Just had a FORD reman 4.0L SOHC engine installed in my wifes '02 Sport Trac with 134K miles on it.

Reason.... Timing Chain System failure. The plastic tensioning system fell apart and if you do a search about these German Built engines you'll find out what "issues" appear around 130K miles.

One fellow here recomends changing out the front and rear tensioners at 75k. THey are the only parts you can get to without openning up the engine.

As for the oil issue. Ive got a '02 EDGE with the 3.0 V6 and 95k on it. Ive used Motorcraft filters and MC 10w30 since I bought it new.

BUT the MC 10w30 oil is now $4.38.... a QUART at my local Wal-Mart.

I change my oil/filters every 5k as its a easy number to remember but geeeee $5 for a Quart of oil....?????

Any thought about using the less expensive brands that are simalar to MC?

Anyways.... I'ld tell you to keep a ear out for timing chain clatter on these 4.0L SOHC engines and if you hear it........

Fix it soon!

 

I think that it is more important to look at the CPM rather than the purchase price. The new standard is designed for longer change intervals … up to 10K miles. The added cost is for the additive package that can be as much as 30% of the volume. If the oil is also dexos compliant, the oil likely has some synthetic base oil as well.

I have a 2004 Ranger and have not heard a peep out of the timing chain. I think Ford has put that problem to bed.

Now get ready to be outraged. I installed Synlube in January, 2004 and ran it until last year around. April or May. It had a little over 50K by that time. I had no problems. It only consumed about 4-6 oz during that time. The plugs looked good, no CELs, the tailpipe was free of deposits and gas mileage was close to 20 MPG for driving that was about 55% light city/suburban driving. I replaced the oil with fresh Synlube. I returned the waste oil to them and received a check from them equal to the cost of the oil when new.

If I wasn't using Synlube, I'd be using Redline.

During this time I used a CM filter. An inspection of the element after three years showed no metal and so I reinstall the filter. When I replaced the oil last year, it was still clean.