Intermittent, RPM matching, metallic rattling noise coming from passenger side of 2002 Lincoln LS V8

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RyLS

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Like the title says, I've been dealing with an intermittent rattling on the passenger side of the engine. I can't seem to find a pattern to when it does it, but I know that it increases/decreases based on RPM. And it isn't too loud, if I have the radio/AC on I can't hear it. I was told to replace my serpentine belt by the same guy that ripped me off to replace the steering rack, so I assumed that was bullshit but now I'm questioning everything. It's got me scared to drive the LS cause I've seen a couple with failed oil pumps and I've been told they give no warning. I seriously am about to order an oil pump and have that replaced just to make sure that if something goes out that the motor doesn't oil starve. Anyways, I'm posting the video I took here in hopes that someone can chime and tell me what the f**k is wrong with my LS now.

Video of the noise
 
Timing chain tensioners are know to go bad on the Gen 1 LS V8. They are relatively inexpensive... and not too difficult to change.

There are several threads on this forum... that discuss the procedure. Do a search and you will see.

Probably best not to drive it until repaired... or you could risk engine damage.
 
04_Sport_LS said:
Timing chain tensioners are know to go bad on the Gen 1 LS V8. They are relatively inexpensive... and not too difficult to change.

There are several threads on this forum... that discuss the procedure. Do a search and you will see.

Probably best not to drive it until repaired... or you could risk engine damage.
Click to expand...
IIRC I'm past the build date for when they fixed that but I can't recall ATM.
 
Still sounds like a tensioner issue... or maybe a chain.

Use a fairly large screwdriver as a stethescope (putting your ear to the handle)... and probe around to find the loudest spot where it is making noise.

Just make sure to keep the screwdriver away from anything rotating... including the belt.
 
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Well... I listened to the clip a dozen times or so. One of the belt pulleys may have a bad bearing.

Easiest way to tell... is remove the belt completely... start it up... and see if it still makes the noise.

If not... then spin ALL of the pulleys by hand and see if they feel loose or rough.

If it still makes the noise with the belt off... then the issue is internal.
 
04_Sport_LS said:
You didn't mention the milage on the car either.
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She's about to cross into 113k. The fact that its an intermittent noise got me hoping that its just some bearings eating themselves. Cause if it's the tensioners, then she's on a one way trip to whatever boneyard gives me the most for her. I have no mechanical experience and I am not about to fork out $1500+ or whatever some shop will want to do the job. I just can't, I've put too much into this car. Only way that it can be saved is if I somehow manage to do the job by myself without f*cking it up.
 
04_Sport_LS said:
That's s possibility... and why I suggested pulling the belt and turning everthing by hand.

Is it worse with AC/defrost on or off... or no change?
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I can't tell a pattern when the AC is on or off, but it does tend to do it more often when its cold, and it nearly goes away if I stomp on it (I know, bad idea)
 
RyLS said:
... I seriously am about to order an oil pump and have that replaced just to make sure that if something goes out that the motor doesn't oil starve. ...
Click to expand...
RyLS said:
...I have no mechanical experience and I am not about to fork out $1500+ or whatever some shop will want to do the job....
Click to expand...

I don't understand. You won't pay $1500 to replace the secondary tensioners, but you would pay $2500+ to replace the oil pump? (All of the timing chains have to come out to replace the oil pump.)
 
joegr said:
I don't understand. You won't pay $1500 to replace the secondary tensioners, but you would pay $2500+ to replace the oil pump? (All of the timing chains have to come out to replace the oil pump.)
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Yikes. Is it that bad of a job to do?
 
No... just less parts to replace due to no cam phasers. Both Gens use 4 chains, and 4 tensioners.
RyLS said:
I can't tell a pattern when the AC is on or off,
Click to expand...

Well that should rule out a bad bearing in the compressor/clutch....

and an oil pump won't fix a mechanical failure... especially after the damage is done.

Again... pull the belt and check all pulleys for roughness or noise... by spinning them by hand. It should be easy to tell.

That includes the water pump and alternator, idler, tensioner... ALL of them.
 
RyLS said:
Wouldn't it be a different procedure in my car, due to the lack of VVT?
Click to expand...
Only slightly. The primary chains still have to come off to get the oil pump in and out. The secondary chains come off to get the primary chains on and off.
 
We told you when you first joined this forum... that the LS was an expensive car to maintain. Especially for anyone with no mechanic experience.

If you take the belt off and start the car... and the noise is still there... then it's probably an internal mechanical issue... and most likely a chain tensioner.

That's why I suggested using a screwdriver as a stethescope.

Puy your ear to the end of the handle... and the tip to where the noise is coming from.
When you find the loudest spot... that's where the issue is.

If it's coming from the front of the head/top of the valve cover... then it's most likely a secondary tensioner.

If it's coming more from the center of the engine... behind the front cover... then it's most likely a primary tensioner.

Again... this is after removing the belt. If the noise goes away after removing the belt... then its not the engine.

With all the problems you've had with this car... I'm thinking the odometer has been rolled back. Either that... or you are thrashing on it.

Others on hete have had to replace secondary tensioners... but at higher milage than you have.

Hopefully the noise goes away when you remove the belt.
 
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