timing chain rattle
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timing chain rattle
Guys
I think I have the dreaded timing chain rattle that I have been reading about on these boards. I have a 92 explorer sport with the 4.0. I really dont have the $$$ to put into it, can I just run this thing safely without fixing it? any help would be appreciated
Ben
I think I have the dreaded timing chain rattle that I have been reading about on these boards. I have a 92 explorer sport with the 4.0. I really dont have the $$$ to put into it, can I just run this thing safely without fixing it? any help would be appreciated
Ben
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From: Connecticut
The '92 4.0L is an overhead valve (OHV), pushrod design. The timing chain tensioner issues are not associated with the OHV. Instead it is the single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 4.0L which is affected. The SOHC was not used in the Explorer until '97.
As such, the noise you are hearing must be something else.
As such, the noise you are hearing must be something else.
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by Rockledge
The '92 4.0L is an overhead valve (OHV), pushrod design. The timing chain tensioner issues are not associated with the OHV. Instead it is the single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 4.0L which is affected. The SOHC was not used in the Explorer until '97.
As such, the noise you are hearing must be something else.
As such, the noise you are hearing must be something else.
The timing chain in my '92 explorer has been making a little noise for almost 100,000 miles. So far, so good.
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From: Connecticut
I've never heard of timing chains being an issue inthe 4.0L OHV, although I suppose that any engine with a chain can develop noises from that area.
Nevertheless, I still have my doubts that the noise ford_nut is hearing is a timing chain problem.
Nevertheless, I still have my doubts that the noise ford_nut is hearing is a timing chain problem.
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the rattle I hear sounds like a knocking noise when accelerating (around 2000-3000 RPM) It is most notable in the morning after the motor sits and is stone cold. I can also hear it when it is warmed up too. I know it is not a rod knock b/c it doesn't make audible noise at idle. Its rather annoying and I am ready to tell my g/f to sell the car! Car has 130,000 miles. I can safely say, my ole beaters with 390's in em never sounded like this on their worst day!
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I suppose I like to think optimistically, so at first I'd consider something easy and inexpensive to repair like maybe a loose heat shield 
, and then grudgingly I'd start thinking about the more difficult possibilities (i.e, timing chain 
).
, and then grudgingly I'd start thinking about the more difficult possibilities (i.e, timing chain ).
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1st of all, you need to know weather or not you have the problem. the symptom is a rattle between 2500 & 3000 RPM, when you are driving a cold motor (it usually goes away once the motor is up to temp) - not at idle. The "fix" (TSB 02-08-01) is to replace the tensioner for the primary timing chain, if that doesn't do it, the tensioner is replaced for the secondary chain as well. Ford claimed to have this fixed in 02, by using the new tensioners during assembly.
It will definitely be covered under warranty, if you have any left. It is such a well documented problem, starting when the 4.0 SOHC was used in the Explorer, that you might be able to get some help from Ford - its worth a shot. If you have a good relationship with your dealership, they are allowed to give you 2 out of warranty repairs on Ford's tab!
It will definitely be covered under warranty, if you have any left. It is such a well documented problem, starting when the 4.0 SOHC was used in the Explorer, that you might be able to get some help from Ford - its worth a shot. If you have a good relationship with your dealership, they are allowed to give you 2 out of warranty repairs on Ford's tab!
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PW01,
ford_nut has the 92 4.0L Exploder. He's well out of warranty and I severely doubt that 4.0 had the same timing chain set up. The tension might be bad in his case, but that's an age thing, rather than design.
I doubt anyone at Ford is that nice to give a 13 year-old rig warranty coverage....though we can agree that ANY 4.OHV problems should have been permanently fixed by now...
ford_nut has the 92 4.0L Exploder. He's well out of warranty and I severely doubt that 4.0 had the same timing chain set up. The tension might be bad in his case, but that's an age thing, rather than design.
I doubt anyone at Ford is that nice to give a 13 year-old rig warranty coverage....though we can agree that ANY 4.OHV problems should have been permanently fixed by now...
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Don't sell it yet. I agree, I highly doubt it's the timing chain. However, I do have to wonder if it's a case of engine knock, common to the 4.0L. The common fixes (and the details can be found here on FTE) are:
*Dirty MAF sensor (easy 20 minute fix, just clean)
*Loose lower intake manifold bolts (easy fix, just retorque)
*Carbon buildup in engine. There is a TSB to address the matter. (Easy fix, about $30 in parts, 2 1/2 hours time, mostly wait time)
These are in no particular order; I'd try the first two since they are fast and free if you DIY.
I'd also inspect the EGR system. It should NOT be operating on a cold engine, if it does you will get a lean mixture. Lean = higher combustion chamber temps = engine knock. The first two items noted above also result in a lean condition.
*Dirty MAF sensor (easy 20 minute fix, just clean)
*Loose lower intake manifold bolts (easy fix, just retorque)
*Carbon buildup in engine. There is a TSB to address the matter. (Easy fix, about $30 in parts, 2 1/2 hours time, mostly wait time)
These are in no particular order; I'd try the first two since they are fast and free if you DIY.
I'd also inspect the EGR system. It should NOT be operating on a cold engine, if it does you will get a lean mixture. Lean = higher combustion chamber temps = engine knock. The first two items noted above also result in a lean condition.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Mar 21, 2005 at 12:08 PM.
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