Any ideas on why my valves would chatter ?

 

Oil weight has a lot to do with it. Too heavy oil won't flow right.

 

what year/ engine do you have? when does it clatter? we need more info to be able to help you better.

 

Are you talking about pre-ignition? A "pinging" sound when you put the engine under a load?

 

It's a 2001 4X4 with the 4.0 and I use casteroil 5w-30

 

does it make the noise all the time? when you first start it? at certain RPM's? help us out here, we need more info.

 

mostly going up hills toward the top of the hill

 

Sounds like pre-ignition. This causes a "pinging" or "rattling" sound when the engine is under load. Instead of the fuel burning smoothly, it explodes rapidly in the combustion chambers, causing the sound. To confirm this, try running a tank of 93 octane fuel, and see if it quiets down.

 

Thank you, my dad had a 1989 Ranger and it wouldn't run worth a crap with 87 octane

 

Mine does the same thing under load, around 2500-2800 RPMs. But as soon as you get over that mark it doesn't do it. I have tried cleaning the MAF, air filter, throttle body, and running 93 octane and it still does it. And I changed plugs and wires about 5 months ago. And I run castrol 5w-30. Any ideas what I can do to fix this problem?

 

After cleaning the MAF, did you reset the PCM? This is done by turning the headlights on, and disconnecting the negative battery cable for a couple of seconds. If it still pings, then you need to de-carbon the combustion chambers with seafoam, or look for a vacuum leak.

 

I have not reset the computer. But I have an x3 too. Should I reset the computer then retune or just retune it without resetting the computer? Thanks for the help!

 

Ok I reset the computer and the reflashed it with my X3. And it was still pinging. Then I ran a bottle of seafoam through it, which helped but did not cure the problem.

So now all I am left with is running a vacuum check on the engine. But another answer to this problem I am thinking, is just the quality of gas. The ethanol gasoline just doesn't run as well as pure gasoline IMO. Before the switch to "gas can contain up to 10% ethanol", my engine never did this.

Any other thoughts? Or am I just trying to make myself feel better by saying the pinging is just a result of the ethanol gas lol.

 

did you seafoam properly? if so...wait till next oil change and do it again but do half in brake booster line, and half of seafoam in half tank of gas (dont dilute it). If this doesnt cure it I would bump up the grade of fuel (89) or use those boost supplements at any autostore.

With a vehicle there is always a cause and effect. parts dont just do something for no reason.

Im dont know much about the timing on the 4.0 but could your timing be a few nanoseconds off and you get preignition? idk just throwing it out there.

 

When I did the seafoam, I put half in the booster line and the other in the tank. And I already use 93 octane due to my performance/towing tune from my X3.

I have thought about preignition though. Is it possible to run a check or diagnostic on the coil pack? It doesn't seem to be loosing power, the sound is just annoying as hell. And I just replaced the plugs (with proper gap) and motorcraft wires about 3-4 months ago.

 

Could it be ,








Vehicle Specs


Post TSB 02-7-6 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Rattle
*Engine - 4.0L SOHC - Rattle noise from primary chain drive area between 2K-3K RPM - Cold engine operation only

*Noise - Rattle noise from primary timing chain drive area between 2K-3K RPM - Cold engine operation only - vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engine only

Ford: 99-02 Explorer, 01-02 Sport Trac, Explorer Sport, Ranger
Mercury: 99-02 Mountaineer

Issue:

Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0 SOHC (Single Over-Head Cam) engine may exhibit a Primary Timing Chain rattle noise. The noise is audible during hot and cold engine operation (but predominantly found on cold engines) under acceleration, typically at 2400-2500 rpm. To confirm presence of this noise, accelerate in 2nd gear between 2000-3000 rpm and listen for rattle noise that sounds similar to spark knock. This may be caused by the Primary Timing Chain Tensioner system.

Action:

Replace the Primary Timing Chain Tensioner, Chain Guide, Jackshaft, and Crankshaft Sprockets with a Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Kit. The kit includes an improved Primary Chain Tensioner, as well as updated Primary Chain Guide, Jackshaft, and Crankshaft Sprockets. Required fastners, primary timing chain, and front cover gaskets are also included. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

Service Procedure:

Verify the condition. Obtain the correct kit and follow the sheet supplied with the kit.

Use kit 2U3Z-6D256-AA (balance shaft engines) for:
-99-01 4x4 Explorer/Mountaineer
-01-02 4x4 Sport/Sport Trac
-All 02 Explorer/Mountaineer, except engine codes 2G-960-AA and 2G-964-AA

Use kit 2U3Z-6D256-BA (non blance shaft engines) for:
-99-01 4x2 Explorer/Mountaineer
-01-02 4x2 Sport/Sport Trac
-02 Explorer/Mountaineer with engine codes 2G-960-AA and 2G-964-AA
-All 2001-02 Ranger

Labor Time: Estimated around 6 hours

Warranty Status: Elgible under the provisions of Bumper to Bumper warranty coverage

 

This thought had occurred to me. But my truck has been doing this for at least 3 yrs. I guess I have just not put any thought to it until I passed 100k not long ago.

The knock is def more dominant during cold engine usage. But it still occurs while the truck is plenty warm (i.e. running longer than 30 mins) but it is not as loud.

Is there a way to check the tensioner without basically taking the front end of the engine off lol?

 

Hope I don't get in any trouble for linking to another forum.http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=261439

 

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