loud Tapping noise

[Allan Hendrickson]

Hello, I have a 1999 6 cylinder ford explorer that is making a loud tapping sound from the top of the motor, spent a lot of money and not quite ready to give up on it, I was towing and without warning the car stalled, I could smell that it was running hot, however the car did not indicate that it had over heated but there was signs that it had released a small amount of hot coolant under pressure in the engine bay, I checked the oil and it was black like it had been burnt, I replaced the oil and filter, drained and replaced the coolant, It started and runs with no loss of power and no sign of leaks. 80 ks ago I had the motor pulled down and replaced the timing chain and the guides but this is a different sound and as it comes from the direct top I am thinking that someone may have an idea of what it is thats rattling.

 

[kryhavoc]

How long ago were the timing chains replaced? Did they replace all of them? Removing the engine is required to replace all of them... did they (or you) do that much work on it?

Loud tapping is usually part of the motors spinning parts, crank, pistons, cams, timing.

It might be a long shot.... but if you remove the belt from the front of the motor and run the engine is the sound still there?