Is it my timing chain?

[QuickSilver]

I recently bought a 2002 ford ranger 4x4 4.0L SOHC auto. Bought it with 101K on the clock. Now it has 106k on it. Upon starting it has a slight clatter, sounds kinda like an idler pully bearing, just a quiet growl. It bothered me a bit, but it was just a half second deal. Occasionally at about 3k rpm it would have a similar growl. That concerned me a hell of a lot more than the start up issue. On my way home tonight I tested it a little, and the growl starts at about 2750 rpm, and fades at about 3500rpm. I did an O/C right when I got it (motorcraft 5w-30 motorcraft filter), and I'm going to do another real quick. I've read about this timing chain issue and mine sounds a bit different. It is said that they usually start at about 1800 rpm. From what I have read they are more noticeable. My oil pressure is always good.

If it is the chain rattling, how much will it set me back? I'm in college right now and I can't really afford anything major.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

let the truck set a few hours so its nice and cold (or do this in the morning before starting it up). take the serpentine belt off and drive around the block...so if the sound is still there. if not that rules out ALL your belt driven accessories.

doing an oil change isnt going to help anything if it is the timing chain...the tensioners are just crap.

and if your going off your stock oil pressure gauge, then you really dont know what your oil pressure is (surprise, its a glorified idiot light, not a functional gauge).

 

[QuickSilver]

Thanks for the help. I didn't expect that the O/C would help, I just meant that I need to do one. If it is my chain, I'm figuring on this costing about 2 grand, right?

I haven't liked this truck since I got it. I miss my 3.0 5 speed....

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

napa has a pretty nice looking timing kit for that motor...looks very complete for about $500....whos installing it?

 

[QuickSilver]

Thanks for the heads up on the kit at NAPA. Is there anyway for me to tell if work has already been done on the timing chain? If I took it to a dealership would they be able to run the VIN through the computer to tell if it's been worked on? Is the problem with the chain the actual cassettes or oil flow to the cassettes?

A friend of the family will probably work on it. He used to be a mechanic at ford and is damn good and damn picky about his work.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the ford dealership will only be able to tell you if the work was done at a ford dealership.

the problem is the weak hydraulic lifter/plastic runner assembly...the design wears and just doesnt keep enough tension on the chain to keep it from rattling.

 

[QuickSilver]

So, the aftermarket will be of better design? Will it be a permanent fix? I guess what I want to know is:" If I keep the truck for a long time will I be fixing it again?"

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

that i couldnt tell you. there ARE others who are more proficient in this problem than i. i do recall hearing something about a design change or update but i dont remember what it is.

tomorrow, pop into your local ford dealer during lunch and have a chat with one of the techs...im sure he could tell you allll about it.