knocking sound at idle?

[surreyford]

I have a knocking sound at idle that sounds like its coming from inside the motor. I have no idea what this could be. timing chain? something broken?
Please help guys....?

Adam

 

[jimbo74]

if its the sohc its probably the cam chain tensioners

 

[surreyford]

ok,

well thats a good start, how do i check if I have the OHV?

 

[jimbo74]

pop the hood, the plastic cover on the sohc normally says sohc on it

 

[surreyford]

hey thanks..

btw, my airbag light keeps flashing the code 3-6. i have tried blowing in the caps, doesnt do anything. anyhelp?

 

[TPLYNCH]

If you have the OHV engine, and it sounds like marbles in a tin can, then that is normal. It's the wrist pins. Mines has done it forever, and have nearly 140K on the engine now...

 

[nascar_intimid]

If you have the OHV engine, and it sounds like marbles in a tin can, then that is normal. It's the wrist pins. Mines has done it forever, and have nearly 140K on the engine now...

there is no way that sound is normal, I don't care if you have 500k on it. wrist pin slots are round and if they make a noise it's because they are wearing into an egg shape and with time the excessive slapping the pin does on the slot it will crack it and pop there you through a connecting rod. all you can do is be ginger with the engine until it warms up and try using a thicker oil additive, such as STP to cushion the slapping

 

[Heavymentill]

OHV's are famous for worn rocker arms. Check this site out Dead Link Removed

 

[VOATMJ1]

Originally Posted by TPLYNCH
If you have the OHV engine, and it sounds like marbles in a tin can, then that is normal. It's the wrist pins. Mines has done it forever, and have nearly 140K on the engine now...

there is no way that sound is normal, I don't care if you have 500k on it. wrist pin slots are round and if they make a noise it's because they are wearing into an egg shape and with time the excessive slapping the pin does on the slot it will crack it and pop there you through a connecting rod. all you can do is be ginger with the engine until it warms up and try using a thicker oil additive, such as STP to cushion the slapping

Acutally, TPLYNCH is correct, this sound IS normal for the OHV engine. My 00 Sport displayed this sound at 15,000 miles, and my Ford dealer actually called Ford, and they sent them a TSB sying the this "marbling" sound is normal in the OHV engine. Not sure if it is the wrist pins or not, as they did not specify what causes this sound. The dealer recommended changing over to synthetic oil. I had Mobil1 put in, and in less than half a day, the sound went away and I have not heard it since. I now have 53,000 miles on the clock, and the engine is still quiet, even in the garage, and have used Mobil1 ever since! So if this sound is bothering you, try a good synthetic oil, and see if that helps. It did mine.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Thanks Voatmj1.

Ford redesigned the wrist pins in '98 or '99 to improve the emissions. Side effect of the redesign is the infamous Marbles in a Tin Can rattle. A lot of Ranger owners have/had the problem (since the ranger did not get the SOHC engine when the Explorer did).