Loud Screeching in my 2000 explorer sport motor

I have a 2000 Ford explorer sport. It has plenty of oil just cganged recently. Couple of days ago I started hearing a loud (bad bearing) screeching sound in the top of motor. I know its not in the motor cause I drove it to florida and back with no problems. I changed my idler bearing and it turned out not to be it. Sounds like its in the top rear of motor. Any Ideas any one could give me?...I sure would appreciate any help. Thanks

Welcome to the forum!

Sounds kind of like the noise a bad camshaft position sensor (CMP)/Synchronizer would make. I'm not sure where it's located on the V6 Explorer. Hopefully someone will chime in with that info, and you'll probably find it's located in the area the noise is coming from.

-Rod

Does it just do it when you first start the motor? When you start the engine the alternator is going all out to recharge the battery. If your alternator belt is the least bit loose it will squeal. Also, it could be a worn out belt.

First I want to say Thanks for the replies.
The sound is a continuous chirping sound. Like metal rubbing on metal. Would it be possible it is eminating from the flywheel? I am a machinist at work so I know sounds when it comes to metal. I don;t want to spend endless amounts of money trying to track this problem down. Hence why I am asking for help. Any and all is apreciated. The sound generally sounds like its coming from the top center to the rear of the motor. I will check the flywheel this weekend so if anyone has any other advice I will checkback often. Thanks again... Happy Memorial Day!!!! :cool:

Your description still sounds like a CMP sensor....

-Rod

Thanks rod,
Ok I have ordered a new cmp sensor. Is there any special instructions I need to know to replace it? Or do I just switch it out?

Do you have the SOHC V6? If so, it looks like you just need to be able to unplug the connector, remove the 10mm nut, pull off the old and install the new. The steps per the factory service manual are:

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301). For additional information, refer to «Section 414-01».

2. Remove the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.1 Disconnect the CMP sensor electrical connector.
2 Remove the CMP sensor stud bolt.
3 Remove the camshaft position sensor.
Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

If you have the 4.0L pushrod V6, you need to remove the upper intake manifold to get to the sensor.

-Rod

Ok! Am I pathetic or what? First off, Rod thanks for your help. But I need a little more please. My motor is a 4.0L efi. The positioner is not where I thought it would be. So how about helping out a poor soul in need and tell me where to find the lil bugger. I would so much appreciate any and all help once again. Thanks in advance. :runaround:

Both V6 options are EFI. One is SOHC and the other is OHV. Does the appearance cover on your engine say "SOHC" or just EFI? If just EFI, you probably don't have the SOHC engine. If that's the case, the CMP sensor should be located near where the distributor would be located if it had one, rear center of engine. According to the service manual, you'll need to remove the upper intake manifold to access the CMP.

I was hoping way2old would jump in here and offer his Explorer experience before I guide you WAY off the correct path....

-Rod

Thanks rod,
Yes the appearence says efi. So yes I kinda figured when I couldn;t find where I thought it was suppose to go it was back there under the manifold. Good thing I am mechanically inclined..:)...Ill give it a thorough shot this weekend. Thanks again for your tremendous help. Ill give a shout if I need more info..Thanks!!!!

Mark

While you're in there, inspect the synchroizer ring. It's actually more likely the the synchronizer ring is causing the noise than the CMP from what I've seen on the Taurus forum. Did your CMP come with the synchronizer ring?

-Rod

hey rod,
No I didn;t get a ring. Just the cmp. Should I purchase one before changing out the CMP?

hey again,

I went to change my CMP sensor and I have to remove the intake manifold first cause its located in the back. Here is my dilema. I can;t figure out how to get the one part loose to let it come up and forward. I think its attached tothe EGR sensor. Could some one let me know whats up? I bought a haynes book but It has no info on how to take care of that part.

mark:banghead:

Is it a rigid metal pipe with a large hex fitting on the end? If so, that probably does go to the EGR, but you should be able to remove the EGR from the manifold. It's probably held on with 2 10mm bolts. Just be careful not to let the EGR valve gasket drop out when you loosen the bolts, you don't want to lose it.

-Rod