Squeal in front of engine 1996 Ford Explorer AWD V-8

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jonezzzman - 30 Nov 2005 09:03 GMT

My 1996 Ford Explorer AWD V-8, just started squealing/chirping (kind of
loud) in the front of the engine. Sounds like its coming from inside
the timing chain cover. It seems to get quieter when I rev the engine
or accelerate. I originally thought it was an idler pulley or the
water pump. I wish. But, I disconnected all of the accessories (where
only the crankshaft was turning) started the engine and the squeal is
still there. I just traveled 300 miles non-stop and then back a couple
days later non-stop except for a 30 minute stop half way, and the
squealing just started about half way home. The weather has also
gotten much colder lately. Around 30-40 degrees. I just changed the
oil and filter about 800 miles ago. I've always taken very good care
of the engine and changed the oil often, etc. It has approx 106k miles
on it. It seems to have good power and the oil pressure is normal.
Anyone have any ideas where the squeal is coming from? Could this be
the cam bearings or something related? Any help would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks

Byron

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Fred 2 - 01 Dec 2005 03:09 GMT

Perhaps the cam position sensor, it sits in the place of where a
distributor would normally sit at the front of the engine it rotates
at half crankshaft speed. Put a listening rod against it. On my '96 V8
it made a screeching/chirping sound.

>My 1996 Ford Explorer AWD V-8, just started squealing/chirping (kind of
>loud) in the front of the engine. Sounds like its coming from inside
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
>Byron

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jonezzzman - 08 Dec 2005 04:51 GMT

Thanks Fred.

This is where the squeak was coming from.

I don't have a fancy stethoscope like the dealership has. But, I could
here the squeal very clearly with just a plain stick against it and
putting the other end of the stick up against my ear. It was the cam
synchronizer which is where the cam position sensor attaches to. After
2 trips to the dealership they did fix the the squeak, but were
clueless when it came to properly diagnosing the problem. First, they
insisted that it was an idler pulley. I told them it couldn't be
(because I had removed the belt and started the engine) but they didn't
believe me and charged me $260 to replace it and the belt anyway. The
squeal did go away temporarily while it was in the shop. I'm guessing
because its much warmer in the shop than it is outside. Cold weather
seems to make it worse. So, before I even left the dealership, it was
already squealing again. I took it back and they charged me another
$230 to replace the cam synchronizer. The squeal is gone now. But,
now there's a new problem. It idles rough, which it didn't do before.
So, I'm guessing that its out of adjustment or they didn't install it
properly. Does anyone have any experience with replacing the cam
synchronizer? Could this cause a rough idle if its out of adjustment
or improperly installed? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Byron

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jonezzzman - 15 Dec 2005 10:45 GMT

I didn't get any responses, but the dealer has adjusted the timing and
it idles/runs smooth now. They finally got it right after the 3rd trip
to the shop. Well, its like the saying goes, "Third time's a charm."
By the way, the dealership was Jones-West Ford in Reno. Will I be
going back there for service? Probably not.

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Fred 2 - 16 Dec 2005 00:18 GMT

They didn't "setup" the engine corectly before they replace the part.
I replaced the part on my Explorer myself, I setup the engine
correctly, and didn't experience what you did.

>I didn't get any responses, but the dealer has adjusted the timing and
>it idles/runs smooth now. They finally got it right after the 3rd trip
>to the shop. Well, its like the saying goes, "Third time's a charm."
>By the way, the dealership was Jones-West Ford in Reno. Will I be
>going back there for service? Probably not.

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