Belt tensioner noise.

[Explorer93RDB]

I have been looking at 2 98 xporer Sports with the 4.0 SOHC at start up it seems like a Bad lifter clatter but the auto sales guy claims it is the belt tensioner on the Overhead cams.. could he be right or is the saleman BS. I really like the car since my 4 door deville is dying :roll: and I am hopping he will take it for a trade..

 

[dogfriend]

I have been looking at 2 98 xporer Sports with the 4.0 SOHC at start up it seems like a Bad lifter clatter but the auto sales guy claims it is the belt tensioner on the Overhead cams.. could he be right or is the saleman BS. I really like the car since my 4 door deville is dying :roll: and I am hopping he will take it for a trade..

How do you know when a used car salesman is lying?










When his lips are moving.


The SOHC has timing chains, not belts.
The SOHC engines are known for timing chain issues. In fact, there was a service campaign to fix the early models. So, it could be a timing chain clatter.

 

[aldive]

How do you know when a used car salesman is lying?










When his lips are moving.

.

So true.

 

[Explorer93RDB]

Shame on you guys in my 60 years I almost met one who could have told the truth, but this was his first day as a salesman . MEANwhile.. the noise only last about 2 to 3 Seconds. I"m thinking oil leak down , but it sounds Bad tappet type noise then metal to metal.. then nothing engine don't smoke and sounds tight with 125 Grand miles...

 

[97greenmonster]

Yes, what happens is when the motor is sitting the oil drains out of the tensioner beccause they didnt make a big enough hole or something along those lines. but the oil drips down back into the pan causing the tensioner to run at start up for those 2-3 seconds with out lubracation. i would have the dealer replace it at his cost or lower the value of the truck so you can afford to fix it. its about a 800-1800 dollar job. if the tensioner does fail, you can bend a valve, etc. so i would get it replaced. mine has 140000 and rattles on start up, but im to poor to fix it, and i was just planning on it getting me through school, then i was gonna mod the hell outta it. you own an ex so you know the reliability and if you can do it yourself you need to pull the motor to get to the back on. but its doable. good luck!!

 

[axiom]

My 01 Sport makes that noise at startup for about a second and then goes away. My dad's had it in his work for a mechanic to look at about twice but as far as he's been able to tell it's nothing to worry about and just something the SOHC engines do sometimes. I wouldn't let that ruin your interest, the trucks are fine other than the typical SOHC issues.

 

[Explorer93RDB]

Thanks Guys he's fixing the white one but I want the Green one so I can put on my Miami Hurricane tag.. lol yep I can surely fix it later if need be , maybe I can get him to cut the price...

 

[97greenmonster]

You should. Y pay full price for something thats not 100% right.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Get him to either fix it, or get a quote on repair and deduct that from sale price.

 

[Explorer93RDB]

Thanks Guys I might just do that...

 

[97greenmonster]

Let us know. good luck! its a great motor, i love mine!

 

[Space Truckin']

Do not underestimate this problem. Mine made noise for 18 months. It ran fine up until the day it died. It can be very expensive to fix. Make sure this one is fixed correctly before you buy it or find another one. There are many more green Explorers out there.