Noisy Lifter --- Which product is best for this problem?

[CDW6212R]

For a noisy lifter, you replace it with a new one, and this sounds like a minor valve cover noise, not perfectly quiet but not loud enough to worry about yet.

Given the SOHC valvetrain issues, I'd do the two external tensioners and hope the unseen plastic guides are okay. That's the best first step for most all SOHC engine noises. The washers for those tensioners are not magic, but absolutely required. There will be a big leak without one, but the old one can be used, it's just a flat sealing washer, the surfaces being clean and flat are most important.

If the noises are still notably loud after new tensioners, then the choices get more expensive and troublesome. Hopefully you won't need anything else for a while, but expect to be needing the chain cassettes soon enough.

BTW, when removing the front tensioner, do not touch the two sensors mounted in the thermostat housing. Those will leak if you disturb them, so don't push against them to loosen the tensioner, and don't loosen them at all. When they get disturbed, then you will have to replace the entire thermostat housing, so don't mess with those at all. Take it off as one assembly.

 

[floridacatfan]

Most of the Ford replacement parts are made in Europe as was the engine

 

[BTR]

Update on progress. 2000 Explorer XLT 4DR 2WD 4.0L V6 SOHC JOB 1 VIN E, 5-Speed Automatic O/D 5R55E, 149,000 miles.

Brief History
At first, I was only focused on the ticking valve. Why? Because I could hear it with my ear (no stethoscope required) and other than startup rattle, I didn't hear any other noises (because I never went underneath to listen). HOWEVER, after going underneath and listening, and using my mechanic’s stethoscope, I determined that I also have chain clatter (ever-so-slight). Thus, I have three noises:

1. Startup Rattle - Lasts about 1 second; it’s unclear whether it’s coming from the front, rear, or both chains.
2. Valve Ticking - Only 1 valve is ticking; it’s either #2 or #3.
3. Chain Clatter - Can be heard underneath at idle; does not occur under load at 2000-3500 RPM; stethoscope points to the rear chain being the most likely culprit.

First, I replaced the front timing chain tensioner and gasket. Ford Tensioner (gasket not included) (7U3Z-6K254-B). Ford Tensioner Gasket (XU2Z-6M252-AA). I drove it for about a month so I could evaluate the effect of the new parts. There was no change in startup rattle. There was no change in chain clatter.

Second, I replaced the rear timing chain tensioner and gasket. Ford Tensioner (gasket not included) (7U3Z-6K254-A). Ford Tensioner Gasket (XU2Z-6M252-AA). So far, I’ve evaluated it over a few days. The startup rattle seems to be less noisy. On subsequent hot starts after sitting for a short time, I’m not sure I even hear the startup rattle. There’s been no change in chain clatter.

 

[Stevenmccall417]

Update on progress. 2000 Explorer XLT 4DR 2WD 4.0L V6 SOHC JOB 1 VIN E, 5-Speed Automatic O/D 5R55E, 149,000 miles.

Brief History
At first, I was only focused on the ticking valve. Why? Because I could hear it with my ear (no stethoscope required) and other than startup rattle, I didn't hear any other noises (because I never went underneath to listen). HOWEVER, after going underneath and listening, and using my mechanic’s stethoscope, I determined that I also have chain clatter (ever-so-slight). Thus, I have three noises:

1. Startup Rattle - Lasts about 1 second; it’s unclear whether it’s coming from the front, rear, or both chains.
2. Valve Ticking - Only 1 valve is ticking; it’s either #2 or #3.
3. Chain Clatter - Can be heard underneath at idle; does not occur under load at 2000-3500 RPM; stethoscope points to the rear chain being the most likely culprit.

First, I replaced the front timing chain tensioner and gasket. Ford Tensioner (gasket not included) (7U3Z-6K254-B). Ford Tensioner Gasket (XU2Z-6M252-AA). I drove it for about a month so I could evaluate the effect of the new parts. There was no change in startup rattle. There was no change in chain clatter.

Second, I replaced the rear timing chain tensioner and gasket. Ford Tensioner (gasket not included) (7U3Z-6K254-A). Ford Tensioner Gasket (XU2Z-6M252-AA). So far, I’ve evaluated it over a few days. The startup rattle seems to be less noisy. On subsequent hot starts after sitting for a short time, I’m not sure I even hear the startup rattle. There’s been no change in chain clatter.

Chances are the chains and guides/tensioners all need to be replaced at the same time. 149k isn’t exactly low mileage.

 

[floridacatfan]

Put a pe-oiler on it and you can drive it a long time and not hear the startup rattle