nybes
New Member
- Joined
- September 22, 2002
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- New Bern, NC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1996 XLT V8
A couple of months ago a squeak started at the front of the engine very similar to belt squeaking. The Explorer: Stock 1996 XLT, 5.0 V8, Towing Pkg, 90,000 miles. I changed the belt again(changed about 60K miles) but noise persisted. Seemed to come from center of front of engine. I changed idler pulley at center top above water pump. Noise unchanged. I assumed it was water pump and brought it to mechanic. He guessed water pump also and ordered a new one. But before he R&Red, he started engine without the belt on. Noise persisted! So he removed the harmonic balancer/pulley and the inner rubber material appeared dried and disintegrating. He ordered and installed new pulley/balancer and started engine without belt. Noise still there. At this point I said wait and let me check with this board. I'm worried that it is coming from the timing chain. The squeak is intermitent, worst when first started and can sometimes be quite loud. I'm inclined to put it back together and live with it. HELP.
Nybes
Nybes