Chain Guides VS. Tensioners and O-rings Noise

[twooverpar]

First, I have tried searching but cannot find a specific answer to my question. Here it is: Can someone please describe the difference between the noise made when the guides break and when the tensioners and/or O-rings need to be replaced?


I have had my ex in to the dealer 2 times because it rattles a bit at cold start up 99% of the time (Quits when engine is warm) but the both (different) dealers say they cannot replicate the noise. I even left it overnight once. The previous owner had the tensioners and O-rings done before I bought the truck. The chain guides have not been done. I have 71,200 miles on the truck.

 

[twooverpar]

C'mon no one can help me????

 

[Robert]

Sometimes you have to give it more than 45 minutes if you expect a reply.

The noise you describe is classic symptoms of failed tensioners. When the tensioners get noisy, the noise will only be on start up and will go away within a couple of minutes at the most. When the chain guides fail, it will be very loud and the noise does not go away after the engine warms up. Has Ford documented that they replaced your tensioners already? As a minimum, I would try a different dealer. Mine (which is about as bad as they come) had no problem taking my word for it when I told them that mine rattles every once in a while when I start it up. They had seen so many that they didn't even bother to diagnose it. Try a Lincoln/Mercury dealer instead of a Ford dealer. They tend to provide better service.

 

[twooverpar]

Sorry--I just got antsy I guess. I will control my patience. Thanks for the response Robert. Yes the tensioners have been done (In 2001). I think they need to be done again, but both the Ford Dealer and the Lincoln/Mercury dealer (Where it is right now) will not "just throw new parts in without diagnosing the problem". I think part of the issue is that they don't see as many problems with these parts because we don't get a ton of cold weather in the Northwest. There inability to fix the problem is really beginning to piss me off though. I am at a loss for what to do. I even got one of the service reps to hear the sound at the ford dealership and document it in the computer, but when I took it back in, they wouldn't do any work "because the technician needs to hear and diagnose it" RUNAROUND is what I am getting.

 

[Robert]

Well the weather doesn't have anything to do with it. I can guarantee you get colder in the Northwest than we do here in Phoenix, AZ. Try calling Ford's customer care number and explain it to them. The number is on their web-site. Maybe tell the dealer not to start it up until you get up there. That way you will know if the problem is happening and they just aren't hearing it. I see their point too though. If they are starting it under the conditions that should cause the noise and the noise just aint happening, they really don't have anything to fix. On the other hand though if the Service Advisor heard the noise, if the dealership was worth the space it occupies they would go ahead and replace the tensioners again since they will be paid for the repairs by Ford. That would go a long ways towards satisfying the customer.

If it were mine, I would ask them to park it in a secured area and I would be up there every morning when they opened for the next few days to start it for them. That is probably the only way you will get it covered by Ford without taking it to another dealer.

 

[jazz_master221]

galpin ford told me that the cold start is normal ...it should quiet down in less then a minuet ..if it doesn't then it is cause for concern.....my X make's the noise if i let it sit for a week with out starting it sometimes...it goes away in about 2 seconds or less..i have another 10 months on my extended warranty so i'm going to wait for it to get worse or pay the 75 bucks they want to check it..so i'm going to wait, if they don't do it under my extended warranty i'll replace it my self.......but before my warranty expires i will psy them to check out the timing chain and tensioner....keep us posted on your's...p.s see the post by mikeh on changing the o rings and tensioner

 

[mikeh]

Here is a link to my thread.

Dead Link Removed

Common problem in cold weather. You shouldn't hear the noise after the recall has been done properly. My guess is that they either forgot the plastic dipstick insersion or forgot the tensioner when they did the O-rings.

I would also try parking it at the dealer then go out there the next morning with the service manager. If it acts up for more than about 20 seconds I would have them fix the problem.

Good Luck,
mikeh