Front of engine noise

[a_leggio]

Hey guys I have a 99 4.0L SOHC with 87,x.. miles on it. Just lately there is kinda a "tick" noise in what I believe to be the front of the engine...my dad is overseas right now so he can't help me at the moment so I was hoping you guys could. I am fearful its the timing chain, but hoping it is not, could it be the alternator, or need a new belt?

It sounds nothing like that...its just kinda a "tick" its so hard to describe but I am just kinda paranoid right now....lol

Thanks for your help!!

 

[1AJeremyD]

Whatever that is, its not good. From what I know about explorers sounds like it might be the timing chain rattle. Might want to bring it in to find out whats going on and go from there.

 

[my98nnj]

Remove the drive belt, it's easy just use a ratchet and move the tensioner out of the way, then slide the belt off the pullies. With that done, start the engine but don't let it idle to long as the water pump will not be working. A few minutes at best is all you need.

If the noise is gone, then it's most likely a bearing on one of the belt pullies, spin them by hand to locate the defective device.

If the noise is still there when the belt off, then it's internal engine noise - not good and most likely a timing chain tensioner has failed.

 

[a_leggio]

Very good!! Thank you very much!! I will definitely tackle that tonight!!

 

[OneLever]

Oh dear. Did this just start happening? Or has it progressively been getting worse.

 

[a_leggio]

Just started hearing it....I started it up this morning and it was present as I was letting it warm up before I left for class....when I got to school I got out and I could not hear anything. Hoping it is a belt pulley like my98nnj said. Praying for the best...lol

 

[ThePhoenix]

sounds like bearings....i wouldnt drive it

 

[mercymountaineer]

timing chain slapping around in its cover thats what it sounds like to me

 

[2000StreetRod]

Broken guide assembly

Unfortunately, I'm very familiar with that sound. One of the upper timing chain guide assemblies is broken allowing slack in the chain which is hitting something metal in the head. It is very difficult to determine by listening if it is the front (left) or rear (right) guide since internal engine sounds echo all over. I used a piece of rubber hose, a piece of PVC tubing and a mechanic's stethoscope to try and isolate my sound source. I decided it was in the front but upon inspection it turned out to be in the rear. The only way to find out for sure is to remove the valve covers. SOHC V6 Timing Chain Inspection & Repair

If it turns out to be the right guide the engine must be pulled to replace the guide assembly. SOHC V6 Engine Removal Procedure

If it's the left guide the front timing cover must be removed but not the engine.