I don't mean to frighten you, JonS, but I would worry about it....
Let me explain. My previous Contour was a 95 V6 MTX that started to clack a little after sitting overnight. I ignored the problem. Then I began to hear a fluttering noise, kinda like talking into a spinning fan, around 2500-3500 rpm. I assumed this was some sort of lash adjuster (aka lifter) trouble but was unable to find any evidence of this with the valve covers off. So I ignored it.
Anyway, about 4 months later (65k miles total) that fluttering sound got a lot worse, became more metallic, and the engine stopped running. I subsequently found out that the real problem all along was the timing chain tensioner, which is known to have a leaky check valve that bleeds down over night. So, while I ignored the problem, the tensioner lost its ability to, er, tension. Then the chain chewed up the tensioner's guide block etc and the rest was catastrophic history. Result: new engine and hole in wallet.
I have no idea what the cost of the preventative tensioner replacement is (prolly similar to the cost of replacing the chains themselves, not cheap).
I'd ask the dealer about the TSB, and keep an ear out for any other sounds that pop up.
-Kurt
