I would like to go TOTALLY off the board for 2,000 Alex...'07 MXK 3.5 valve train question...??

[rschap1]

SORRY
Not a for sale classified
Didn't want to post under other categories.
I looked at a really nice 2007 Lincoln MKX on my way home from work tonight.
Close to home and cheap for what it is, $2000
I need a "winter beater" to keep my Raptor (and Bronco) from getting ate up by chloride covered roads here in MI.
Wondered if anyone here (since I have gotten so much AWESOME info and help on everything else Ford relate I have asked) had any ideas..
Owner/seller says that she over revved an otherwise really nice MKX a while ago and now it "makes noise".
10+ other perspective buyer looked at it before I got there and told her it needs engine, "rod out", "needs piston".
I was guessing that they were telling unknowing seller worst case.
Started right up.
No codes or lights on.
No denying, loud "clatter".
Speed didn't sound like bottom end.
I was thinking collapsed cam follower, or broken spring...
It wasn't missing like it was broken, dropped valve.
Sounded like all 6 cylinders were still firing.
Owner only let it run a minute or two.
But sounded like everything was "hitting" just LOUD noisy clatter.
Could tell it was obviously the RH most (passenger side) rear most cylinder.
Had thoughts that I may be able to pull the plastic intake, valve cover, and do some sort of "quick fix"...
I got no intention or desire to get into a major repair, like engine swap.
BUT, being the CHEAP @$$ ba$+@rd that I am.
Would love to pick something like this up cheap and get it fixed in an afternoon.
Wondered if anyone had any experience seeing the top end of an Edge / MKX or anything else that uses one of these 3.5s?
Any common things that sound similar to this thing?
Am I way off and a bunch of these do throw rods/pistons?
Like the title...I know way out there...just wondered.
Thanks for any input, even guesses ! ! !

 

[Nex]

@FordTechOne will be your best resource. But it will be a challenge to diagnose via the internet. Video of said noise would help.

 

[rschap1]

I will check that out.
I need another "project" like another hole in the head...
Doubt it will take long for the seller to unload it even with the problem.
Pretty nice vehicle otherwise.
Seller said 10+ lookers from early morning when I responded to ad, until afternoon when I saw it.
I should probably just look for a running beater
Appreciate the tip ! ! !

 

[Primez]

Check all the bolts/pulley wheels. I forgot to tighten one of my pulley wheels once after rolling a timing chain. I thought I threw rods and was getting ready to toss the engine.

Just one pulley wheel was loose and was rattling like CRAZY. Obvious with the wheel being attached to the belt, the noise was synchronized with the engine RPM, enhancing the illusion. Tightened up the bolt, noise gone.

Sometimes the simplest things can make the loudest noise.

 

[thatJeepguy]

Just pay a mechanic to go with you to
Inspect . Thats what i always do and ive never been beat on a used vehicle.

 

[rschap1]

Appreciate the tips and advice, but...
that was a few months ago when I was looking at "that" MKX.
I passed on it.
It really seemed like major breakage in the motor.
I have had simple stuff seem like a big deal before, but pretty sure that one was ready for a new engine or major repair.
Years ago I was sure my 1998 Expedition had lost a cam follower or something under the valve covers was gone.
That turned out to be exhaust manifold studs.
There were more gone then there were ones left hanging on.
Manifold was actually "slapping" the side of the head and rhythm seemed like cam speed.
Figured it out after pulling valve cover to find nothing wrong.
A little more recently I had a Fusion for daily driver.
It had a rattle that I thought was exhaust pipe between manifold and converter.
Replaced that and same
Ended up it was the tensioner for the serpentine belt.
It was at the end of it's travel and clattering as it bounced around.
Turns out that a Fusion with an automatic uses a shorter belt than one with a manual transmission.
Who would have think it??
BUt tighter shorter belt was the fix.
So, anyways...
The MKX I posted this about went onto someone else.
I got a different, running one somehow a few months after that.
I have posted a couple questions since getting that one.
I replaced coils and plugs after getting this one.
Been driving daily since right around Thanksgiving time.
Again, appreciate the replies and help.
Now I just gotta wait for spring so I can get the Raptor back out without getting it soaked in road salt and chloride.
Well, really I should be getting shocks, brakes, tires, and a little list of minor repairs before spring.
So I can have fun next summer instead of wrenching...we'll see