Two errors Rattling on startup & Clunk noise !

[Dalov]

Hi Everyone.

I have a 2004 Explorer 4.6L V8 Eddie Bauer edition. This is a RHD model that i bought in the UK as a Japanese import.

I am trying to get this vehicle back to its original condition but i have 2 annoying issues that my local garages cannot figure out.

First one is a rattling sound from the engine bay for around 30secs on startup, after which it is silent .

Second issue : i Think these may be linked, when selecting reverse there is a delay in the auto box and then it slams into reverse ? also after a trip of say 20 miles + when slowing down i get a very heavy continues clunk coming from the autobox area or driveshaft (sounds as if it with the rotation of a part as its around 1 second apart while slowing . Clunk -- Clunk -- Clunk.

I know that isnt a great description

As i am in the UK and these cars are very rare over here i cannot just pop to a spares shop and i have to order all parts from the USA

Any ideas ? Many thanks

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Hi Everyone.

I have a 2004 Explorer 4.6L V8 Eddie Bauer edition. This is a RHD model that i bought in the UK as a Japanese import.

I am trying to get this vehicle back to its original condition but i have 2 annoying issues that my local garages cannot figure out.

First one is a rattling sound from the engine bay for around 30secs on startup, after which it is silent .

Second issue : i Think these may be linked, when selecting reverse there is a delay in the auto box and then it slams into reverse ? also after a trip of say 20 miles + when slowing down i get a very heavy continues clunk coming from the autobox area or driveshaft (sounds as if it with the rotation of a part as its around 1 second apart while slowing . Clunk -- Clunk -- Clunk.

I know that isnt a great description

As i am in the UK and these cars are very rare over here i cannot just pop to a spares shop and i have to order all parts from the USA

Any ideas ? Many thanks

trans may need some work, sometimes its slow fill on the reverse servo too. im doubtful the engine rattling is related, however. as far as the rattle, not too sure.

 

[CallMeSyd]

The rattle when starting sounds like possibly a bad timing chain tensioner. I have also heard that there is cold start rattle on the 4.6 caused by drain back at the oil filter and that using a Motorcraft brand filter or any filter with an anti drain valve will fix the rattle. The delayed reverse with harsh engagement is a known common issue. See attached file.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

The rattle when starting sounds like possibly a bad timing chain tensioner. I have also heard that there is cold start rattle on the 4.6 caused by drain back at the oil filter and that using a Motorcraft brand filter or any filter with an anti drain valve will fix the rattle. The delayed reverse with harsh engagement is a known common issue. See attached file.

is the tensioner issue on the 4.6 too? i know its commonplace on the 4.0

 

[CallMeSyd]

is the tensioner issue on the 4.6 too? i know its commonplace on the 4.0

I think the tensioners on the 4.6 are spring driven only but I'm not 100 percent sure. It's actually more likely a lash adjuster (hydraulic lifter) considering the length of time he says it occurs. Usually the things I mentioned are only for a few seconds. 30 seconds or more is more like a possible lash adjuster collapsing. The clunk when slowing down after warm... I have no idea on that.

 

[Dalov]

Thank you everyone for your replies, I am going to have to keep digging deeper into this as a local Transmission specialist has just quoted me over £4000 to refurb the auto box

 

[Perana]

tensioner lash in a 4.6l is by both ratchet spring(as a tension lock/anti release) and hydraulic fyi......had the same issue....replaced the tensioners with the older cast iron units (have seen the newer plastic based units fail)....problem went away......cheers