Am I experiencing the classic "Death Rattle"

[andyboy13]

Hi there,
I have a 99 XLT that has rattled away quietly at idle for a while now. Just recently, it's gotten much louder. I'm wondering if it's coming from an exhaust leak, or what I'm dreading it probably is

Here's a video of what I'm hearing. It's definitely on the right side when facing the motor from the front of the vehicle

 

[2000StreetRod]

exhaust leak?

I'm not very good with interpreting videos but it sounds more like an exhaust leak to me instead of timing chain rattle. You might try using a length of flexible hose with one end at your ear and then move the other end along the edge of the exhaust manifold gasket.

 

[Flash]

Hi there,
I have a 99 XLT that has rattled away quietly at idle for a while now.

You should just go ahead and replace the timing chain tensioners anyway before that idle rattle becomes much more expensive.

 

[andyboy13]

[MENTION=92913]StreetRod[/MENTION]
Thanks for the insight, that's actually what the old man was thinking as well. I'll see what I can find today.

[MENTION=27706]Flash[/MENTION]
Yea, but its a rust bucket with 295 000k's on her. There are rust holes in the body, a squeek on the front end, needs new winter tires etc.... I'm trying to decide if this is the straw that tips her over the edge

 

[koda2000]

a long screw driver (plastic end held to your ear) also works well to isolate a noise. i have a mechanic's stethoscope and i find the screw driver works better.

 

[Flash]

Yea, but its a rust bucket with 295 000k's on her. There are rust holes in the body, a squeek on the front end, needs new winter tires etc.... I'm trying to decide if this is the straw that tips her over the edge

I understand. But one day that timing chain will fail catastrophically and I think the chances of it happening in your driveway are very low.

 

[andyboy13]

[MENTION=27706]Flash[/MENTION]

Ha ha, true... If that's an exhaust leak, would that be the main problem, or do you think it's the timing chain rattle amplified due to the issue?


Edit:
Well uh oh....
I just went to drop my girlfriend off at work, and this is what decided to happen (luckily she just didn't want to walk in the cold)

 

[bluestream1]

You have far more than an exhaust leak there...At 295K she's given you her best years...

Edit: even in Kilometers thats not bad service...

Looks like one more Explorer into the boneyard...:-(

 

[andyboy13]

Yea, that's kinda what I was dreading, She owes me nothing. She was a gift with 270 000 on her, and in two years I have done oil changes, the front struts, and changed the rear axle seals (man that's worth it to do yourself $8 in parts vs a $500 quote). Kinda sad to see her go Any idea as to what that may be, same spot as the old video

 

[2000StreetRod]

park it and pull the valve cover

I suggest that you park it and pull the valve cover while it still runs. The SOHC V6 has infrequently thrown a camshaft follower (rocker arm).

 

[bluestream1]

I suggest that you park it and pull the valve cover while it still runs. The SOHC V6 has infrequently thrown a camshaft follower (rocker arm).

Yes, you may as well have a look and see what it is your are dealing with. I would be curious if one of your guides let go...