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'02 explorer making noise like diesel
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DeutschS
Novice
Feb 9, 2014, 6:05 AM
Post #1 of 8
(2045 views)
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'02 explorer making noise like diesel
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Hello,
I've got a 2002 Ford Explorer. It's a 4.0 V6 with 247,000 miles.
Recently it started making a knocking noise, similar to what a diesel engine sounds like. I also noticed a burning smell that only lasted a minute or so. I originally thought it might be the extreme cold weather causing this, but am concerned that it is still present.
I've seen no loss of oil pressure, according to the gauge.
I was going to flush the engine out and do an oil change, but wanted to get some feedback before proceeding.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Steve
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 9, 2014, 6:31 AM
Post #2 of 8
(2033 views)
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Re: '02 explorer making noise like diesel
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What are you using for oil and viscosity? At the miles when that cold especially if not used recently could be somewhat OK for a few seconds then go away if just a tired engine mechanically.
If the noise persists and really is lack of lubrication it's highly likely damage has occurred. Hard to say as this could be an assessorie or even belt noise a pulley to something so you have to do some checking. Take belt off and spin items/pulleys and plain look feel around.
You seriously need to rule out an oil problem or it's game over for that engine IMO. Cold alone should quit it quickly with temporary objection to it.
Oil pressure by gauge is not trustworthy and should be taken by mechanical gauge. It would/should fluctuate with RPMs normally and if not gauge isn't accurate. I wouldn't run this much till you know more about source of noise which could even be an exhaust heat shield or something??
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 9, 2014, 6:42 AM
Post #3 of 8
(2025 views)
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Re: '02 explorer making noise like diesel
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If this is the overhead cam engine, it has external, hydraulic tensioners for the extremely long timing chain. A combination of events such as wear in the timing chain and guides, tensioner deterioration and oil passage restrictions will lead to a severe rattling noise when first started. Flushing should not be done. That will cause the sludge to loosen up and break off in large chunks and will end up in places where it will do a lot more damage. You could try replacing the tensioners but that may just be a band-aid.
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DeutschS
Novice
Feb 9, 2014, 6:42 AM
Post #4 of 8
(2024 views)
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Re: '02 explorer making noise like diesel
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Currently using 5w30 high mileage synthetic blend.
Sadly, I don't believe the noise is heat shield, pulley or something simple. It sounds internal to the engine.
Is there any point in running cleaner through the engine and refilling?
Steve
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 9, 2014, 7:15 AM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: '02 explorer making noise like diesel
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If missed don't clean engine oil. Change it if you wish.
Noises are hard to isolate even when right there you start somewhere. Yes, belts and exhaust can resemble horrible problems internally and not be that.
Tap on exhaust parts - engine off a loose something usually makes noise then. You mentioned smell that went away. IDK, a belt or who knows now but taking belt off or perhaps just watch and see if something isn't turning and belt smoking over it.
The cold suks. It will bring out the weak links. It could be as HT suggested also and just had enough all at once. If it doesn't go away and oil is NOT found to be the problem keep on till you isolate it. Know when to quit running this engine as it very well could be killing itself. Get help if you can't find it as the possible damage could exceed what you would spend on a vehicle with so many miles,
T
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milling machine
User
Feb 9, 2014, 7:27 AM
Post #6 of 8
(2010 views)
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hydralic tensioners
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I had the same engine as this 97 Explorer I changed both hydraulic tensioners with new ones from the dealer and it made no difference
I think to solve this problem you have to change all of the tensioners and hardware that goes with it this engine has a timing chain in
the back of the engine you almost have to pull the engine out of the vehicle to repair it
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DeutschS
Novice
Feb 9, 2014, 11:27 AM
Post #7 of 8
(1984 views)
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Re: '02 explorer making noise like diesel
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Sorry, I was side tracked for a bit.
Got it...no cleaning!
Pretty sure this is internal. Crying uncle and taking it in for some professional diagnosis. I've been able to keep her going for 12 years and 250k with little expense. Might just be time...
Thanks for the help!
Steve
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 9, 2014, 11:33 AM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: '02 explorer making noise like diesel
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Just curious, but can you record the noise and upload it to a video hosting site and then paste the link in here? I've never done a jack shaft 4.0L engine chain job and not looking forward to it in the future.
With the mileage it would probably be more cost effective to shove a reman or good used salvage yard unit in it than it would be to do a chain job. To do the chains on that engine the labor time alone is 18 hrs and that doesn't include parts. Then if you do it, you have new chains on a high mileage engine...lol.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Feb 9, 2014, 11:42 AM)
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