2006 v8 3v Engine noise

[rocko107]

Wondering if anyone has experienced this. I have a 2006 Explorer V8 3v. Recently my wife was just idling and all of suddent the engine got really loud. Sounds like really bad valve clatter. Basically it sounded like a cold diesel engine on startup, lot of clatter/slap. So she drives it home to let me listen and of course I hear what I just described. I shut the truck and immediately restart it and it's as smooth as new. Drive around and nothing. A couple days later the issue is back, so me wife shuts off the truck and restarts it and the bad sounds are gone and she drives back home. This has happened 3 times in the past week. I'm going to call the dealer Monday but wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this. It sounds like a bad valve but it's odd that it just goes away after restarted the truck.

R.

 

[dogfriend]

You might have a timing chain tensioner that has failed or is failing. It is unusual that the problem "fixes" itself. The clatter would be the sound of the timing chain slapping the timing chain cover or block. If it happens again, you can try using a mechanics stethoscope to listen for where the noise is coming from.

 

[bill32399]

Yep thats what I was gonna say. I had that sensor go out on my Cobra and it did the exact same thing. (I think) it was $40 when I go it. Was really easy to replace, in fact I still have my old one if you want it. Was the cam shaft position sensor for me.

 

[rocko107]

thanks for the opions, it at least gives me hope that that it's not something more major(though you never know). So how bad is it to drive the truck in that condition. I'm wondering if I should have it towed or if I should drive it to the dealer. I happened again last night with myself driving, I noticed an obvious loss of power when it was in this "loud" diesel like state. Again I shut the truck and restart it and it will stil there just a little, I shut it again immediately and restart it and it was quiet again...well as quiet at the engine normally would be..so that's a relative term

R.

 

[bill32399]

If it is the timing chain like he said then it could be very bad! Potentially destroy you motor if it breaks. If it is the sensor Like I had then just an annoyance that might leave you stranded at some point.