Tapping Sound - Passenger Feet Area

[pellakin]

My apologies if this is something I can find elsewhere - I'm considering making a purchase tomorrow, and time is of the essence.

As I said, I'm considering purchasing a '99 Explorer Sport and I took it for a test driver earlier tonight. It's got a 4.0L SOHC engine (not sure there's any variation in that year anyway?).

One thing I noticed when I got back to the dealership was a ticking/tapping sound directly underneath the glove box. I noticed it somewhat from the engine compartment, but putting my head down where the passenger's feet would be made the sound most noticeable.

The frequency, with it parked and idling, was maybe 3 taps per second. It sounded semi-metallic like someone tapping on an empty soda can with a pen (without the echo).

Does this fit the description of the common Primary Timing Chain rattle noise?

Or does this sound more like a generic "engine knock" that might be caused by multiple things?

I really like the vehicle, even with some noticeable things that I'd need to do some maintenance on, but it's well under Blue Book and NADA values (which probably says something in itself) and I'd be willing to put some money into it down the road.

I just don't want to have immediate issues as soon as I drive it off the lot.

I'm in a bit of a bind with needing a vehicle very soon, and I may not be able to find a mechanic in that town to do a pre-purchase inspection, so I thought I'd get some feedback here. I really appreciate any thoughts you might have.

I'll keep looking around the site and if I find an answer that seems to fit, I can always come back and try to edit/delete this to keep the clutter down.

Thanks!

Pellakin

 

[pellakin]

From what I've read on the forum through the last few days, this DOES appear to be the SOHC timing chain rattle issue, specifically in the troublesome rear area that may require the entire engine to be removed to service.

I'm having a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection tonight, so I'll run it by him, but I was just curious if anyone else who has identified this as their problem specifically has heard this sound most notably under the glove compartment.

Thanks,

Pellakin

 

[dmac0923]

might want to check the exhaust on the passenger side where the exhaust manifold is bolted up to the Y-Pipe just before the cat's

 

[Tbars4]

...not being to hear it in person leaves me only to guess as it might be a few things....exhaust connection pass side, tapping exhaust hanger, could also be something in the motor which wouldn't be good...as far as the chain, i'm pretty sure you would hear it better somewhere else...

 

[Turnfab]

I have the same noise in mine
Took it to dealer they didn't hear it
Finally got them to hear it I thought it was either the strut or the cooling duct that you have to remove when you change oil
Well the strut was bad but still have the noise
Also have the glovebox rattle and wind noise from the a pillar
Going to a new dealer tomorrow