Dreaded rattle

[2001ExpSport]

Been years since I posted, but here I go.

I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but when it comes to the engine/trans I tend to leave it to the pros.

When I start it up I get the rattle like marbles whether the engine is warm or cold. One time out of ten it will start up normally without one bit of noise at all. Most of the time it will, so I am curious as to what may be going on.

You can here it siting in the truck stationary, but it's not loud enough to hear it while driving.

When I am standing over the engine and playing with the throttle, the engine sounds fine w/out any odd noises.

When I lay under the truck while it is running the rattling is prominent and obvious.

The sound is like marbles in a paint can. When I put it in drive it sounds like the marbles are now being ground up.

2001 Exp Sport, 170k

One shop told me timing chain tensioner and one shop told me bottom end. One shop told me the motor has to be pulled to replace the timing chain, one shop said it doesn't.

What do you think guys? I will get a video of it here in a sec.

 

[Rick]

I'm thinking something simple... Possibly the ole' rattling heat shield on the exhaust thing??? The welds crack on the heat shields causing them to make rattling noises at various times.

Good to see you back!

 

[2001ExpSport]

Hey Rick!!

Can't drive by your rents place without thinking of Great Explorations. Missed it so much I moved back to Glencoe.

It's been rattling for years and just recently got much worse. Typical, went down to get a video and she behaved as expected. I will post it anyway and get a another video later when she acts up. I have done nothing to the motor(besides routine maint) since I bought it brand new in March of 2000. Not bad if you ask me.

I'll check the heat shield when it stops raining.