does my engine have a timing chain?
 

I know a little bit about my truck but I do not know this. Its a 2000 3.0 V-flex.

when I start it up after a cold start it has that marbles in a can sound but only for a second or two. its not loud but definitely audible. after those two seconds it will not do it. warm start nothing. until the next morning when its had time to sit and cool down.

Does my vflex have a cam? dont believe so buttt idk. and if not then it more than likely doesnt have a timing chain right? just wondering how to go about tackling this rattle. only been doing it for 2 weeks now so catch it early

heres a little video kinda what it is. my rattle quits much faster than this poor fellas

Wirelessly posted

You have a 3L OHV. you have a cam in block and you have a timing chain. My guess it needs replacing

OHV isn't OHC right? So you're positive I do have a cam chain?

All 3.0 engines in these trucks have timing chains.

OHV= overhead valves with pushrods

OHC= overhead cam which means no pushrods

yes you do have a timing chain

how many miles? Parts are cheap, I think I picked up a chain and gear set for under $40. I will say this is a lot of work for peice of mind though. If you really want a good reason to do this, wait for the timing cover to start leaking coolant.

It could be your cam sync. mine was making the same noise when starting it up , i replaced it and it went away.


Thread on replacing it:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/showth...ghlight=sensor

awesome guys! thanks yall. I knew the abbreviations for the engines and such but simply didnt know if my truck was cammed.

NEXT QUESTION: the rattle came first and yall have told me how to solve that..sweet. now my truck is struggling to turn over. It whines over and over real slow them wam it turns over and runs. Battery is good to go. alternator is supplying plenty of power. Could these problems be related? will solving one solve the other? what could be causing this other starting problem? starter hanging up? could the rattle be that the starter is continuing to be engaged after I let go of the key...could this be the case of the rattle as well?