What sounds like lifter noise?

[Terry DeBord]

I've read a bunch about this but I'm not convinced that is what is going on. Here are the very specific circumstances/control tests I've done.

1. I hear a initial noise like bearings rolling on a table at startup - just like a second or two (I could easily imagine some metal part that was dry and then got oil so becomes quite).
2. best I can isolate sound comes from the front passenger side of the engine or that side of front of engine
No noise at all in any RMP range under load other than 2500-3500.
3. Noise could sound lifter-ish although it's not constant and it sounds like light weight metal so in my mind sort of discounts Rod knock/piston slap.
4. Did a very recent oil change and no change in noise
5. Ran Seafoam between oil changes, no change
6. Noise is not loud enough to hear inside truck when heater motor running or radio on even a moderately low volume level - I'm sure externally its louder but driving it around you don't hear it much

2007 Sport Trac XLT 4X4 - 142,000 miles 4.0L engine - always use amsoil recommended weight

Any thoughts?

My thoughts are - could be the usual suspects, lifter / timing chain guides although nothing alters the parameters and I would think some of those internal things would always be there just louder/more distinct at different RPMs - I'm actually thinking the belt tensioner but have quite isolated everything yet / done enough testing.

 

[swshawaii]

Have you removed the serpentine belt and briefly ran the cold engine while listening for noises? No mention in your OP,
but many recommend replacing both hydraulic cam tensioners at around 70,000 miles especially when you have a cold
start rattle. Although I haven't seen hydraulic tensioner replacement interval in any Ford service manual for the 4.0 SOHC.

 

[swshawaii]

Passenger Side Valve Train Noise (4.0L SOHC) VIDEO

 

[Terry DeBord]

I have not removed the belt because I can only get the noise with load. I guess for like Saturday I can remove it and see if it still makes noise at startup although I think the start noise is less consistent than the 2500-3500 rpm

 

[donalds]

Remove the lower oil pan and look for plastic bits of timing guides and go from there the ford tab
*Engine - 4.0L SOHC - Rattle noise from primary chain drive area between 2K-3K RPM - Cold engine operation only

*Noise - Rattle noise from primary timing chain drive area between 2K-3K RPM - Cold engine operation only - vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engine only

Ford: 99-02 Explorer, 01-02 Sport Trac, Explorer Sport, Ranger
Mercury: 99-02 Mountaineer

Issue:

Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0 SOHC (Single Over-Head Cam) engine may exhibit a Primary Timing Chain rattle noise. The noise is audible during hot and cold engine operation (but predominantly found on cold engines) under acceleration, typically at 2400-2500 rpm. To confirm presence of this noise, accelerate in 2nd gear between 2000-3000 rpm and listen for rattle noise that sounds similar to spark knock. This may be caused by the Primary Timing Chain Tensioner system.

Action:

Replace the Primary Timing Chain Tensioner, Chain Guide, Jackshaft, and Crankshaft Sprockets with a Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Kit. The kit includes an improved Primary Chain Tensioner, as well as updated Primary Chain Guide, Jackshaft, and Crankshaft Sprockets. Required fastners, primary timing chain, and front cover gaskets are also included. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

Service Procedure:

Verify the condition. Obtain the correct kit and follow the sheet supplied with the kit.

Use kit 2U3Z-6D256-AA (balance shaft engines) for:
-99-01 4x4 Explorer/Mountaineer
-01-02 4x4 Sport/Sport Trac
-All 02 Explorer/Mountaineer, except engine codes 2G-960-AA and 2G-964-AA

Use kit 2U3Z-6D256-BA (non blance shaft engines) for:
-99-01 4x2 Explorer/Mountaineer
-01-02 4x2 Sport/Sport Trac
-02 Explorer/Mountaineer with engine codes 2G-960-AA and 2G-964-AA
-All 2001-02 Ranger

Labor Time: Estimated around 6 hours

Thanks to @ExplorerDMB

 

[swshawaii]

^ Here's the actual TSB:
http://www.bbbind.com/tsb-wiring-di...=12&systemDesc=Gasoline Engines&docid=6631419

 

[Terry DeBord]

That is great info and certainly sounds pretty close - my vehicle though is a 2007, all the doc are late 1990s and early 2000s so its doesn't sound like it applies or am I reading incorrectly.

In reality, at 142K miles on it, 12 years old and the vehicle in pretty good shape, economically it wouldn't make sense for me to put $1500+ into the engine...If it came to that I'd probably just trade for something new.

 

[swshawaii]

Try this first:

To confirm presence of this noise, accelerate in 2nd gear between 2000-3000 rpm and listen for rattle noise that sounds similar to spark knock. This may be caused by the Primary Timing Chain Tensioner system.

Plastic tensioner guides were reportedly reinforced and improved around 2003-04. From what I've read they still fail on later models although failure doesn't seem quite as frequent. Search here and other Ford 4.0L SOHC auto forums. Try using a piece of rubber hose held to your ear, or better yet an automotive stethoscope to help you isolate and pinpoint the noise.

 

[Terry DeBord]

I think I have isolated the noise to that front/passenger side of engine - seems to really be internal and not the belt tentioner. If it is the chain issues, and the noise isn't really that loud - noise at startup for maybe 2-3 seconds and 2500 rpms to about 3000 - maybe a bit higher and my truck still runs perfect, no codes, no performance issues - I would think I still have some time left on it? Would that be an OK assumption? I will trade in on a vehicle but unless forced I'd like to hang on for 3-6 more months. Thoughts?

 

[swshawaii]

Noise from front passenger side. Not sure if this will help, but if yours is like my 4.0L SOHC the oil filler unscrews just like the cap and you may be able to hear more clearly with the oil fill tube off. Haven't been in there yet, but sure sounds like it may be the primary tensioner in the front of the engine. Could be worse, glad it doesn't sound like it's coming from the rear. GL

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278100

From EF's resident SOHC guru/moderator:
2000StreetRod's Helpful thread list

 

[Terry DeBord]

thanks for the tip - I'll see what time I can carve out to further listen. BTW who makes an engine with chains on the rear side...I have a 73F100 with a stroked out 302 - I could tear that down and back together before I got the accessories off on these.

 

[swshawaii]

4.0L SOHC "would be" a good engine if it wasn't for the plastic timing chain guides. Agree about the pushrod V8's. Tried and true over many decades and almost bulletproof. Pushrod OHV's have proven so reliable it's the only engine design NASCAR Cup cars use today. I'd say turning up to 9000 RPM's for 400-500 continuous miles is pretty amazing considering how few engine failures there are. Of course they cost $45,000 to $80,000 each, and are torn down and rebuilt after every race. LOL

 

[donalds]

Plastic timing guides SUCK but if you take care of them your pretty much good

 

[Terry DeBord]

Well, I walked into a deal for a new truck so I couldn't pass it up - gave me 4K for mine so I'm good with that