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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 06:56 AM
  #1  
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Nand12
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'04 explorer

If you guys remember, i posted a while back about my '04 4.0 Explorer XLT sounding like it had some engine problems (either timing chain or some other form of knock). The truck literally sounds like a diesel at idle and when you sit in the vehicle, you can feel it shudder. I finally made a sound clip of my engine at idle and I was wondering if some of you could listen to it and tell me if it sounds normal or if you also have the same noise. Here is the clip:Explorer Engine Clip
 

Last edited by Nand12; Mar 27, 2005 at 07:14 AM.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 03:47 PM
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Maybe a leak around one of your exhaust manifolds. But without a doubt, if the vehicle is stock, you have an issue.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2005 | 08:50 PM
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serussell
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Has the dealer been able to show you other new explorers on the lot that make the same sound? I have an 04 explorer with 11K miles (4.0 sohc) and an 04 Ranger with the same 4.0 and neither make any noise like you describe or recorded.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2005 | 09:01 PM
  #4  
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Hmmm... It does sound like an exhaust problem- at first I would've said some really bad piston slap, but these engines don't really do that and it isn't consistent enough to be that.

It sounds to me more like a motorcycle than a diesel, though. But really, go get it fixed- that's not normal.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2005 | 09:07 PM
  #5  
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Dialtone
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That kind of sound from a gas engine is NOT normal. Sounds like the entire valve train is dry (no lubrication ) and the lifters are collapsed. (Do not know if this engine is OHC or not)
In years gone by, that kind of sound was associated with mis-adjusted solid lifters. The slapping sound was due to excessive valve lash.
Just my opinion
Dialtone
 
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Old Mar 30, 2005 | 09:22 PM
  #6  
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I just took it to another dealer today (supposedly reputable mercury dealer in my area) and he also said that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle. In the service invoice, he mentioned that the vehicle was compared to another mountaineer with the sohc and no noticeable difference was noted. This is getting frustrating because now not only has my selling dealership told me nothing is wrong, but the mercury dealership is also confirming that there is no problem. Ive posted on many forums about my vehicle including a forum where Ford technicians offer to help diagnose issues and even the ford techs told me something was really wrong. Where do I go from here? I'm positive my engine is bad but the dealers keep saying its fine. Should I file a complaint with Ford corporate?
 
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Old Mar 30, 2005 | 11:33 PM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by Nand12
... Should I file a complaint with Ford corporate?
Absolutely!!! That is not a normal sound from a "well" 4.0 liter motor. My advice is to make them open the hood on a 2005 (it they have a 2004 on the lot even better) and compare the sound. Hell, even my 1994 Ranger with 187,000 miles on the original engine did not sound that bad!
 
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Old Mar 31, 2005 | 06:34 AM
  #8  
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Ask them to bring a similar vehicle out, park it next to yours and compare them while you are present.

Mine doesnt make that noise.
 
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