New Member Here and Man is my 04 4.6 Knocking and Rattling!

[hambonesbrigade]

Hi! New member and trying to find out what is making my parents, well now mine since they bought a '17 sport and think they are all cool!
The vehicle has 139K miles and is in such good shape it will be a bummer if it needs a new motor and parted out. Any thoughts? And yes, I will be searching through the threads but at first glance, it will take some time. Did notice the dealer broke the oil stem (What is that thing anyways? Just waiting to break off.) and the plastic clips broke off falling in the motor sure that doesn't help.


Cheers!

 

[fordysenior]

My 1999 F150 4.6L did some knocking and rattling -- it turned out the spark plugs were backing themselves out. Apparently, it's a common problem with the pickup, but I haven't had it with the Explorer. AND, I have no idea what a "oil stem" is.

 

[imp]

My 1999 F150 4.6L did some knocking and rattling -- it turned out the spark plugs were backing themselves out. Apparently, it's a common problem with the pickup, but I haven't had it with the Explorer. AND, I have no idea what a "oil stem" is.

@fordysenior
Oil Stems are the first things to be broken when using left-handed wrenches. imp

 

[Number4]

I'm not sure what the oil stems are in the 4.6l. Which plastic clips? Do you have the valve covers or timing cover off?

Broken timing chain guides can make knocking noises that sound like rods.

Don't drive the vehicle, pull the passenger valve cover (most common side for going out) and see if the chains have slack. Let it sit over night before doing so. If need be, check the other side.

 

[hambonesbrigade]

I'm not sure what the oil stems are in the 4.6l. Which plastic clips? Do you have the valve covers or timing cover off?

Broken timing chain guides can make knocking noises that sound like rods.

Don't drive the vehicle, pull the passenger valve cover (most common side for going out) and see if the chains have slack. Let it sit over night before doing so. If need be, check the other side.

Yah, The rattle almost sounds from the cat, its weird. I haven't opened it up yet..hoping not to or finding someone in OC, CA that does explorers. Thanks for the suggestion!