2002 Explorer Engine Noise on startup - cold

[gnorton52]

Hello all!

Got a 2002 Explorer w/ a 4.0L and a 155,000 miles on it. Just recently it's begun to make a "rattling" noise when I start it up cold. It only does it for a
few seconds. It sounds like the noise one makes when the starter drive doesn't completely retract after starting. Then it goes away and doesn't do it again until the engine has had time to completely cool off. It's not the starter, and I've removed the belt and started it up w/o the belt and it still does it. Anyone got any ideas??

Thanks,

gnorton52

[phantom_smack]

What motor sohc or ohv? It kinda sounds like maybe a timing chain,guide or tensioner.

[gnorton52]

It's an SOHC .... yeah I was thinking that it might be that as well. Any idea as to what kind of difficulty replacing the Chains and tensioners is??

[phantom_smack]

You have to pull the motor if you want to change all of them(passenger chain is on the back of the head if I remember correctly)It is pretty involved and requires some special tools.I'll have to check the manual i havent messed with one since my class.