2004 Explorer engine noise

[narsaw]

2004 Ford Explorer XLT
VIN:    1FMZ...
Year :  2004
Make :  Ford
Model:  Explorer XLT
Style/Body:     SUV / Utility 4D
Class:  SUV - Lower Mid Range
Engine: 4.0L V6 EFI
Miles: 84,500

Hello Experts,
I started hearing this noise on my 2004 Explorer about 2 weeks ago. From my research on here and other locations it sounds like the infamous "Timing chain tensioners/guides" issues that many faced.

Took car to Ford dealer, they should not diagnose the issue clearly, they hear the noise and acknowledge that it does not sound right but wanted to take 3.5 hours to truly diagnose the issue. I was told there is no guarantee after those 3.5 hrs, they would have a clear answer. I took my truck home without authorizing further work. Hopefully I can find some help here.

I have uploaded a YouTube video that's about 1 min long. The first 30 seconds, you'll notice where the phone is record the sounds from, the last 30 seconds the phone is placed in a different location.

Please take a listen and look and let me know what you think.

-CS

 

[Number4]

I didn't hear any chain noise. Sounds like the typical injector noise to me.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I have heard that rattle before. I bet its the sound of the front chain rubbing against the inside of the head chewing up aluminium. Pull the pan and have a look for shiny little chunks of metal in the oil.

 

[jjr329]

How does it sound in the 2700-3200 RPM range?

How many miles?

Mine made a lot of racket starting around 2700 RPMs. Ended up being the balance shaft tensioner had failed. Cut the chain and removed it and it's been fine.

 

[narsaw]

Edited original post to add miles, it currently has 84,500 miles. I will check the noise at 2700-3200 RPM and report back.

 

[narsaw]

I didn't hear any chain noise. Sounds like the typical injector noise to me.

I'd really (really) like to believe this, however I have owned the car for 6 years now and I know what it sounds like. Something has changed, it does not sound normal.

 

[narsaw]

Edited original post to add miles, it currently has 84,500 miles. I will check the noise at 2700-3200 RPM and report back.

[MENTION=222206]27[/MENTION]00-3200 RPMs the engine sounds fine, I can no longer hear the engine chattering. I guess the noise from revving the engine drowns it out??

 

[jjr329]

Well the simplest first step (and what I started with when I had to troubleshoot a similar issue) is to remove the serpentine belt and start the engine (do not run for longer than 1 min!).

If the noise goes away with the belt off then it's related to the belt and anything that attaches to the belt. Could be belt/idler/tensioner/power steering pump/etc. I would then do a belt service including tensioner and idler and go from there. Parts are about $67 on Rock Auto.

If the noise is still present then a more thorough diagnosis is needed (removing valve covers/timing cover) to inspect the timing components.

 

[Tech By Trade]

[MENTION=222206]27[/MENTION]00-3200 RPMs the engine sounds fine, I can no longer hear the engine chattering. I guess the noise from revving the engine drowns it out??

Nope, the revs create tension on the chains causing them to run where they should be and no noise.

 

[narsaw]

Nope, the revs create tension on the chains causing them to run where they should be and no noise.

Makes sense to me. Thanks everyone I will get a diagnosis.

 

[narsaw]

I want to update this thread. I (and a friend) took off the manifold and remove the value covers and inspected the both the front and rear cassette and did not see breakage in the plastic.

I went ahead and replaced both chain tensionsers but everything back to together and the slight rattle is still there.

Since I was in there, I replaced plugs w/ wires, pulley (and pulley tensioner) and serp belt.

Now I am thinking it sounds more like the hydraulic lash adjusters are making the noise. Ill include some pics I took if you see anything in these pics please let me know.

I am thinking about adding some Marvel Mystery Oil to my Gas and Oil, might it help?

I noticed that suspicious piece of plastic there, but after replace that tensioner there it seemed to "disappear"

 

[Number4]

Good news is you have a clean engine. Others have posted engines that look like tar was dropped in them.


I see your pics.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Wish I could see the pics.

 

[narsaw]

Wish I could see the pics.

Why can't you? Can someone confirm the pics are visible?

 

[EXPLORER04]

Why can't you? Can someone confirm the pics are visible?

No pics here either

 

[narsaw]

No pics here either

Ok just fixed the links, how about now?

 

[EXPLORER04]

Good news the pics now work, bad news looks like your missing half of your rear chain guide

 

[narsaw]

Good news the pics now work, bad news looks like your missing half of your rear chain guide

Which image are you seeing that from? Also can you point me to an image of what it should look like? It's my first time opening up an explorer.

 

[jjr329]

Which image are you seeing that from? Also can you point me to an image of what it should look like? It's my first time opening up an explorer.

Do you have a better pic of the rear guide? Your pic #1 only really shows the tensioner side. We need to see the other side. There should be a C shaped piece of plastic cradling that stud in pic 1. You can barely see a tiny piece of the stud in your pic.

See the 1st pic of POST #2 here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287416

 

[narsaw]

Regretfully I do not have a better pic to share. I took the image from 2000StreetRod post #2 , Pic #1 and put them side by side.

I am complete amateur, I tried to identify the similarities between the two, the two yellow circles are what I think are the part.

I seems I cannot identify where the red circle of 2000StreetRod image is on mine. I can see the small piece of the stud there but that area looks smaller (to me)

Without another image is it certain that 1/2 rear guide is missing??