Clacking noise and cold engine question

[Koa04]

Hello Everyone

I have a question regarding a LOUD clacking noise that has developed in the last few weeks on my 02 GT 4.6l engine. The clacking is loudest when the engine is cold. It is coming from the passenger side valve cover and is readily apparent and even louder if I remove the oil filler cap and listen through the filler hole. I have changed the oil and filter hoping for an easy fix but no dice. I am running Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-30 and a motorcraft filter. At first I thought the clacking might have been from my Kenne bell nose coupler (spyder gear) but everything is O.K. there. The noise is definetly coming from the passenger side valve assembly.

Any advice where to start troubleshooting? I'm thinking hydraulic lash adjusters but have read that the noise that develops from this problem gets worse as the engine gets warmer. Not the case for me. What about timing chain assembly? Again, the noise seems to fade away as the engine warms up and does not get worse with acceleration. Any ideas would be appreciated. I hate driving the car around when it sounds like a POS.

Thanks

 

[trinity_gt]

If you're sure it's from the valve area, pull the valve cover and start it to try to isolate the noise source.

 

[Koa04]

After pulling the valve cover (what a pain in the a$$) and firing up the engine, it's pretty apparent that the timing chain is hitting the upper portion of the guide. Looks like I'll need to pull the front of the engine and change out the tensioners and guides.

Does anyone have a link to a good "how to" replace the tensioners and guides. I've googled but no luck.

Thanks

 

[N8Dogg98]

After pulling the valve cover (what a pain in the a$$) and firing up the engine, it's pretty apparent that the timing chain is hitting the upper portion of the guide. Looks like I'll need to pull the front of the engine and change out the tensioners and guides.

Does anyone have a link to a good "how to" replace the tensioners and guides. I've googled but no luck.

Thanks

I don't know of a "how to" myself, but it can't be that difficult. Make sure your engine is at TDC, remove front engine accessories, engine cover, etc... once you are in behind the cover, remove the tensioners/guides. There are markings on the timing chains and the cam sprockets to help in lining everything up. Make sure to compress the tensioners in a vice and use a paperclip in the small hole to keep the tensioner in the compressed position before installing.

 

[Koa04]

Thanks. I'll start digging into the motor tonight.

 

[N8Dogg98]

Sometimes it is helpful if you take pictures while you are removing things and put bolts in labeled baggies. That way when you go to reassemble everything you'll have a good idea where things are supposed to go and not end up with a handful of parts when everything is buttoned back up... lol

 

[Koa04]

Great tip.. Thanks

I'm going to try to take the pictures and post a how to for others. Wish me luck.

 

[patman0911]

Go down to Autozone or wherever and get a Haynes or Chiltons manual, or both. It'll save you a lot of headscratching wondering what you're supposed to do next and sitting on the forum hitting F5 over and over waiting for a response. Both have clear step-by-step instructions.