Strange Engine noise

[rcdriver11]

I am looking at a 2002 Mountaineer to purchase. I really like the vehicle and want to buy it, but I have 1 thing holding me back.
It is 2002 with 94000 miles body and interior in immaculate condition.
The problem is at idle in park, there is a slight growling noise from under the front end. Sounds to me like a bearing noise. But I can't tell if it is coming from inside the motor or from a pulley on the front of the motor. I'm hoping it's an idler pulley, or at worst maybe the A/C compressor.
Anyone have any experience with this or advise for me to decide which way to go.
Like I said, I really want to buy this vehicle, I've been looking for a vehicle for several weeks and this is the only one I have liked.

Thanks for any help or guidance

 

[Exproblems]

I am looking at a 2002 Mountaineer to purchase. I really like the vehicle and want to buy it, but I have 1 thing holding me back.
It is 2002 with 94000 miles body and interior in immaculate condition.
The problem is at idle in park, there is a slight growling noise from under the front end. Sounds to me like a bearing noise. But I can't tell if it is coming from inside the motor or from a pulley on the front of the motor. I'm hoping it's an idler pulley, or at worst maybe the A/C compressor.
Anyone have any experience with this or advise for me to decide which way to go.
Like I said, I really want to buy this vehicle, I've been looking for a vehicle for several weeks and this is the only one I have liked.

Thanks for any help or guidance

Try using a "mechanics stethoscope" to determine where the growling noise is coming from. You can buy them at most any parts store. You can also try holding one end of a flat head screwdriver up against the part you want to check and place you ear against the other end and try to listen to the sounds. Don't know which engine size you have there, but the 2002-2005's are known for bad "timing chain tensioner" problems and are expensive to repair, especially the rear chain guides. Motor has to be removed in that case. Until you find out where that engine noise is coming from, I wouldn't buy that vehicle. Just my opinion. The mileage is low for that year vehicle. Try to get the service records for that vehicle as well, to see how well it was cared for by the previous owner/s.

 

[swshawaii]

Not trying to scare you, just be aware. GL

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Mercury/Mountaineer/

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/

 

[Number4]

02's are a dime a dozen in GA. The first year and has the most issues. Personally, if it's not an 04 or 05, I wouldn't get it. 03 was better than 02 as I understand. In the end, it'll get you where you want to go, it'll just cost you more vs the 04/05, which those will cost you as well. lol

Spend $20 on the stethoscope, put on some safety glasses and don't touch anything that is spinning. On the pulleys, touch the center bolt. Just keep clear of the fan. Touch the valve covers, injectors, oil pan, test anything you can. You'll learn what sounds okay and what doesn't.

 

[rcdriver11]

Hey, thanks for all the replies. I've kinda taken that one off the list of choices. I can't see spending good money (and the work to find the noise) when I'm not pretty sure it's gonna be worth it. I was really hoping someone could tell me it was something simple that is common, but kinda knew I was reaching for straws.
The noise really seemed to be coming from inside the oil pan, maybe rod bearings or something.

Thanks for all the replies, at least confirming and not letting me jump into a money pit