I've got a 2001 Sport trac 4.0 with 39500 miles. I've began to notice a noise from the engine area, seems more like the lower end than the top end, in the past few weeks. The noise occurs between exactly between 2600 and 2800 rpm's, no more and no less. It happens in all forward gears and is only very slightly noticable in park or neutral, it can be either hot or cold. The noise sounds exactly like a rod knock, with the windows down you would swear you're driving a diesel, it becomes very loud. I've been investigating this noise and have found two likely problems. The first is that it is engine marbeling that is classic to 4.0's and is a normal and won't cause any problems. According to Ford many 4 liters make this noise and it resonates through the exhaust making it seem very loud but doesn't cause any harm. The second is the timing chain noise that I can't seem to find much info on. All I've been able to find is it occurs b/t 2500-3000 rpm. I can't find a description of the noise, whether loud or hot or cold. Any problems this may cause? Can somebody help me to determine which is my problem? If it's marbeling I can live with it, if it's something I need to fix I would really appreciate some advise before it costs me a lot of money. Thanks.

 

Do you have the SOHC of OHV 4.0? If you have the SOHC it could be the timing chain, and there is a TSB out on that, and it is specific to the SOHC only.
Don't know much about the OHV since I don't have that motor, so I'm not going to give you bad advice on that one and let someone else answer that one for you.

 

can you hear it in park-if you just punched it quick. If its not the timing chain cant think of a reason- I guess the engine could have a non-harming sound resonating through the exhaust but i would be concerned anyway-Oh what about your mainfold gaskets..ive heard when they go its noisy--is it coming from there?

 

It is a SOHC 4.0. Do you know if there is anywhere I can find specifics on TSB's? I did a search for them and did find two pertaining to timing chain noises but they only had that in the titles. One of the timing chain noises did only say cold, my problem will happen hot or cold. When I tried to find specifics nothing would come up. I tried calling the Ford dealer but they were really no help over the phone, they just kept wanting me to bring it in so they could hear it and give me there diagnosis. I really can't see spending 50 or 100 bucks for them to tell me it's normal. With regard to the intake gaskets, why is it only in a 200 rpm range? Eveything I found with the intake gaskets also will either have a vacuum leak or a coolant or oil leak. Also I've found with the intakes they could throw codes and turn on the check engine light. I've still been searching with no other luck. Thanks for your interest though.

 

hey cclark, ..,

look into the recall of the timing chain tensioners and cassettes....That is probably your problem like everyone else with that SOHC. It was my problem and i fix it myself it was over the warranty mark so, dealer wouldn't fix it.... look into it ,.........

 

Hey madd thanks for your reply. Do you know if it is a recall or a service bulletin? If it is a recall the dealer has to fix it for free no matter what the mileage is. If it is a TSB I have searched for them and can't find any specifics on what to replace or what actually the noise is. Maybe you could tell me what your noise was like and what exactly you replaced? Lifters, tensioner, chain, any help would be appreciated.

 

HEY,

SERVICE BULLETIN.....THOSE BUTT MUNCHERS.... .. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ROCKER IS BAD. BUT, AT TIMES, IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING FELL INTO THE MOTOR WHEN YOU START IT UP.... .... AND THE NOISE IS ALWAYS THERE. IT PICKS UP EVEN AT HIGH SPEED WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. .....AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT<<<< MY BAD!!!!! ..... WHEN I CAME TO THIS SITE, THEY TOLD THE SKINNY ON IT... ....THANK GOD FOR THIS SITE.. ....IT IS JUST A CONTINUOUS KNOCKING IF THE STUFF HADN'T BROKE INTO MANY OF PIECES, ( AND IT WILL) THIS IS A SLIGHT NOISE. BUT, WHEN THERE IS CHUNKS..... .....GRAB YOUR ANKLE FOR THE ROUGH RIDE..... MINE IS DOING DARN GREAT AND I AM THANKFUL FOR THAT... .....SO, IF YOU HEAR ANYTHING,,, DON'T WAIT.. HAVE IT LOOK INTO..... ....... I HOPE THIS HELPS.....