Issues! My baby is making a horrible noise

[kindian]

Hello. My name is Jay. I'm new to the boards and not all that knowledgable about cars but my baby is making a horrific noise. When you start the explorer it sounds like something is loose , rattling, and grinding all in one. Once the rpm's get up over 1,000 to 1,500 it seems to go away. This is a 1995 Explorer XLT 4.0L V6. Sounds like its coming from the front end somewhere around the bell housing. any Suggestions? Is it Fixable by someone without much auto mechanics know how? What might be the approximate cost for a garage to fix it? with this being so close to christmas and my only vehicle kinda on a budget.

Thanks
Jay from PA

 

[zonianbrat]

Do you have the SOHC V-6? If so you might have the dreaded timing chain tensioner rattle problem these engines seem to be prone to. Unfortunately if you do it might require you to pull th engine to fix it. I think the front can be done without taking the motor out but I there is a chain in the back of the motor too.

 

[Spdrcer34]

eBay has a 'kit' to replace all the chains, followers, and guides for the SOHC.

Ryan

 

[Turdle]

Umm
wouldn't a 95 be OHV?

I would first try changing the oil to a lower viscosity for winter,

I think the lifters are complaining about being dry-from the way you describe it

 

[kindian]

ughh

its a v6 4.0l ohv w/ 4 wd. Could this be the flywheel? it just doesnt seem like it to me, but a small repair shop near me says thats the problem. I'm not sure how i could check it for myself to make sure. Somedays when i leave in the a.m. it is fine and makes no noise but other times after its been ran awhile it wont go away(the noise).