Rear timing chain rattle?

[Ryon40]

I have searched this a long time ago and just recently, I thought I found everything out but I always find new things. First off I have a 1998 Explorer Sport 4.0 SOHC V6 but the engine is from a 99, I have a rattle sounds like its from the rear of the engine, it rattles ALL the time not just between certain rpms. There are times when it will get quiet but even when the engine is warm and has been running it will do it from time to time. It especially likes to do it when I accelerate.

Im fairly certain its the rear chain just wondering if anyone had any info on what tsb kit I would need, or if I have a totally different problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks alot

 

[Ryon40]

Guess not?

 

[BigDakota]

Call a Ford Dealership and ask them about it.

 

[eagles350]

Mine was making noise all the time like yours & it turned out the whole guide was gone. The only thing holding the chain was the guide mounting bolt. After pulling the engine I found the main chain tensioner was broken also even though it didn't make any noise.

I bought an entire kit & plan on replacing all the timing components. this way I'm not going to worry about for another 130k. I bought the Cloyes kit for about $ 400. I don't know what the ford kits cost.

 

[Ryon40]

Mine was making noise all the time like yours & it turned out the whole guide was gone. The only thing holding the chain was the guide mounting bolt. After pulling the engine I found the main chain tensioner was broken also even though it didn't make any noise.

I bought an entire kit & plan on replacing all the timing components. this way I'm not going to worry about for another 130k. I bought the Cloyes kit for about $ 400. I don't know what the ford kits cost.

Awesome so I take it engine removal is needed?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Remove the valve cover

The only reliable way to determine if the guide assembly is broken is to remove the valve cover and visually inspect. And yes, in order to replace the guide assembly the flexplate/flywheel must be removed. That means either pulling the engine or the transmission.

According to a Cloyes engineer I corresponded with, their timing chain kits incorporate the same timing guide assemblies as Ford's. Some members have purchased the imported kits on eBay and been very disappointed with the guide assemblies.

Your primary timing chain tensioner has probably also failed. The tensioner has been significantly improved and if you remove the engine I suggest that you replace it.

You may find the following threads of interest:

Rear Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement

SOHC V6 Camshaft Timing

SOHC V6 Engine Removal Procedure

SOHC V6 Timing Chain Saga