1998 Ford Explorer Sounds like diesel engine.

1998 FORD EXPLORER
100,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JMACDATHIRD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
What are the symptoms of the 'belt tensioner' gone bad. When I crank the car it sounds like a diesel engine (a rattling sound).
When I hit bumps I hear a 'clank' sound, but only when the front tires hit a bump.
A friend said that the belt tensioner needs replacing.
Thanks.
Oct 13, 2009 at 7:57 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
A bad belt tensionier will cause a squealing sound because the belt is slipping on the pulley. What you described sounds like something is loose in the front end, or the exhaust system.

To start, take a rubber mallot and tap on the exhaust system to see if you can hear the sound. Many times heat shields or the inside of the catylatic converter can make the noise you described.

Let me know what you find. Also, when you get back to me, be as specific as you can when describing what you hear and when it happens.

Joe
Oct 13, 2009 at 9:13 PM
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