Question:

My 98 XLT with the 4.0 SOHC had the rattle at start up.  The last time it was in the shop (defective thermostat), they noticed it and replaced the timing chain under a service bulletin – no charge!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all- > I have a 2000 Explorer XLT with the 4.0 and so far so good (for the most > part) at 15K miles.  When it’s idling, there’s a slight rattling and it > almost sounds like a diesel engine, but a lot quieter!  It’s barely > noticeable under acceleration from a stop, but definitely there, and pretty > darn smooth at cruising. > Before I ask about it at my next dealer visit (when I pick up the new tires- > I’m not too worried about it!) I just wanted to see if this was normal for > this type of engine. > I’d appreciate any comments you might have. > Thanks!

Response:

Hi all- I have a 2000 Explorer XLT with the 4.0 and so far so good (for the most part) at 15K miles.  When it’s idling, there’s a slight rattling and it almost sounds like a diesel engine, but a lot quieter!  It’s barely noticeable under acceleration from a stop, but definitely there, and pretty darn smooth at cruising. Before I ask about it at my next dealer visit (when I pick up the new tires- I’m not too worried about it!) I just wanted to see if this was normal for this type of engine. I’d appreciate any comments you might have. Thanks!

Response:

I also have a 2000 but it is a XLS. ( 4.0 of course)  and I’m hearing exactly the same thing Sparky is when I start mine up.  This occurs especially in the morning when the engine is still cold, but have also heard it when the engine is warmed up!  When I had it in the dealer for something other than the engine I brought up the noise to them and they couldn’t find anything wrong and they couldn’t hear the noise.  So please pass the answer to me too!! Thanks Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all- > I have a 2000 Explorer XLT with the 4.0 and so far so good (for the most > part) at 15K miles.  When it’s idling, there’s a slight rattling and it > almost sounds like a diesel engine, but a lot quieter!  It’s barely > noticeable under acceleration from a stop, but definitely there, and pretty > darn smooth at cruising. > Before I ask about it at my next dealer visit (when I pick up the new tires- > I’m not too worried about it!) I just wanted to see if this was normal for > this type of engine. > I’d appreciate any comments you might have. > Thanks!

Response:

My 98 4L V6 (27k) rattled for about half sec at startup. Then dealer did the n/c cam chain tensioner/intake manifold seal replacement and it has been cured. Noise sounds like an old motor with collapsed hydraulic lifters waiting for the oil pressure to come up at startup. Never really noticed the noise at idle, but would rattle at startup. wth

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all- > I have a 2000 Explorer XLT with the 4.0 and so far so good (for the most > part) at 15K miles.  When it’s idling, there’s a slight rattling and it > almost sounds like a diesel engine, but a lot quieter!  It’s barely > noticeable under acceleration from a stop, but definitely there, and pretty > darn smooth at cruising. > Before I ask about it at my next dealer visit (when I pick up the new tires- > I’m not too worried about it!) I just wanted to see if this was normal for > this type of engine. > I’d appreciate any comments you might have. > Thanks!

Response:

There’s 2 different 4.0’s, the older OHV and the newer SOHC. Which one(s) are you all referring to? I have a 2000 XLS with the older OHV 4.0 and have the exact same noise in mine. It has almost 30k on the odometer, uses no oil between changes, leaks no oil, get good MPG and has decent power (especially after some performance mods). Unless anyone out there knows otherwise, as far as I’m concerned, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!!!! Later….

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all- > I have a 2000 Explorer XLT with the 4.0 and so far so good (for the most > part) at 15K miles.  When it’s idling, there’s a slight rattling and it > almost sounds like a diesel engine, but a lot quieter!  It’s barely > noticeable under acceleration from a stop, but definitely there, and pretty > darn smooth at cruising. > Before I ask about it at my next dealer visit (when I pick up the new tires- > I’m not too worried about it!) I just wanted to see if this was normal for > this type of engine. > I’d appreciate any comments you might have. > Thanks!

Response: