"01 explorer valve clatter

Hello:
I have a 2001 Ford Explorer 4.0liter V6 that has terrible valve noise
when accelerating quickly. When you slow down to a normal speed it
goes away. It has 66k miles and has done this since I bought it with
17k miles on it. The dealer has never been any help. Is this a normal
Explorer condition or is mine "special"?

Have you checked or replaced your spark plugs?
"rovang" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Hello:
> I have a 2001 Ford Explorer 4.0liter V6 that has terrible valve noise
> when accelerating quickly. When you slow down to a normal speed it
> goes away. It has 66k miles and has done this since I bought it with
> 17k miles on it. The dealer has never been any help. Is this a normal
> Explorer condition or is mine "special"?
>

rovang wrote:
> Hello:
> I have a 2001 Ford Explorer 4.0liter V6 that has terrible valve noise
> when accelerating quickly. When you slow down to a normal speed it
> goes away. It has 66k miles and has done this since I bought it with
> 17k miles on it. The dealer has never been any help. Is this a normal
> Explorer condition or is mine "special"?

I don't know if this still applies to a 2001, but there is a jumper fix
on earlier models. I should think there is a knock detector on a 2001,
maybe that isn't working.

You should get advice from someone who knows the specifics of the 2001
model, I have a 1994. Here's some info on the jumper:

"The jumper, grey in color and about 1/2" X 1", is plugged into a
socket that is located in a wiring bundle directly behind the
aircleaner (passenger side of car). Removing it retards the ignition
slightly and will usually reduce or eliminate pinging."

Someone also suggested cleaning out the carbon deposits, apparently you
can buy the solvents and hoses to do that or pay Ford.
-Paul

This is the SOHC 4.0???? Sorry, I'm just unsure of the applications....

First consideration would be to identify this as either a spark induced
sound or an off-shoot of the ubiquitous timing chain rattle. Both the OHV
and SOHC engines could be victim to spark rattle..... spark plug condition
or selection and EGR operation can be big players in this type of concern.

I did come across a SOHC that exhibited timing chain rattle during
acceleration.... one of the youger techs with better ears pointed it out for
me just revving it in the bay.

Now... the only problem is in finding someone interested in customer
satisfaction...


"rovang" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Hello:
> I have a 2001 Ford Explorer 4.0liter V6 that has terrible valve noise
> when accelerating quickly. When you slow down to a normal speed it
> goes away. It has 66k miles and has done this since I bought it with
> 17k miles on it. The dealer has never been any help. Is this a normal
> Explorer condition or is mine "special"?
>