4.6 v8 timing belt noise.

Hi again convertable! Here's some info that I found that involves the 4.6L V8 in 2003 (related the the Crown Vic, but ...). This is referenced from a page that discusses Ford timing belts and chains in general. I've pulled the relevant quote for you here but I think you will find a lot of good info on the page (http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/us70444.htm). Take a look, I hope it helps! "A case in point is grinding noise coming from the timing chain cover area in 2000 to 2003 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis with the 4.6L V8. According to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 03-15-7, excessive wear in the timing chain tensioner arms can cause a noisy condition. The tension arm has an aluminum base with a nylon surface. So if you find nylon and/or aluminum particles in the engine oil, it probably means the tensioner, tensioner arms, timing chains and gear set all need to be replaced. The Ford part numbers for the 2000 model year tensioners are F6AZ-6L266-DA (RH) and F6AZ-6L266-CA (LH). For the 2001 to 2003 model years, the tensioner part numbers are 1L3Z-6L266-AA (RH) and XL1Z-6L266-AA (LH). The tension arms are 1L2Z-6L253-AA (RH) 1L2Z-6L253-AA (LH). Ford also recommends changing the oil and filter to flush any nylon and aluminum particles from the crankcase. If the timing chain has worn through the tensioner arm into the tensioner piston, remove the oil pan from the engine and clean the debris from the oil pickup tube."

my 02 explorer 4.6 did this sounded like a valve tapping loud at start up but would quiet down upon warmup .My right side tensioner arm wore through had both sides changed and new chains and gears put on all at same time cost me 1800.That was at 130000 miles at 165000 now and engine still runs like new getting 3 mpg more since changed it sucked to have to fix didn't know it was a problem with the 4.6 till dealer told me about it being a problem new part is redesigned to fix this problem from 2000 to 2004 4.6 parts are about 500 dollars labor is cost prohibitive unless you know someone that can do it.

I was told after replacing tensioners motor would never need tensioners again should run to 400000 miles if taken care of.PS if yours is like mine mileage wise check upper and lower ball joints my lowers rubber had broken and were a pain to replace would not recommend trying to do in your driveway unless you have lots and lots of time and a press. lol