chain-like noise

[falconace]

This message board is great, i haven't had a problem yet that hasnt been able to be solved by you guys. Most of the time, i just search, find my answer and fix it, but this time, I can't find anything when i search. I have 107k miles on my 97 4.- sohc. I had the cam tensioner recall done when i purchased the truck @ 84k, ford was nice enough to do it even though it was out of the recall mileage range. I think its the only nice thing ford has ever done for me. About 2 weeks ago, when I would start my truck, I would hear a chain like noise. It doesnt really have the diesel sound like many describe. I had that sound when i got the truck. It sounds like a chain that is kinda loose. I have been searching on this board but havent found a problem similar to mine. Today i went by my mechanic and he said that my serpentine (sp) belt was kinda worn and that i should also replace the tensioner on that as it was worn out. He said that he heard noise coming from that belt and thinks that replacing that might fix the problem although he isnt sure as he said he also heard some other noises that he wasnt sure of their exact cause. He recommends changing the belt and going from there. He said he hasnt seen an explorer have problems after the recall. Has anyone had similiar problems? Anyone think they know what it is? Any help at all is greatly appreciated. I know and trust my mechanic and dont think he is ripping me off with the belt. When he told me about the belt, he showed me mine and then we went to the back and he showed me a new one and mine is definately worn.

 

[SteveVB]

Cat heat sheilds?

Might want to check the heat sheilds around the cats and the mufflers- the small tabs rust through and they get loose and rattle- could sound like a chain.

I change my serp belt every 50k, if its been that long or its showing wear, go ahead and change it- the belts and idler pulley wontg be that much- $50 in parts maybe.

Good Luck.

 

[falconace]

thanks

Thanks for you quick reply!
the noise is definately coming from the engine though and is louder after the truck has sat for a few min before restarting and even more loud in the morning. It sounds kinda like it is coming from the bottom front of the engine.

 

[Majisto]

Yep replace the serpentine belt. My Taurus is doing the same thing right now. Go buy some belt dresser (STP makes it) and spray it on the serpentine belt. It should stop the noise until you can get a new one.

 

[maxvelocity]

Is it a rattling noise right in front of the engine? My 2000 has had the same problem since i got it. I think the cam chain is rattling. I took it to a Ford dealer to have the recall work done, and they said it had already been performed. I wonder if the problem occurred after the mechanics got their hand on it. Runs fine. I guess i'll wait until it becomes a problem to get it fixed.

 

[A Quiet Boom]

Take the belt off the truck, if the noise goes away it's either the belt or one of the accessories. If the noise doesn't go away the you may have a more serious problem. While I'm familiar with a lot of engines I haven't had one of these apart yet to know much about them but a loose timing chain is never a good thing, if the noise is still there with the belt off I'd take it back to the dealer that did the recall work and have them perform the same test. It's very possible that something was done improperly during the recall work or there is something wrong with the cam drive system. There could be a badly worn or missing chain guide, broken chain tensioner, etc. and I'm guessing it will only get worse. On some engines if the timing chain/belt jumps a tooth or breaks the valves will hit the pistons which requires a total rebuild, in other words get it fixed ASAP. BTW all you need to take the belt off is a 3/8 rachet, there's a square hole in the tensioner that you put the rachet into and push to loosen the belt enough to get it off, putting it back on is just as simple.

 

[maxvelocity]

Get your transmision checked out. my trans. went out on me over christmas. The rattling noise was "debris" in the transmission. By debris i mean metal pieces from one of the internal solenoids. they're putting in a rebuilt.:redexp: