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MegaCab_PL's avatar
MegaCab_PL
Explorer
Feb 23, 2015

Opinions on the noise my 2006 Explorer 4.6 v8 3V is making

I welcome any opinions on this issue.
It's is a 2006 Ford Explorer with 4.6 3 valve v8 (basically same engine as 2004-2008 F150 5.4) with 198k miles.
It makes that clacking noise in gear, but otherwise runs smooth while driving.
I know they have issue with the VCT, but before I overhaul the entire timing with phasers, chains, guides, etc, or swap the motor, maybe someone had something similar. I thought about swapping the solenoids first, but there are no codes right now, drives fine, just that noise like the timing is about to fall apart......

In gear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snj08sHQHd0

In Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXMQ0scxcWc

Thanks all
Tow Vehicles

17 Replies

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  • MegaCab_PL's avatar
    MegaCab_PL
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2015
    That knocking noise is only when in gear with a foot on the brake pedal, basically when the engine is under load. I can't hear it once I move, and the engine is smooth. It does not come up when cold, only after prolonged driving.
    Maybe it is cat, but not the heat shields. It also idles very unevenly at the stop light.
  • mabynack's avatar
    mabynack
    Explorer II
    Feb 23, 2015
    Does the noise increase with engine RPM or with the vehicle speed? What conditions does it occur at? i.e, does it make the noise only when it's hot or cold or when you go over a bump. Can you determine where the noise is coming from, i.e., the engine under the floor, or the rear end. Does it make the noise only when you're moving or all the time?
  • transamz9's avatar
    transamz9
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2015
    I didn't listen to the videos yet but I will almost put money on a heat shield or cat rattling on the inside. It's happened to every one of our F150s. I did have one making a bad noise once and it ended up being one of the lift brackets mounted on the heads. I was vibrating at idle. With the engine running take you hand and grab the lifting brackets and it should stop. If not, when the truck is off and cooled down take your hand and smack the exhaust up next to the cats in different places and on the heat shields. You have something that has come loose and making the noise.
  • MegaCab_PL's avatar
    MegaCab_PL
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2015
    Wish it was diesel :)
    Or maybe not.
    It has served me well for almost 200k miles towing different trailers and plowing snow on my driveway.
    I will probably keep it and fix it but need to find out what.
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Feb 23, 2015
    Geez it sounds like a diesel...sorry I don't have any first hand experience with those 3 valve motors.

    Clickies:

    In Gear

    In Park

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