2003 GT Mustang 4.6 Engine Noise?

[GT Tommy]

There is an internal noise that is coming from my sons 2003 GT Mustang 4.6 engine that may be coming from somewhere with in his timing chain assembly. I removed the outer drive belt to see if the sound was coming from any of outer pulleys. I then started the engine and the sound was still there. I placed my stethoscope at various areas over the timing chain cover and the sound appeared to be coming from behind the area identified by the red circle in the diagram below. Would that be the tensioner? The sound is like a metalic scraping sound. Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thank you, Tommy.

 

[trinity_gt]

Good diagnosis.

The chain tensioner is right in that area:

I believe you're going to need to pull the front cover and do a bit of inspecting in that area to check for tensioner and guide arm plastic disintegration.

Don't run the engine anymore if you can help it. If it is metal-on-metal contact those shavings aren't doing the oil pump any favors. As well, if the plastic of the guides has imploded the bits and pieces are in the sump now and you'll want to avoid clogging the oil intake with them. If the plastic is done prepare to take the pan out to remove the bits...

 

[GT Tommy]

Sounds like you hit the nail right on the head. I had a hunch that was it, just needed some feedback. I really appreciate your support. Thank you and have a nice day. Aloha, Tommy.

 

[piboost]

i due have the same problem