That timing chain rattle

[Andy Pagin]

My 1998 4 Litre SOHC Explorer has just started to rattle. From what I've seen on youtube the first thing to try is changing the tensionsers which looks fairly easy. Problem is I'm in the UK where Explorer parts are insanely expensive, could someone tell me how much the parts are in the USA, even better point me to a shop that will export?

 

[koda2000]

I doubt changing the tensioners is going to help you. I think they run about $30-$35 each U.S. for aftermarket front/rear tensioners (Colyes brand). More than likely you have broken timing chain cassette components. If you remove your lower oil pan you'll probably find broken pieces of brown plastic (which can block your oil pickup screen) and perhaps broke metal band-springs. The front cassette can be changed with the engine in the truck, the rear cassette requires the engine (or transmission) be removed. It's a huge job and frankly probably not worth it on a '98. I'm having the same issue with an '01 Sport Trac (which are worth at least twice what a 4-door or Sport of the same year are worth) and have decided to drive the engine until it blows and then replace the engine. In the meantime I crank it until I have oil pressure before letting it start. This greatly reduces the rattle and corresponding damage at cold start. As little as I use my ST it may live for quite a few more years before the engine lets go.

 

[Paul Fithian]

Don't use Taiwan made Cloyes tensioners. Use Itallian made Motocraft.

See post 50 in this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...c-v6-timing-chain-parts-sources.317039/page-2

Follow Koda's advice on cold starting. Hold the accelerator to the floor, crank until oil pressure registers on the idiot gauge, then let off on the accelerator. It will start right up with no chain rattle.

 

[Andy Pagin]

Thanks guys, I'll drop the oil pan and see what I find. Hopefully just oil.

 

[koda2000]

Don't use Taiwan made Cloyes tensioners. Use Itallian made Motocraft.

See post 50 in this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-parts-sources.317039/page-

Follow Koda's advice on cold starting. Hold the accelerator to the floor, crank until oil pressure registers on the idiot gauge, then let off on the accelerator. It will start right up with no chain rattle.

As I said, I doubt replacing the tensioners will help, but I agree that if you did this, I'd go with the Motorcraft parts. I tried replacing my front tensioner using the Motorcraft 00M12 kit. It made no difference at all. I'd guess you'd be looking at around $70-$75 U.S. a piece for Motorcraft chain tensioners. Usually I try to find less expensive solutions to parts over Motorcraft, because Ford's prices are usually double what good quality aftermarket parts cost, but when it comes to critical parts I'll spent the extra money on Motorcraft.

 

[Spuddy]

I just did both of my tensioners with Motorcraft parts at 150K and this seems to have just about solved my timing chain rattle issue. It (almost always) starts dead silent when cold now. The passenger side tensioner will still rattle on a restart every third or fourth time, if it's not warmed up yet. Then, I'll just let it idle and rattle and wait 20 to 30 seconds to see if it stops. If not, I shut the motor down and restart and it's dead silent then.

I've been running the Lucas Oil Stabilizer for the last year or two, while contemplating whether or not to bother doing the tensioners. When it does rattle, It sounds much less violent with the Lucas in there than without it. I think my plastic chain guides are still intact thanks to the Lucas.

I bought my Motorcraft parts on eBay for <$25 each. I guess someone had bought these and never got around to putting them on. Might be worth a look.