Diesel Engine Type Rattling When Idling??

[130K_Explorer]

Hi,

My 1995 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is making a loud rattling sound when idling or at slow speeds. It stops when the truck is accellerated a little and doesn't do it at all on the highway.

Muffler, Catalytic Converter, & all exhaust issues have been completely ruled out by several mechanics.

I crawled under the vehicle and really listened. It's coming from directly under the engine, possibly under the driver's side front tire.

The transmission is shifting fine. The vehicle seems to enter 4WD OK. As a matter of fact, the location of the transfer case was pointed out to me by a mechanic and the noise isn't coming from there.

If anybody knows what the heck is going on, please feel free to enlighten me! I need all the help I can get. (before the wife makes me go out and buy a new Expedition!). Thanks.

 

[cherrybomb]

I had a very similar experience with my 89' Honda.. This happened after I had run the car (hard) with very little oil in it.. Oops.

Turned out I scored, and spun a rod bearing.

To test for "rod knock".. Run the engine, and using well insulated pliers, pull a spark plug wire, and return it.

If the knocking stops when you remove one of the wires, that's the cylinder that has bearing problems.

I don't see why this would have happened unless you had oil delivery problems, or over reved the motor though.

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

maybe piston slap?

 

[explorer72]

Well mine does that a little but its because I have the SOHC motor and its the age old 'cam chain tensioner' issue. But with yours being a 95 I don't think that would be it since they didn't have the SOHC until 97.

 

[130K_Explorer]

Vehicle May Be Terminal

I took the truck to a mechanic, who said I needed to take it to the dealership to find out what the noise was.

The dealership guy (who, of course, I don't trust any farther than I can throw him) said It'd cost $1,000.00 just to get to the bell housing to check for a suspected cracked flywheel. If it is, I was quoted $1,500.00 to fix the whole thing. BTW: this diagnosis just cost me $100.00. :fire:

Man, I think that's it for this machine. I don't want to spend another dime on it....unless one of you wild & crazy Explorer experts can diagnose this never-before-heard-of-in-the-universe knocking sound.

I overheard one mechanic talking to another and he said he didn't think it's the flywheel because It'd be running worse.

I don't know what to think. Any suggestions before I cave into what the wife wants to do? (that would be buy a newer Expedition) :fire:

 

[130K_Explorer]

Oh, BTW: I have changed the oil religiously every 3,000 miles & always kept it at the proper level. The thing was never over-revved.

 

[healy]

oil pump

I was told it may be the oil pump gears. that they are chatering at a low rpm
I am going to try puting in a new pump next week. I will let you know if it fixes it.
If anybody has had this problem please let me know before I start this fun project.

 

[dogfriend]

I had the diesel engine noise on a 4 cyl engine with over 100K+....It was caused by the timing chain, so more precisely, the timing chain slapping the inside of the case. This can happen if the tensioner fails or if the timing chain has stretched.

 

[healy]

thanks

hey thanks for the tip ford sells a kit that runs $48.00 so I am going to try that first