99 4.0 SOHC Explorer Engine Noise

Hello all,

My Explorer has a very annoying clatter/chatter type noise coming from the front of the engine. It is intermittent (though frequent), and most often happens at low RPM/idle.

If I remember correctly, the source of the noise is the cam tensioner. It was replaced under recall a few years ago.

This looks like a fairly straightforward fix, once you get to it. I believe the book rate for this repair is 9+ hours, and I'd like to do it myself if at all possible.

O gods of all things great and Ford, will you bestow on me your sage advice? What sort of nasty things could happen if I'm doing this repair myself?

Thanks

I sent you a pm, but here goes again. If they did the full recall, (which I doubt, if the upper/lower intake 0 rings weren't replaced), then the 'kit' that needs to be installed(which has the 0 rings AND the cam chain tensioner upgrade kit), should be installed. There is also a pcm reflash for that setup.
Good luck, have fun.
Steve

drag79stang[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
[addsig]

I believe this is the noise my '98 is making... I looked up recalls but didn't find the '98 listed. Is this just an annoying noise or a potential engine wrecker?

GW

It's not so much a recall, (never was a recall), but just a 'if the customer complains about it, ford will fix it for free), *(if it's within the certain amount of mileage/years).

Just doing the basic MWO (modification work order), (army lingo), is a no biggie, but taking the front of the engine apart and replacing the actual cam chain tensioners takes/requires quite a few special tools.

As far as breaking other parts?..........the replacement of the upper intake and lower intake 0 rings will solve LOTS of driveability problems, (MIL on), and hard start/stalling/rough run conditions. BUT the noise ususually stays the same. (if you don't do the modification.

My .002
[addsig]