'99 SOHC knocks/pings

[K Gilbert]

Another board pointed me here. Great site! Two issues with '99 SOHC V6 engine appeared around 5K. I now have 11K.
#1) Engine knocks for 1-2 seconds at cold start-up. Dealer says it's normal and that the oil just hasn't circulated. Dealer said it's not the cam chain tensioner issue. I agree since it is only at cold start-up. I use Mobil 10-30 in Florida. I did see a reference to an oil filter issue on this board. Any suggestions? Oh yeah, dealer said 3 explorers were in the shop at the same time with the same issue so mine is normal! Will synthetic oil help?
#2) Engine pings during normal acceleration until motor is warm. It then runs great. I've tried using various major brands and octanes of gas with no result. Once again, dealer says the noise is within "normal" tolerances. Dealer did replace mass airflow and computer shows no problems. However, the pings is very annoying and happens daily until warm. Anyone experienced this? Any ideas?

 

[TEC-1]

sorry to hear about your problem. I too have the same pinging noise at start up. I took it to ford at 30k and they told me that it was normal. Now at 84k it is in the shop for the timing chain tensioner. $1200+ to repair it. I am reaaaaly pissed. I'll let you know if that noise went away when I get my baby back. It's been 3 weeks and 2 days all alone in that cold shop. AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!


good luck

------------------
TEC-1
97 Explorer XLT SOHC

 

[98EBV8]

Ford recommends using 5W-30 for all engines. Mobil-1 synthetic is a good idea for protection for both cold and hot temperatures.



I would continue bring your dealer attention in getting the noise fixed. This problem have been on for over 2 years now and still going at it.



Good Luck,

Shane

 

[rgomez]

i own a 99 Eddie Bauer V6 4.0L SOHC
and I am planning to change to Castrol
Syntec Full Synthetic SAE 5W-50.

I know that Ford recomends SAE 5W-30.

First question:

Would be any problem in using the 5W-50?

Second question:

Which Oil filter do you recommend?

Thanks

Robert

 

[rgomez]

i own a 99 Eddie Bauer V6 4.0L SOHC
and I am planning to change to Castrol
Syntec Full Synthetic SAE 5W-50.

I know that Ford recomends SAE 5W-30.

First question:

Would be any problem in using the 5W-50?

Second question:

Which Oil filter do you recommend?

Thanks

Robert

 

[Tino]

I had the same problem too! It happens one time when i changed the gas octane to a higher (87 to 93) , then it happened again when i changed oil from synthetic to regular. Everytime i changed something the noise is there. I stick to the same oil which is now synthetic Quater State 5w 30 4X4 blend. Stayed with 87 octane, disconect the battery for 15 minutes, idle it with everything off (radio) for 5 minutes, drive it to my regular route and its gone!
Hope this will help. It works for me.

 

[capb1508]

i buy my 97 explorer with this problem, i star using 20W-50 from shell and everthing was ok until the dam tensioner fail. After a full engine reconstruction i star using motorcraft 10W-30 but in this hot climate of Colombia i have to switch to 15W40. time belt tensioner is gone, i hope for another 200K.