I can do to figure out what this noise is without spending an arm and leg to have the timing system diagnosed? Vehicle still runs and drives great but I'd hate to have the chain jump a tooth then I'm forced to do the timing job.

I also thought it might potentially be something to do with the transfer case as I hear the noise coming from the front of the vehicle, and sometimes it seems like the transmission hesitates when between the 2nd and 3rd gear ranges at low speeds. I'm planning on doing fluid changes for the vehicle as I'm the 2nd owner and the original owner being a ford technician I'm unsure if he would of changed any of the fluids at the mileage I purchase it from him at.

Purchased with: 92,000KM now at 137,000KM

On top of the above, is anyone aware of any transfer case faults / timing issues with these engines? I'm curious if its a common issue and others have had the same issue, I've commented on a YouTube video with someone explaining some noises and he said it was a tensioner for the timing chain so I'm really hoping it isn't as it an engine out type of job.


Thanks,

 

[Fix4Dirt]

This is my first post on the forum, so please let me know if there is something required prior to me posting in this section.

I currently own a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 SOHC
Vehicle currently has: 137,900 Original KMs

I've recently noticed an intermittent noise from my drivers side (LH) that sounds very close to what I would imagine is chain / guide noise, between 2nd-3rd gear at low speeds. During highway driving / hard acceleration I do not hear this sound.

Is there any recommendations on what I can do to figure out what this noise is without spending an arm and leg to have the timing system diagnosed? Vehicle still runs and drives great but I'd hate to have the chain jump a tooth then I'm forced to do the timing job.

I also thought it might potentially be something to do with the transfer case as I hear the noise coming from the front of the vehicle, and sometimes it seems like the transmission hesitates when between the 2nd and 3rd gear ranges at low speeds. I'm planning on doing fluid changes for the vehicle as I'm the 2nd owner and the original owner being a ford technician I'm unsure if he would of changed any of the fluids at the mileage I purchase it from him at.

Purchased with: 92,000KM now at 137,000KM

On top of the above, is anyone aware of any transfer case faults / timing issues with these engines? I'm curious if its a common issue and others have had the same issue, I've commented on a YouTube video with someone explaining some noises and he said it was a tensioner for the timing chain so I'm really hoping it isn't as it an engine out type of job.


Thanks,

the SOHCs have known timing chain issues. there are 2 hydraulic tensioners that are easily done w/o engine out. there is another timing chain under the front cover, also accessible engine in, but a much more time consuming repair (for context, i spent 2 weekends on it). these have plastic chain guide and tensioner, these have been known to fail as well. luckily, it can be doen engine in. the balance shaft (on 4wds) is also accessible engine in & has plastic guide, i removed the entire balance shaft chain, dont need it imo) there is another one going to the driver side head, and then a rear chain & head chain. i think that makes 4 or 5. these all have plastic guides, and can rattle. they sound like jingling keys. if its the hydraulic tensioner, youll hear a startup flare.

can you record this noise? the 5r55es have been known to have a 2-3 flare FWIW but im doubtful its that kind if noise, if its like chain/guide noise. chain noise should be there at all times, and hydraulic tensioners are known os how themselves on a cold start. so im doubtful its timing chain noise, imo. perhaps someone else can chime in to.

 

[donalds]

I'd bet it one of two things
Clogged oil spray bars ......sounds like marbles in a can
Broken front jack shaft tensioner......Sounded like keys Jingle

The 3rd option is a broken rear guide
Mine sounded like marbles in a can And the rear guide was fine But my oil spray bars were clogged

 

[Guerdon]

I am a Parts Technician at a Jaguar Land Rover Dealership, I'm going to put the vehicle on a hoist tomorrow night and see if I can replicate the sound.

 

[wollimann]

The engine was used in Land Rover, Discovery 3 (B3) 2005-2009, so you have the best connection for timing chain parts (if they are still available).
The timing job should be done in time, broken plastic parts could clog the oil pickup, metal parts from the chain tensioner guides walking through the engine. Sythetic engine oil could extend the life of the parts, replacing the two hydraulic tensioners maybe reduce the rattling sound.

There are some issues with the Borg Warner 4405 transfercase too. Chain wear, fork guide inserts, broken sensors, bad shift motor, worn out seat from the output bearing, worn out oil pump, and so on.

 

[Guerdon]

The engine was used in Land Rover, Discovery 3 (B3) 2005-2009, so you have the best connection for timing chain parts (if they are still available).
The timing job should be done in time, broken plastic parts could clog the oil pickup, metal parts from the chain tensioner guides walking through the engine. Sythetic engine oil could extend the life of the parts, replacing the two hydraulic tensioners maybe reduce the rattling sound.

There are some issues with the Borg Warner 4405 transfercase too. Chain wear, fork guide inserts, broken sensors, bad shift motor, worn out seat from the output bearing, worn out oil pump, and so on.

I figured if it was timing, the noise would be constant regardless of RPM / gear range. I only hear this sound at 2,500 RPM when under load not in neutral.

 

[Guerdon]

Current Audio I Have of the noise:


Will be doing a Torque Converter Stall Test tonight, as well as putting it on the hoist to see if I can get better audio and location of the noise.

 

[donalds]

I'd be checking my oil spray bars
Just saying

 

[Guerdon]

I'd be checking my oil spray bars
Just saying

So I've done some light looking while I'm at work here, I'm not seeing anything specifically called an oil spray bar for this engine. I'm assuming these are just tubes that carry oil to the cams on either head? are they easily replaced or is it a large job?

Not seeing any videos or How-to videos on replacing them.

Thanks,

 

[donalds]

Under the valve covers
Its in the manual

I recommend locating the noise With a stethoscope
It should be able to make the noise in park just rev it

 

[Guerdon]

So this afternoon, after putting the vehicle on a hoist I am unable to hear any sound due to what I am assuming is my traction control clunking deafening all other noises I could potentially hear... I attempted to do a torque converter stall test no noise present, a neutral test no noise present and drive home, no noise present.

Might I add.. It is also extremely hot where I live currently, not sure if tempurature would have any factor in this. However from the drive this morning to work and past examples ive experienced it only occurs while the vehicle is under load between 2000-3000 RPM (Around 2,500) almost during the shift from 2nd - 3rd gear ranges.

I'll continue to monitor the sound, and if I can provide a better example of it I will.