I am new and have a question. My 4.2 is making a noise that sounds like a small bushing going out.Like an alternator or waterpump. Removed the fanbelt and it is still there in the front upper section of the engine. The noise is intermittent usually when cold but every now and then when warm. It usually is just a few little chirps and goes away.Is this the bushings on the cam or balancer shaft? if so can these be changed without removing the engine?

 

First, Welcome to FTE!
To be more clear, let me ask you a few questions to see if I can help. I've got a 2006 with the 4.2 that I've had for 10 years and never heard anything like what your describing. How many miles are on the engine/truck? Can you hear the noise from inside the truck? Does it happen at certain rpm ranges, or is it so intermittent that it could happen any time? Is the noise coming from either of the cylinder heads, or is it more central? I ask that because unlike the V8's, this motor is OHV, so the cam is still inside the block. If it's still there after removing the serpentine belt, it's most likely internal and not the water pump, alternator, or any of the other belt-driven accessories. Does this noise affect the way the truck runs? Do you notice loss of power, etc? Is it consuming oil excessively?
If you have a mechanic's stethoscope or a nice long, metal screwdriver; place it against the timing cover on the front of the motor while the engine is running with the handle to your ear. Try to listen for this noise in the area of the timing chain and sprockets. Be careful around the fan. A mechanic's stethoscope can be bought fairly cheap, depending on where you get it. It's a lot safer than trying to get your head in there next to a screwdriver! I bought one once I think at Harbor Freight Tools. Try listening to the each of the heads, too, while you're in there. Maybe a rocker arm or something is going bad...
Anyway try that and let me know. Good luck and welcome to FTE!

 

The truck has 137,000 miles on it. The noise is mostly audible at idle.The truck runs great , does not smoke at all. I did remove the fan belt to eliminate the accessories. The noise is coming from the area of the central rear of the waterpump. Has anyone ever heard of a cam or balance shaft thrust bearing going out? Whatever I hear , I'm going to pull the timing cover when I get the chance. Will keep U updated when that happens.

 

It's possible that one of the camshaft bearings could be going bad. The balance shaft, is that up near the cam, or is that down low near the crankshaft? I know in the 4.0 liter Ranger/Explorer motor it was down near the crank. This 4.2 I'm not sure where they stuck it at.

 

Noise location can really fool you. Next time you hear it slightly depress the clutch pedal to see if you can affect the noise. If it does, it's the throw out bearing. There's nothing inside the engine to squeak that I know of assuming it's not sludged-up. A way to test for delayed oil delivery is to put a pint of Marvel mystery oil in the crankcase and drive it for a few minutes. Try it the next day to see if that 'fixed' it. Assuming you are using Motorcraft 5W-20 and Motorcraft filter.

 

I have to say that I am amazed at how clean the inside of my engine is. There is no sludge or discolored deposits, thanks to regular oil and filter changes . My truck is an automatic so no pilot bushing . I have some time this weekend and the weather in Houston is good , going to work on it today. Wish me luck.