Need troubleshooting help on 96 Explorer 4.0 V6

[Husky44]

My kid's Explorer is giving him trouble, and I'm stuck. Any help on where to start looking for this problem would be greatly appreciated:

96 Explorer, 4x4, 4.0 V6, 125k miles, rattling (similar to shaking a can full of ball bearings) from rear of engine. Noise came on suddenly in past few days. Only occurs at idle, when additional load applied by A/C compressor engaging, or PS pump when you crank the wheel all the way to one side. At 1500 RPM, noise goes away. No performance problems today, but last night from a cold start, it would not hold an idle without additional fuel.
No codes on the computer. Any ideas what might be the problem, or where to start looking?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Adam95GT]

Possible iac valve issue causing low idle and engine shake rattling exhaust or something?

Is the rattling internal? Or can you track it down?

 

[Adam95GT]

Just did some research (on my phone so nothing profound) but there seems to be issues with timing chain rattle and carbon build up issues. Also I read something about it happening right after an oilchange. Another post said something about a lifter or pushrod issue

 

[MysteryMachine]

I think 96 changed to the goofy timing chain setup on them. There's 4 of them I believe. They are known to cause issues.

 

[Husky44]

Possible iac valve issue causing low idle and engine shake rattling exhaust or something?

Is the rattling internal? Or can you track it down?

I don't think the rattle is coming from engine shake; I thought about exhaust, but it'd have to be a visible, violent shake to make that much noise.

I can't tell where it is, other than it sounds like it's coming from the back of the block. Other than that, not much help to locate.

 

[Husky44]

I think 96 changed to the goofy timing chain setup on them. There's 4 of them I believe. They are known to cause issues.

That didn't happen until 97 from what I can find.

 

[onlyme]

Yeah you should check out this website Ford Explorer and Ranger Enthusiast Forums - Serious Explorations. The 4.0 SOHC is known for timing chain issues though. It matters if it's a 2wd or 4wd, the 4wd had a extra jackshaft with an extra chain, otherwise there is 3 chains, or 4 with the jackshaft.

 

[Husky44]

Yeah you should check out this website Ford Explorer and Ranger Enthusiast Forums - Serious Explorations. The 4.0 SOHC is known for timing chain issues though. It matters if it's a 2wd or 4wd, the 4wd had a extra jackshaft with an extra chain, otherwise there is 3 chains, or 4 with the jackshaft.

Everything I read says the SOHC didn't come out until 97.

 

[onlyme]

I haven't read much about the other 4.0, but I'm sure they would be able to answer your question there, about the noise in the motor. I have a 01 explorer sport 4.0 sohc 4x4 and I have found a wealth of information there.

 

[MysteryMachine]

I'm a member on there too. I was actually gonna suggest checking them out.

I thought it was 3 or 4 but couldn't remember for sure. I knew 1 in the front 2 going front to back. Wasn't sure if there was a rear one or not.

I had a 95 it ran great. When I got the 96 gt I gave the explorer to my parents. They sold it to my one sister. After she had it a couple weeks it started having torque converter/trans issues. They went away I guess on their own. It had like 186k on it when I stopped driving it. It's still going for her.

They are great little suv's.

 

[fiveoho]

my 98 explorer rattles at idle on startup, especially cold start up. but its the tc tensioners i believe. i think you are right, 96 4.0's were OHV. 97 up had the option of the 4.0 OHV or the 4.0 SOHC.

sort of a blind guess but have you stethoscoped anything?

good look on finding the issue and hopefully its minor,which im sure it is. those ohv motors are good motors.

 

[onlyme]

I found a couple of threads that might help for the 4.0 OHV

The infamous OHV 4.0 rattle, tap, tap, is indeed the lifters! - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

the infamous rattling 98 4.0 OHV - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

 

[Husky44]

Thanks for all the ideas. I haven't found the problem. Tested IAC valve, and it's good (cleaned it anyway since I had it off). No change.

By two days after I posted this, the problem had completely gone away.

I'd love to take credit, but I'd reached the point of total surrender. Least it's not a problem (for now)...