Ford 4.0 cam and cam "chain" tensioner...grinding noise

ford 4.0 cam and cam "chain" tensioner...grinding noise, drivers side front

what the hell is it, and how do you fix it... sound like its grinding. could it have worn through the nylon and is hit some kind of base metal?

could the cylinder that pushes on the plastic assembly the rides the chain be bad, and not have enough pressure behind it?

what year? and what color top is the exposed part of the tensioner?

2004 ford explorer sport trac 4.0 .... black tensioner body (top)


generic picture of tensioner...when the engine is not running and you push the cylinder back into the body, it seeps oil past the cylinder (silver) like a leaky wheel cylinder or bad brake caliber piston

I'm thinking there is not enough pressure on the chain (bad tensioner) and that guide plate is just floating on the chain....hence the grinding noise

100,000 miles

screw in a new tensioner , if its still noisy its cassette time.........not fun.

richter69 wrote:screw in a new tensioner , if its still noisy its cassette time.........not fun.

gotcha, thanks

installed a new tensioner still clacks...almost sounds like it coming from the rockers/cam. listen to when it stops it clicks to the very last movement. before we started it the other side of the chain was looser than hell.

its been awhile since I fooled with a 4.0, they are to the gas world what a 6.0 is to the diesel world if it makes you feel any better. If the oil supply is good to the head then the cassette is prolly worn too bad. It aint a fun deal to replace for sure, and without all the special holding tools its impossible. I do know if one ever needed both or just the rh side the engine was in the floor to do it.

alright cool. I really appreciate your time, and knowledge...

Thanks