Oil drive? '96 4.0L Explorer squealing like crazy!

[jswilson64]

My '96 XLT (2wd, 4.0 L, auto) has started squealing like a stuck pig. It was kind of humorous the first time - my kids bailed out of the car like it was going to explode. But it's getting on my nerves. I took it to a local shop, the first guy diagnosed it as the belt tensioner. I was going to do that myself, when the fuel pump died the very next day (hmmm) and had it towed to the same shop. Another service tech said the squealing isn't the belt tensioner, it's the "oil drive," whatever that is. He said it'd probably have to go back to the dealer for a fix.

So, what's the oil drive? Is it DIY-able? I've replaced radiators, swapped in new brake pads/shoes, replaced water pumps, that kind of thing. And how long can I let it squeal like this (I drive it about 20 miles a day, commuting on surface streets) before it explodes?

 

[cybergasm]

A typical "oil drive " is usaully a hex shaped rod that between the oil pump and the distributor. but on the 4.0's i have no idea how Ford setup the oiling system since there no distributor per se. But if it's making noise inside the engine then it can not be good. And only a matter of time before something really bad happens.

And don't worry about the fuel pump dieing it in the tank and was not related to anything else going on this squealing noise issue.

But looking at your post i would still think it's either the belt tensioner or the idler pully that probably making the noise

 

[manaen]

It could also be the water pump bearings, or the fan clutch. the fact is there are many things connected to the serp belt that could start squeeling "like a stuck pig" as you say

 

[jswilson64]

It could also be the water pump bearings, or the fan clutch. the fact is there are many things connected to the serp belt that could start squeeling "like a stuck pig" as you say

The second tech said it sounded like the squeal was coming from the rear of the engine, that's what led him to think it's the oil drive. I guess it couldn't hurt to replace the belt & tensioner, fan clutch - the car has almost 160k on it, it's probably time...

 

[rwenzing]

If it is a 4.0L OHV (not SOHC), then there is a gear drive to the Camshaft Position Sensor where the distributor was on an earlier version of the engine. The gear drive is called the Synchronizer and can begin to squeak or squeal as the miles accumulate. If left that way too long, it can sieze and/or the gear teeth can self destruct.

The even worse news is that the Synchronizer also drives the oil pump. If the Synchronizer fails, the oil pump stops turning and the engine will seize shortly afterward.

Get a positive diagnosis and, if it is the Synchronizer, replace it immediately.

As long as the cam gear teeth are still OK, you can easily replace the Synchronizer without any base engine disassembly. However, the CMP does need to be correctly timed to the camshaft. Dealers have a special alignment tool for this.

 

[jswilson64]

Thanks!

On another note - how do I get a thread moved? I just realized this is in the "Modified" forum, should be in the "stock" forum...