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

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

Reply to
jonezzzman
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Reply to
Fred 2

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

Reply to
jonezzzman

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.

Reply to
jonezzzman

Reply to
Fred 2

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