97 Explorer knocking on startup

[jlm_write]

I've got a knocking noise on startup; alldata.com has the following TSB whose title describes my problem:

99-26-5 DEC 99 Knocking Noise From Left Side of Engine at Start Up-4.0L

Naturally, my dealer professes not to be able to tell me what the hell the TSB is unless I make a service appointment and have them "check things out" at $50/hr. Anyone out there with access to TSBs know what this problem is?

Thanks...

 

[Peter Weber]

jlm

If you have the SOHC engine, here is the official release from Ford addressing your problem:

MD12

Published: 01 December 2000
Robert Lane
Date of Revision: None


Ford Motor Company has decided to extend the warranty on 1997-2000 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer models produced at their St. Louis assembly plant that are equipped with the 4.0L SOHC engine. The free extended warranty also applies to 2001 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac models with the 4.0L SOHC engine as well.

The extended warranty will only cover the engines camshaft, timing chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gasket for six (6) years of 72,000 miles. If the vehicle already has 72,000 miles than the warranty will be extended to 01 April 2001.

Ford will also authorize dealers to replace all three parts should a vehicle come into the service department for any one of the problems.