Suggestions needed

[S'hunter]

Hi All,

UK explorer owner with some problems.

Stock 1999 explorer XLT with SOHC 4.0L,

My engine started making a noise that I can only describe as the same as having noisey tappets. I know it has hydraulic lifters and so I assume it either has a shot lifter or I have a problem with the oil getting to it.
The oil pressure shows as fine on the gauge.
I have read on various threads on here about the problems with the timing chain guides breaking up and causing problems, but it runs fine apart from this noise. I had it stood for 6 months when I broke my leg and could not get onto looking at the problem and when I was mended, I attached the battery, turned the key and away she went. I have changed the Oil just incase it was getting thin and it's made no difference.

The emissions appear to be fine, so it really isn't running badly at all.

Any Suggestions would be welcome as to the cause.

 

[janolsson]

Hey S'hunter
Is the rattle there all the time? from the front or rear of the engine.
You could use a piece of tubing as a stethoscope to pinpoint where the noise is coming from.
My guess would be timing chain guide(s). Mine rattled like a good un but still ran strong and smooth. The danger is if there is enough slack in the chains, one could jump a tooth and put the timing out enough to cause piston to valve contact. To start with you could replace the front and rear hydraulic tensioners (large head bolt type this on the side of each head. look thro drivers side wheel arch towards the back of engine for the rear one and kinda behind the throttle body to the right of the T stat housing for the front one.)both can be bought from the dealer for about £60 for the both.
This is the first option but i doubt it will cure your woes as its a common prob on our engines. There is a guy called Justin @ explorerparts uk 07921823310 that will do the front and rear guides for £650 which is cheap as its an engine out for the rear. Good reviews from other members just check out this thread
Justins work
Check out 2000StreetRod's posts on this problem very informative. If you decide to do it yourself loads of guys on here to help you out with advice.
Lastly come say hi to the guys in the UK part of this site. We are also meeting up at the Ford Fair @ Silverstone Aug 8th
Regards

Edit: Just noticed you are in Kent. There is a member on here DuncanofEngland that also specialises in Ex's and offers services advertised on Ebay and i think his ebay name is whatsontv. He is very knowledgable and apparently does good work and is based in Aylesbury (i think)