Need some input
#1
Need some input
I own a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT with a 4.0 SOHC engine and between 110,000 and 120,000 miles on it. I've had it for 3-4 years and I've had minimal problems with it until one morning I went to start it and it wouldn't start. It will turn over, but it seems as though the engine isn't getting fuel to turn on. I replaced the fuel filter, but that didn't help. My next step I checked to see if the fuel reset button was popped, but it wasn't. I then checked the timing by using a light that hooks up to the engine and flashes. I don't know what it is called. It didn't flash at all. I checked to see if the light was working on another vehicle and the light does work. I have a Chilton self help book that says I have to take the whole engine out of my Explorer to look at the timing chain. After doing some research and finding this forum I notice that timing chains usually make rattling noises and the Explorer looses some power when the timing goes out or the chains go bad. I have heard some rattling noises, but I had just assumed it was my muffler coming loose. I've also had a little bit of power loss at take off and between 1st and 2nd gear. My Explorer likes to stay in 1st gear followed by a hard jerk into 2nd gear.
This brings me to a few questions:
First, Has anyone else had this type of problem with 99 Explorer's?
Second, Am I directing myself in the right direction? Could there be something simple wrong with it that I am overlooking?
Third, Is there any way to access the timing chain without taking the engine out of the vehicle?
Thanks in advance for any additional information.
This brings me to a few questions:
First, Has anyone else had this type of problem with 99 Explorer's?
Second, Am I directing myself in the right direction? Could there be something simple wrong with it that I am overlooking?
Third, Is there any way to access the timing chain without taking the engine out of the vehicle?
Thanks in advance for any additional information.
#2
Join Date: May 2004
Location: The hills of No. Calif.
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Hi Andrew and Welcome to FTE! Please take a momnt to check out the Guidelines as they contain important info that you'll need when posting on the site:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html
Thanks for choosing the best source of information for your Ford truck!
I'm not as familiar with the SOHC engine, but I believe it's a non-interference motor which means that if a chain did break, it shouldn't cause any damage. That said, chain breakage is a very rare occurance in these engines while the chain rattle is pretty common.
If you're not getting any spark, I would look to the ignition module or the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html
Thanks for choosing the best source of information for your Ford truck!
I'm not as familiar with the SOHC engine, but I believe it's a non-interference motor which means that if a chain did break, it shouldn't cause any damage. That said, chain breakage is a very rare occurance in these engines while the chain rattle is pretty common.
If you're not getting any spark, I would look to the ignition module or the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors.
#4