4.0 SOHC Engine Noise
 

Hi all. Bought my 2001 4.0 4x4 in 2009 with 90K. Upon cold start up, the engine would always tick in a rythmic fashion, until it warmed up. Now at 115K, the engine is noisy at all RPMs, in Neutral, and whether or not the clutch is in or not. The noise gets progressively louder as RPMs increase. I replaced the rear timing chain tensioner and no improvement. I will do the front soon. Do you think one of the guides have gone? However, before the constant noise, there was no noise specifically between 2-3K RPMs that I could hear. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Really, no one wants to help me diagnose this? I am thinking the rear guide has gone, but wanted some opinions besides my own.

Where is the noise located? Can you get a video of it?

I will try to get a video later. It is primarily located on the underside, from what I can tell it is near the engine/trans connection. I can hear the noise through the shift boot and also outside of the cab if I am outside. The noise seems to get quieter as I walk away from the door towards the front. The noise is not random, it is a pattern that increases as RPM increases.

my truck ticks until its warmed up...just the aluminum heads coming up to temp...aluminum is notiously noisy while it warms up

Noisy lifters??

Could need an adjustment in the top end valve clearance??

The truck does it even when fully warmed up. It sounds like metal on metal. It also sounds like a diesel running. It is loud enough that I can hear it through the shift boot. Does anyone have a good video of the timing chain rattle that I can compare to?

Lifters.
ALL 4.0 rangers do this. ALL of them.
Get used to it.

It happened suddenly and is ALL the time... Would you really hear the lifters from the shift boot?

hows it running? smoothly? skipping? misfires?

Runs great, no loss of power. I think the MPG is going down. I have only done only fillup since the problem emerged. I used to get 16-17 in the winter and last fillup I only got 14.5. No misfires, I can't hear anything from engine specifically. It is loudest if you step out of the cab and kneel down. If you move away from the cab it is not as noticeable. I just replaced throw out bearing, clutch, pressure plate, and slave two weeks ago just after this problem started. The truck shifts fine, no issues and the gears are smooth. I don't think its the tranny.

last time you did a coil, spark plugs, plug wires?
exhaust leak?

I haven't actually ever replaced any of those. I don't think I have an exhaust leak either. The truck only used to clank when cold. I went to let it warm up one day and it didn't go away after my 10 mile trip to work. I have replaced both timing chain tensioners with almost no results.

Id start with the wires and plugs. How many miles it? The wires could be arcing and that ur hearing

Easy way to check to see if your wires are arching:
get your engine bay wet, everything except your fuse panel/battery area.
While engine bay is wet, start truck. If you've got an arching wire, you'll see it right away.

Straight old school

X2

Old School?
Thats how i do it man. Its how my old man did it, and thats how his old man did it.
I don't need no computer to tell me what to do.

115K on the truck. What kind of sound would the wires be making? This sounds like a distinct metal on metal or a piece of metal vibrating.

Does the sound increase with RPMs?

Yes the sound increases with RPMs. Could it be a heat shield loose or maybe a bad cat?

Ok, guys, here's a video. I took it on my phone so you may have to turn your speakers up.

I don't know what the hell that is, but it sure doesn't sound good.

Bump to see if anyone else can help.

or in the dark.Also you can remove one plugwire at a time while running to see which one changes the idling of the engine in the least.If you pull one and the engine doesn't stumble,bingo.