2008 explorer xlt clicking

[Danozeis]

My 2008 explorer has been clicking on start-up. It clicks real fast at first then slows down and goes away after a few minutes. It's getting worse as it gets colder outside. Any ideas?

 

[94Eddie]

What area is the sound coming from?

 

[J_C]

You mean the engine? Which engine? Like a timing chain?

 

[Danozeis]

Well it's a hard to tell exactly but it's coming from the middle front of the engine I think. Once it warms up it runs great and doesn't do it again until after it sits overnight. But starting in the morning is getting bad.

 

[94Eddie]

Is the engine a V6? If it is then you likely have a timing chain, guide and/or tensioner issue(s). I am not real familiar with the 4.0L SOHC engine but many here are. I am sure someone will comment with good advice.

 

[Danozeis]

Yes it's a 6 cylinder 4.0 sohc. Yeah maybe it is the timing but since it goes away after a few minutes I was curious

 

[94Eddie]

Yes it's a 6 cylinder 4.0 sohc. Yeah maybe it is the timing but since it goes away after a few minutes I was curious

It might be a tensioner issue. From what I understand, they will rattle on startup until the oil pressure normalizes. Someone here will correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Danozeis]

It might be a tensioner issue. From what I understand, they will rattle on startup until the oil pressure normalizes. Someone here will correct me if I am wrong

It might be a tensioner issue. From what I understand, they will rattle on startup until the oil pressure normalizes. Someone here will correct me if I am wrong.

I just saw a video on the tensioners and that's exactly what it sounds like! Awesome diagnosis. Now hopefully I can manage to replace them. Thank you!

 

[94Eddie]

I just saw a video on the tensioners and that's exactly what it sounds like! Awesome diagnosis. Now hopefully I can manage to replace them. Thank you!

There are plenty of posts in the forums here about this issue. I suggest reading some of them to get to know the finer details of replacing them. You might want to consider using mechanical tensioners instead of the hydraulic OEM parts.