Please tell me this is something small!

[97WHTXLT]

Ok, I noticed last week that I have a rattle in the engine area between 2700 rpm and about 3200 rpm. Below 2700 there is no noise. I'm hoping its not the timing chain. It was replaced by a professional about 4000 miles ago. Is there anything else I should check? Oh, its a 97 4.0 SOHC. Thanks!

 

[my98nnj]

It was replaced by a professional about 4000 miles ago.

Got a warranty with that job?

 

[97WHTXLT]

Should have. My dad had it done before he gave it to me. Think thats the problem?

 

[97WHTXLT]

Oh, I guess I should also say, I only notice it driving. If I rev up in park I don't hear anything.

 

[97WHTXLT]

Does anyone have ANY ideas about what this could be? It just sounds like its getting worse. About every 3 days the coolant overflow tank is empty, so I refill and then fill again in about 3 days. Theres no coolant dripping to the ground and its not smoking. Nothing (at least that I can see, ha) is wet or anything under the hood. I checked the radiator a few minutes ago and it was about an inch or inch and a half down from the top. This is driving me crazy! I have it parked in the garage and only drive it when I have to. Please help!

 

[97WHTXLT]

One more thing.....I've only noticed the sound when the engine is warm. I don't recall hearing it at all when cold.

 

[97WHTXLT]

Anybody?!

 

[JDraper]

If you're loosing coolant regularly and it's not leaking out, it's likely that your engine is consuming it..and that isn't a good thing. The rattle may be associated with that. I'd have either a pressure leakdown test done, or a tracer dye test done to see if the antifreeze is getting into the combustion chambers.

Without hearing the noise, it's going to be hard for someone to pinpoint a diagnosis.

 

[97WHTXLT]

I was just wondering about the water pump b/c my brother had a mountaineer that was doing the same thing with the coolant. He couldn't figure it out until one day when he was up under it working on something. From one small angle he could see coolant coming out from the bottom side of the water pump. It was a very small leak and would burn off or evaporate before it could leak to the ground or anything.

 

[Cobraguy]

Rattle could be something as simple as an exhaust shield loose or as serious as something in the motor loose. Since you are unsure of what is going on, I would highly recommend you take it to someone who is familiar with these engines and have them look at it for you before something VERY expensive happens.

 

[97WHTXLT]

Well, I messed with it over the weekend. I got under the hood and revved until about 2700 and heard the noise. When it was cold it didn't make any noise. When it idles hot or cold its quiet. But at normal operating temp at 2700 the noise starts. When looking at the front of the engine it sounds like its coming from the middle and right side of the engine. Also looked for any coolant leaks and didn't find any. Any ideas? I know I need to take it to a shop, but just haven't had time and figured I would just ask until I can take it. I always end up with the most mysterious problems!