2002 Ford Explorer V6 Rattle When Starting

[tbursey]

My Explorer makes a rattle noise upon cold starts. However, once the engine is warm, it does not rattle when starting. Has anyone else experienced this?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Are you able to determine the area where the rattle is coming from, such as engine (top), engine (lower), or exhaust? Is it a tinny rattle, or does it sound like something substantial? Is it only during a certain engine speed.

Your basic description sounds a lot like how someone might describe an exhaust rattle due to a loose heat shield. The rattle would likely originate from under the vehicle, possibly the are underneath the front row seats.

-Rod

[tbursey]

Hi Rod,
Thanks for answering. The rattle is coming from under the right front of the hood (top) immediately upon starting the engine. It is a quick rattle, but very noticeable. Once I get to my destination, turn off the engine, and then turn it on again, the rattle is gone. It only happens after it has been sitting long enough for the engine to cool off.

[shorod]

So the rattle will continue until you get to your destination as long as the engine's running? It it were just a short duration rattle after the engine's had time to cool, I'd suspect you don't have a check valve in your oil filter and the hydraulic lifters are making noise, but that should go away after a short time of the engine running.

-Rod

[tbursey]

Hi Rod,
No, the rattle is just upon start up only, and only when the engine is cold. The rattle lasts about 2-3 seconds. Once fully started, the rattle goes away. But when I start the engine when it is warm, there is no rattle at all.

[Jacfourteen]

what engine? on the 4.0 sohc there were problems with the timing system that would cause timing chain rattle (there are 4 chains, 4 tensioners, and 8 guides in the sys and there were multiple problems in the sys). these issues were supposed to be resolved in 2001 but there have been many owners of later models that complain of similar problems. I have a 99 and I just had to pull the motor to get all the rattles stopped (mine was rattling bad at startup, and also quieter at Idle and certain rpm/load). anyways if you have the 4.0 sohc just search in here or in the ranger forums for 4.0 rattle and you will get lots of results concerning this.

[idontknow82]

Mine does that exact same rattle, mine is a 2000 xlt ohv though.

[rhandwor]

Watch the oil pressure gage some of the pumps don't pick up immediately on start up. If this is the cause try 10 W 30 oil instead of 5 W 30 oil or install a new oil pump and clean the strainer. My 1997 started this after the first change at 1000 miles. I went to thicker oil and it stopped.