2002 v6 sounds "diesel like" when accelerating?

[fiscomi]

I have a 2002 EB v6 with 88k on it. When I am giving it gas it kind of sounds like a diesel engine until about 3k or 4k rpm then it sounds normal until it shifts and the rpm's go back down. Any ideas what this could be? Thanks for you help!

 

[steventadams]

If your trans isn't shifting until after 4k rpm, that in itself is a problem. That seems kinda high...

 

[fiscomi]

If your trans isn't shifting until after 4k rpm, that in itself is a problem. That seems kinda high...

It doesn't always shift that high in the rpms. It usually shifts between 2k and 3k. Any idea why it sounds like this?

 

[eltepo]

Diesel like sound

I had that problem with my 98 explorer. It turned out to be the timing chain tensioner.