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Odd engine noise

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Old Jul 6, 2025 | 10:18 AM
  #1  
Dlogwood69's Avatar
Dlogwood69
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Odd engine noise

I just purchased my 2004 Explorer a few weeks ago. I've fixed it up inside and tuned up the engine overall. However, when the vehicle is running, especially on acceleration, it makes a very odd noice. It sounds almost like metal teeth spinning.
My mechanic said he had never heard anything like it before and suggested it may be the timing chain guides slipping. Hopefully not, as this repair would likely cost more than the vehicle is worth. Any other ideas on what this could be. It's not valves and the engine runs perfectly.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2025 | 06:30 PM
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aquanaut20
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From: BC Canada
Use a stethoscope and/or a set of ChassisEars, and locate the noise source.

If you have access to a scope run a CAM/Crank correlation and record the wave form, post same..
 
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 12:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Dlogwood69
I just purchased my 2004 Explorer a few weeks ago. I've fixed it up inside and tuned up the engine overall. However, when the vehicle is running, especially on acceleration, it makes a very odd noice. It sounds almost like metal teeth spinning.
My mechanic said he had never heard anything like it before and suggested it may be the timing chain guides slipping. Hopefully not, as this repair would likely cost more than the vehicle is worth. Any other ideas on what this could be. It's not valves and the engine runs perfectly.
What engine?
 
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Old Jul 28, 2025 | 12:25 PM
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Does the noise get louder with the oil fill cap removed? Have you had the oil changed recently, and if so, was anything unusual noticed with the oil? Maybe consider a used oil analysis to get an idea whether or not there are current or pending serious engine issues.

-Rod
 
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