Found Source of engine noise

I have a 97 Explorer XLT V8 that had what sounded like a lifter clicking or a bad valve. I tried Hi grade gas and additives with no results. The noise was worse when the SUV was cold and faded as it warmed up.

Last week I thought I had a hole in my exhaust and took it in for repair. Turned out to be a cracked EGR tube coming off the manifold. Got it fixed ($137) and now there is no clicking or noise whatsoever. The mechanic said an EGR tube going bad is often mistaken for lifter or valve noise. He also said it is very common with the Explorers so you may want to check this out if you have engine noise or ticking.

I have noticed that my, 98 XLT V6, has started making a faint rattling sound coming from the engine when I accelerate. It almost sounds like a valve is clicking. When it idles it's fine. If this the same sound you had? If it is and if i don't fix it, is it going to cause problems?

I was told it could eventually foul up the plugs or in extreme cases, the heated air coming from the split in the tube could melt nearby electrical wires. But I drove it for 4 months like that before the hole enlarged and it sounded like my muffler was bad. Now that it is fixed it is quiet with no residual effects.

FIX THE LEAK AT FIRST SIGN!. On my '00 this condition melted sensor wiring harness and some plug wires. Dealer wanted $900 to fix. Was able to do it myself. Disconnected sensors and pulled wires back under intake to get enough slack to mend. Replaced plug wires.

I have noticed that my, 98 XLT V6, has started making a faint rattling sound coming from the engine when I accelerate. It almost sounds like a valve is clicking. When it idles it's fine. If this the same sound you had? If it is and if i don't fix it, is it going to cause problems?

If you have the SOHC V6, your rattle is probably the timing chain. Check with your dealer to see if your Explorer is still eligible for the 00M12 "customer satisfaction" recall. If it is, they will replace the left bank chain tensioner and intake manifold gaskets (a common source of vacuum leaks) at no charge. I don't guarantee nothing will go wrong if you don't fix it, but timing chain rattles are as common as Exploders - there are thousands of them driving around out there making noise day in and day out without being fixed.

If you have the SOHC V6, your rattle is probably the timing chain. Check with your dealer to see if your Explorer is still eligible for the 00M12 "customer satisfaction" recall. If it is, they will replace the left bank chain tensioner and intake manifold gaskets (a common source of vacuum leaks) at no charge. I don't guarantee nothing will go wrong if you don't fix it, but timing chain rattles are as common as Exploders - there are thousands of them driving around out there making noise day in and day out without being fixed.


dxrflyboy
Is this a common problem with 2000 ford explorer w/ V6 motor and will the recall work for it?
gizrat

Ford introduced a new problem in 2000, although the recall still applies. 2000 - 2002 4.0L SOHC engines had problems with the primary timing chain tensioner not being tight enough. Try the 00M12 first to see if that cures the problem. If not, you will need to replace the primary timing components with the updated parts supplied in a kit by Ford. I said this already in another thread, but I'll repeat it here. Anyone who owns a Ford vehicle with this engine that is still under warranty and making the noise, take it to the dealer and get it fixed. You don't want to end up paying for it yourself and Ford won't help you once the warranty expires.