RiipTiide67
New Member
- Joined
- January 20, 2012
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1997 Ford Explorer XLT
Let me first start off by saying thank you all for posting and helping in this community. Before today I've come here countless times to browse threads for answers and all members seem friendly and provide great support. So I thank you all.
Now here's the problem:
In the past 7 months, i've had to remove the engine to have the motor timed a total of 3 times. the first time, the mechanic just replaced the broken rear guide. the second time, the front guide broke and the mechanic said i had to remove the engine again. third time both tensioners failed and both guides broke. but now the motor is in the car again and it's running pretty darn smooth.
I got it started again 3 days ago, and from the get go, i noticed a very faint ticking near the driver side valve cover. I just dismissed the issue, thinking the oil hadn't fully circulated yet.
well yesterday I started it up and the ticking is very very loud. It's definitely coming from the driver side head (and possibly the passenger side.... I can hear it in the passenger side but i dont know if it's just driver side being so darn loud) If I remove the oil filler cap, it gets much louder. The noise does speed up in frequency with rpm's, but it doesn't get louder. the motor RUNS GREAT, and if it werent for this noise i would leave it as is.
No check engine lights at all. I removed the valve cover today and felt for anything loose. Everything seems alright to me.... Nothing broken. rocker arms are snug, cam is in place, all valve springs appear to be in place and intact. valves look like they are where they should be. I dont have much experience with fords... but we just got about 2 feet of snow in 3 days and i need my 4 wheel drive!
while the valve cover is off is there anything i can do to test the components? do any of these symptoms ring a bell as to what it could be? it's definitely a tick and not a knock in the lower end. Can anyone shine some light on my subject? i would be forever greatful. Thanks so much
Now here's the problem:
In the past 7 months, i've had to remove the engine to have the motor timed a total of 3 times. the first time, the mechanic just replaced the broken rear guide. the second time, the front guide broke and the mechanic said i had to remove the engine again. third time both tensioners failed and both guides broke. but now the motor is in the car again and it's running pretty darn smooth.
I got it started again 3 days ago, and from the get go, i noticed a very faint ticking near the driver side valve cover. I just dismissed the issue, thinking the oil hadn't fully circulated yet.
well yesterday I started it up and the ticking is very very loud. It's definitely coming from the driver side head (and possibly the passenger side.... I can hear it in the passenger side but i dont know if it's just driver side being so darn loud) If I remove the oil filler cap, it gets much louder. The noise does speed up in frequency with rpm's, but it doesn't get louder. the motor RUNS GREAT, and if it werent for this noise i would leave it as is.
No check engine lights at all. I removed the valve cover today and felt for anything loose. Everything seems alright to me.... Nothing broken. rocker arms are snug, cam is in place, all valve springs appear to be in place and intact. valves look like they are where they should be. I dont have much experience with fords... but we just got about 2 feet of snow in 3 days and i need my 4 wheel drive!
while the valve cover is off is there anything i can do to test the components? do any of these symptoms ring a bell as to what it could be? it's definitely a tick and not a knock in the lower end. Can anyone shine some light on my subject? i would be forever greatful. Thanks so much
