A few days ago I had noticed a chirp or a squeak emanating from the engine, almost reminiscent of a sparrow's chirp ('98 Ranger, ~90,000 miles only). I had assumed it was a pulley, bearing, etc, so I had taken it to a mechanic. It has no other issue/symptom (rides perfectly). The chirp can be heard at idle and during driving.
After having it two days (couldn't find the issue on the first day), the mechanic says that after inspecting it, he's convinced that the camshaft is about to break. I asked if it could not just be the sensor as it could simply be that, but he says with a replaced sensor the noise is still there.
He stated that he heard metal on metal when inspected and said the short block needed to be replaced, but was (after a few hours) not yet able to provide a quote until next week.
I plan to have a different mechanic to check it this upcoming week, but wanted to see if there are any thoughts of what it may be. Thanks :)

 

Yes, please take it to someone else!!!! Try doing this first..... remove the accessory belt and start the trk up, this will give u a better idea if it’s an engine noise or accessory noise......no need to worry about overheating or killing the battery, just don’t let it run more that a min or two......

 

Turned out to by the cam synchronizer which was the issue :).

 

Good, that beats a whole motor.....

 

That mechanic...! What a DICK !

 

He must have a crystal ball if he can tell if the cam is about to break.