1999 Ford Explorer starting noise?

ABETTERA

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPLORER

Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Explorer Four Wheel Drive Automatic 146000 miles

I have a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT and when I first start up the car say after it has been sitting for a enough time to cool down it seems to make alot of noise in the lower part of motor, almost like it should be the oil sending unit? But my gauge is fine>? After 1 to 2 mins it goes away then it is quite as a mouse? Could this be a sign of things to come, or because it has alot of miles, its doing so, and where and how difficult would it be to replace the unit if thats the case. Thank You

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,230 POSTS

Is it a knocking sound?

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Monday, April 5th, 2010 AT 1:24 PM

ABETTERA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No its not a rod, or lifter just seems a little slow for the oil to circulate? THANX FOR YOUR REPLY, ANY OTHER THOUGHTS?

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Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 AT 2:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,230 POSTS

Honestly, I own the same year make and model. It does the same thing and it only has 90K on it. Mine is a main bearing that makes a slight knock when it is first started then goes away. I would assume it is the same as yours.

As far as I can tell you, if you are holding good oil pressure, chances are things will be fine for a long time yet. The mains get a little wear on them and make noise. However, since steel expands when it gets hot, the excess clearance between the crank and the mains quiets when the parts get hot. Keep the oil changed and allow it to warm up before running it hard and I feel you'll get many more miles from it.

NOW, IF YOU CAN TELL ME HOW TO GET MORE THAN 11MPG out of it around town, I would love to hear it. (LOL) Actually, I can get a little over 12mpg but my wife always gets 10.9mpg with it. But of course she runs it easy (so she says). LOL

Let me know if you have other questions, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Take care,
Joe

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Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 AT 10:08 PM

ABETTERA

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3 POSTS

I just needed to hear it from some one else, I kinda figured it was something along those lines, but its good to get someone else s take on things, you probably saved me from the dreaded should go right to a garage syndromel.O.L for the same info, your the best have a great weekend. Brian

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Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 12:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,230 POSTS

Brian:
I'm glad I could help. Remember, I own one and have worked on several, so if you have other questions, let me know. Just keep the oil full and changed and I feel you should get another 100K out of it.

Thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe