'99 4.0 and timing chains
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: NC
'99 4.0 and timing chains
Guys, it looks like we are about to get a '99 SOHC Explorer with 130K from a family member(not my idea, and you'll see why.)
So my questions: it appears to have timing chain issues(motor sounds like a marble in a can at start up and the noise doesn't go completly away) and has been making this noise for years. Oil changes were sparadic at best. Did the lack of oil changes acclerate the timing chain issue or is it "luck" with these motors. I believe in the former, but I wanted ya'll's input. Anything you can do to quite it down aside from fixing it? Also, how long until it becomes inoperable?(the sooner the better)
Thanks gentlemen.
So my questions: it appears to have timing chain issues(motor sounds like a marble in a can at start up and the noise doesn't go completly away) and has been making this noise for years. Oil changes were sparadic at best. Did the lack of oil changes acclerate the timing chain issue or is it "luck" with these motors. I believe in the former, but I wanted ya'll's input. Anything you can do to quite it down aside from fixing it? Also, how long until it becomes inoperable?(the sooner the better)
Thanks gentlemen.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
My BIL did a timing chain replacement on a '99 or '00 4.0L and ended up pulling the engine to get to them as they are all in the back of the engine. Once the chains and associated parts were replaced while he in there, she ran strong for years.
I think this is the nature of the beast.
I think this is the nature of the beast.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,493
Likes: 2,809
Motor has to come out.
Delayed oil changes always hurt OHC chain tensioners, and the 4.0 is no exception.
Inoperative because of the cam chain failure means ruined valves, possibly pistons, possibly heads. Fix it NOW.
Two or three chains are in front:
--primary chain, just like a cam-in-block motor, which is what the 4.0 started out with. That runs a cam blank jackshaft.
--if 4x4, counterbalancer chain.
--driver side cam chain. This tensioner can be fixed in vehicle.
One in back:
--passenger side cam change, runs from the back of the cam blank jack shaft to passenger side head. This is the rascal that requires engine removal.
More than you want to know:
correct parts #'s 4.0sohc guides & tensioners with pics... - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®
Short version: Get Ford parts.
Delayed oil changes always hurt OHC chain tensioners, and the 4.0 is no exception.
Inoperative because of the cam chain failure means ruined valves, possibly pistons, possibly heads. Fix it NOW.
Two or three chains are in front:
--primary chain, just like a cam-in-block motor, which is what the 4.0 started out with. That runs a cam blank jackshaft.
--if 4x4, counterbalancer chain.
--driver side cam chain. This tensioner can be fixed in vehicle.
One in back:
--passenger side cam change, runs from the back of the cam blank jack shaft to passenger side head. This is the rascal that requires engine removal.
More than you want to know:
correct parts #'s 4.0sohc guides & tensioners with pics... - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®
Short version: Get Ford parts.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
johnsjsj
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Dec 25, 2010 12:13 AM
