I have a 99 5.4L Expy with 165K miles. It's been a mostly trouble free vehicle but has recently developed a rattle. It sounds like a washer in a tin can. I hear it whenever the truck is idling in gear (i.e., no gas, just foot on brake). If I put the truck in neutral or park, the revs go up a little and I don't hear the rattle. If I open the hood and listen, it seems to come more from the drivers side and does sound like it is internal to the engine.

I took it to Ford dealer to let them listen. The tech said it was my timing chains. To fix the problem, he said I would need to replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners to the tune of $1900. I realize if one of the timing chains break I've got major engine damage. I asked the tech about driving the truck. The only thing he would say is that they usually make alot more noise before they give. I'm interested in other people's opinion.......do you think I'm safe to keep driving the truck or am I running on borrowed time? I did search the forum and only saw a couple of posts where someone had said they had a timing chain break. Also, do you agree with the tech's diagnosis?

Thanks in advance

 

Based on your description, it could just be the catalytic converter noise issue.

Read here: *04-20-6***TICKING OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

 

I got my hopes up that this might be the case, but I purchased a stethoscope and did some probing. I put the probe on the drivers side timing chain cover and I hear the rattling. Also, on top of the valve cover near the front of the truck I hear the rattling. When I placed the probe on the catalytic converter (either side) I really didn't hear a rattle. So, I definitely think it's my timing chain.

Back to my original question, am I just waiting for an imminent disaster to happen if I continue to drive the truck or can I live with the rattle?

Thanks

 

One thing I've learned is that your vehicle starts to "talk" to you many times before it konks out. Batteries start to lug, water pumps start to rattle when bearings go bad, alternators whine, power is affected when fuel filters aren't changed, plugs start to mis fire when coil pack boots crack, etc. When your timing change starts to bark back at you, it's metal to metal "talking to you".... need we say more? Pay me now or pay me.....