Am I just paranoid?

[RedEB]

I just had my 97 XLT SOHC get the newly designed rear and front can tensioners and cassettes and my engine is working great, but the original parts were not broken (which was weird because it would make a chain-like noise at times). After getting the vehicle fixed, it will still occassionally make the same noise and I am wondering if I am just hearing things or if I am going insane. WHile I was at it, the O-ring intake manifolds were also replaced, yet sometimes when I start her up in the luke warm stage, the vehicle will go down to ~300 RPM when shifting into drive. COuld it be the IAC? Temperature sensor?
Or am I just paranoid?

 

[TPLYNCH]

These engines are always making some kind of noise. You've done what you can, just gotta let it ride.... I'd try cleaning or replacing the IAC for the lingering idle issue.

 

[TTG]

Paranoid is me. I ran out in a terrible thunderstorm with 35+ mph winds and horizontal rain to make sure the bag on the side of my truck was still on and tape it down better. In the end no water got in though. ourse I am a little too ussed to all these hurricanes down here, so that storm was nothing.

 

[RedEB]

You guys are right, but one can get pretty paranoid by reading some of these posts!
I called the service guy (I didn't do the rear tensioner even though it would have save me mucho cash ) and he said that he didn't replace the rear because it looked perfect. He replaced the bushings, etc... but he said it looked just like new so there was no reason to charge me for that repair. Uh oh, more paranoia setting in.
I think you're right, it might be time to clean the IAC. The MAF is freshly cleaned so I wouldn't think that would be it. I'm wondering if it has to do with my gearing. 3.55 and 31's aren't the perfect match, especially in areas with steep inclines and twisty turny roads. I'm thinking of going to 4.10s to preserve my tranny but the cost is pretty steep. Anybody know where to get cheap 4.10s??

 

[jimbo74]

didnt change the rear because it looked good..... you know thats going to be the first part to fail......

 

[RedEB]

^^^^^^^^^
Absolutely right. So I'm wondering, should I go back there and raise some hell or should I take his word for it. He has always been great and very honest, but I would hate to lose my engine over it. But then again, my engine does not make a chain rattle or diesel sound at all in idle or normal operation. It is just under heavy load, like accelerating hard on a steep incline that I hear sounds. Could be the gearing issue... (that's my excuse, then my wife can't blame me. )

 

[762mm]

I've had the exactly same procedure performed on my SHOC for the cam tensioners and timing belt tensioners a few months ago (on warranty) and Ford has also said that the rear tensioner was inspected, but not changed.

The truck is running much better now (without the terrible rattling noise it had before, and the diesel-like sounds), but sometimes will rattle just a bit when in idle... I noticed that they got an exhaust pipe partially disconnected after they pulled the engine out though (just where it enters the catalytic converter), and by stuffing some aluminum foil in there to fill the space in the connection, I greatly reduced the odd rattling (temporary fix). They also stated on the repair report that they had trouble with exhaust tubes near the engine, and had to cut a bolt or two to get them off, therefore I think that's the probable cause of my remaining rattles. I can't say I'm not a bit paranoid myself though... I guess time will tell.

 

[RedEB]

It sounds like you have the exact same symptoms I do. I don't have a diesel sound, nor any loud horrible chain rattle but just some little rattle noise at idle once in a while. I'm thinking that I should let well enough alone and try your aluminum foil to see if that is the problem.
Until then, I'm installing some 4.10s!!!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

RedEB - It's kind of hard to find cheap ring and pinions. Cause you do not want to get some walmart brand that will break, warp, etc. Anything driveline related, I would not go cheap on. You don't have to go over excessive either, but a good gear set will make you much happier. Richmond Gear makes gears for the 8.8" and so does Yukon and Precision Gear. Just search on Jegs, Summit Racing, and other stores for prices.

-Drew

 

[RedEB]

Couldn't agree with you more! I bought Richmond gears from Summit and they look like great gears. I can still exchange them with FordRacing gears, but I would be willing to bet they are both great gears.
How long did it take to have the gears installed? I will not install them myself because it looks like one tough job, but I was just wondering how long it will take them.

 

[off-road97Xplor]

I'm thinking of getting 4.10's from Ford Racing. RedEB- how much were your Richmond gears? The FR's are $199.00

 

[RedEB]

I paid 186 (about, plus or minus some change) for each set. They are beautiful gears!!! I saw the FordRacing ones there as well, and they are gorgeous.
But, the guy at Summit said that they only fit the rear, not the front. I'm confused about this because he also said this about the FordRacing ones as well and I think he might be wrong about this. Anyone know for sure? I bought two just in case they do work, but I would hate to discover that they don't work.

 

[xlt97]

ive been hearing diesel like sounds and a chain sound when i start it after it is warmed up. it stoppes after a little while, but i rarely ever hear it while im driving. if anyone has something specific that fixed this problem, let me know. thanks alot.

 

[Charlie wood]

So I'm new here, picked up a 97 explorer EB SOHC over 230k. I've herd a lot of noise, but have corrected most. Shocks, breaks the standard. I still listen for small bumps or anything else to try and stay ahead. Glad to know I'm not the only one.