I am very new to cars and i have recently bought a 1997 ford explorer xlt.
Now if any of you would be nice enough to tell me if this 1997 ford explorer xlt comes with a v6 4.0 ohv or a v6 4.0sohc? The only thing i can see on my engine is 4.0 Efi
thanks in advance
sano

 

I believe that the SOHC says SOHC. The other one is also referred to as the pushrod engine. I have that one. The engine code on my 97 XLT is "X". If I'm not mistaken the engine code is the 8th digit in your VIN.

 

guess its probably the regular 4.0 ohv then..a dammit i was hoping it would be the sohc..oh well thanks for your reply.

 

will there be a big loss in performance compared to the sohc v6?

 

Not a big power difference but it sure is noticable.

 

The 4.0 OHV is more reliable and has similar torque numbers but siginifcantly less HP than the SOHC. The SOHC has a some reliablity problems particularly in regards to the cam chain tensioners. The OHV can go 300,000 miles with no major work and periodic maintenance.

Mason

 

Count your blessings that you have the OHV. As mentioned the SOHC is VERY trouble prone, as in approx 2500 bucks to replace the valve train "casettes". And if this wasnt done at the first sign of trouble the plastic from these idiot "casettes" would flake of/clog the oil intake & the engine would need to be replaced. FINALLY, in 2002 Ford corrected the problem.

What was Ford thinking?????