I just changed the oil on my 98 explorer 4.0 engine (I guess it is a pushrod as the eighth digit in the Vin is an X) and now when I start it up, it sound like a diesel. It is ok while driving, but noisy at idle (worse when cold). Any thoughts? I just added a can of CD-2 to see if it will help, but haven't driven it since I put it in.

 

I dunno what's wrong with ur engine, but if you want to know if it's a pushrod or not...

the non-pushrod (SOHC) 4.0 says "4.0 SOHC" on top of the intake...

What kind of oil and filter did u use?

 

Valvoline 10w30 and a purolator filter.

 

Okay, well, I'm a n00b at this stuff, so I dunno.
And what's CD-2?

 

cd-2 is an oil additive that is supposed to help de-grunge the engine. It sounds a little better today. I have also learned that on the push rod engine (which is definitely what I have) that this is not an unusal sound, and there is nothing to worry about. It is just strange that it happened right after an oil change. One person said to put oil into the filter before you put it on the truck as it will make lubrication faster on startup.

 

Okay, so, all's cool then? Cool!

Since my dad knows a lot more, I'll ask him about the prefilling thing...

 

The only type of engine you need to prime a filter is a diesel. There is no need to prime a gasoline engine oil filter. It was probably just a bit dry in the top of the engine at start up. On your next oil change, you might want to consider running an engine flush through it. You can pick one up where you got your oil. Chances are there is a bit of sludge or varnish clogging up one of the oil channels or something causing it to run dry for a few seconds at start up until the oil warms up and flows more freely. I hope this helps.

 

Thanks ShadowBronco2, I will try that next time I change the oil.

 

I just bought a 1999 Ford Explorer and I wondered Y it sounded like a diesel engine as well so I took it to Auto Zone and they came out to my SUV, hooked it up to a hand held computer gizmo( I forget the proper terminolgy, probably a gender thing but anywayz...) & it came back with a reading of a code number which they brought up in a computer inside the store and he expalined that my fuel was running a little rich, nothing too serious and that a new air filter and a fuel cleaner would probably make a difference. I haven't done it yet but will soon....FYI...By the way, is a "Pushrod" good or bad?

 

I don't think a pushrod engine is a matter of good and bad, it's just older technology.

A pushrod engine consists of one cam where its lobes lift up rods (thus a "pushrod" engine) against the rockers, which open the valves. The SOHC (single over head cam) engine involves a cam in each head that directly pushes open the valve. And DOHC (double over head cam) engines (not used on an Explorer) do the same as a SOHC, but with 2 cams per head and 4 valves per cylinder.

 

Thanx for all that info ... I was wondering what the SOHC was for ... I have always had an interest in mechanics, but never a good resource outside of garages and who knows whether or not it's all reliable u know, since they would know I'm not real knowledgeable and me being too leary of letting them know this cuz then we know I will pay for things that don't exist, so I nod my head anyway in agreement cuz I don't know how to talk 'shop'...NOT YET that is I came across another posting after this yesterday that got my attention and it was about a problem with my model & year of SUV...seems Ford had a chain guide assembly glitch I guess, and there is now havoc cuz of the warranty issues, and apparently those that have tried to have it svc'd, had made matters worse and I have some learning to do about this too