Buying a used 2002 Monty V8 . Need 2nd opinion to a potential problem

[explorerfriend]

Hello. So i have a 95 x and love it. my dad is looking for a new car so i showed him to the Mountaineer.

It is a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer 4.6 liter V8 2WD and 91,000 miles. we just went to go test drive it and it is an amazing suv. Just one problem...

During idle and below 1500-2000 rpm there is a clatter or rattle. When accelerating above that it will go away. i have read that it could be spark plugs or wires, or a pully. I also read it might be a timing chain tensioner (does the v8 have one?). i wanted to ask some of you all what you think this problem could be. We are going to get it checked out by our mechanic soon, but i would like to go to him with some possible causes to the problem.

I really want him to buy this car. i love it to death. but am just hoping the problem is something simple and cheap. ANy Ideas???

thanks!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Most timing chain driven engines have chain tensioners (have to, no other way to keep those things tight). Anyhow, the V8s aren't known for the tensoner problem, but it possibly could be. Also idler pulleys and belt tensioners are a good place to start. Spark plugs and wires won't give you a rattle - usually just a misfire or arching (electrical issue). Hope that helps

-Drew