rattling noise near or around engine?

[deiana]

After my parents came home from shopping my truck has been making this rattling sound. The sound seems as if it is coming from the engine or surrounding areas. I have had two people look at it and I was told that "something was hitting a piece of plastic" or i need a new engine. To me it seems as if the engine is running well. I rarely drive my car since I work in the city. The rattling noise reminds me of sticking a plastic spoon in a fan. Also I recently had my oil, filter and coolant changed. I don't know if the matters though. I have 103687 miles on my truck.

 

[my98nnj]

Which engine is in the truck?
If you have the SOHC motor it may very will be the famous timing chain issue.

 

[deiana]

4.0L SOHC. How much does it cost to get the timing chain replaced/fixed.

 

[my98nnj]

There are three chains on that motor, two up front and one in the rear.
Price will depend on the shop, and the work that actually needs to be done.
It might be just the front main chain.

Here is a really good thread about it that you should read.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163298