timing chain rattle... im sure its been asked a million times

[c_caudy]

my 01 sohc 4.0 has a rattle at 2200-3000 rpm under load and i was told by a ford tech that is was more than likely the jackshaft chain and to fix it i have to pull the motor... id like to kick that engineer somewhere the sun dont shine... but i was curious if anyone had done this yet

 

[Big Jim M]

I've never done it... and I'm dreading the opportunity! You do have to pull the engine so MAKE sure that is the problem before you start.
While the engine is out you will have the thing sitting there so do anything that might need attention in the near future to it..
Big JIm

 

[richlands55]

Do some research on this site and google Explorer forums. I have seen lots of write ups on that problem. According to what I have read the rear chain very seldom causes problems.
I do know you have to have a special tool set to keep everything in time.

 

[EERNGER]

Do some research on this site and google Explorer forums. I have seen lots of write ups on that problem. According to what I have read the rear chain very seldom causes problems.
I do know you have to have a special tool set to keep everything in time.

Exactly. I think i have come across maybe a handful of failures due to the issue. I was really worried when my dads fx4 started doing it when the truck rolled over 75k, but it has been going for years now with no issue. Mine has been doing it since i bought it and im sitting at 160k with no issue. i have since ignored the issue entirely. Either way, unless its making a heck of a racket i would not be overly worried.

 

[feellnfroggy]

The special tool set runs about 200 dollars if its the set im thinkin of. Its cam locks, all the newer motors are interference style motors meaning when the timing is off the valves will make contact with the pistons and bend the valves. the cam locks lock the cam from rotating when pulling hte heads or timing chain. Good luck to ya. If your gonna pull the motor out I would give a call to supersix motorsports and see what they have to offer.

 

[c_caudy]

i understand it will be a pain im in school for auto mechanics... the dang truck runs so good its only got 100k on it im the second owner its a rather nice truck for bein rusty... i mean its got 4.10s 8.8 id like to lift it a little maybe 33s im just gonna use it for a driver... i just dont want any major issues the guy i talked to said to only use motocraft oil and filter which i understand but if i do pull it to fix it is there anything else to look for? he said he has seen some with the same rattle right out of the factory and have 200k on them with no issues thanks guys! i love there are so many people out there that have done all this!

 

[iwfur25]

For what it's worth I replaced every chain and guide in mine with the motor in place, sitting in my driveway. The transmission does need to come off though.

 

[backroad101]

all the newer motors are interference style motors .

When you say all newer motors, do you mean the SOHC or the OHV as well?

.

 

[powerranger262]

When mine starts doing this problem it's definately getting traded in.