04 SOHC Explorer Timing Chain Failure - Again!

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Apr 29, 2015 | 07:32 PM

allfordguy

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Joined: Jan 2010

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04 SOHC Explorer Timing Chain Failure - Again!

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone else out there has replaced the timing chains and tensioners on an SOHC Explorer, only to have the tensioners fail again after only a few thousand miles? I'm a pretty experienced back yard mechanic and have rebuilt several engines over the years with great results, but this one has me stumped. The parts were pretty inexpensive from Ebay and a heck of a lot cheaper than from any of the local auto parts stores, but the seller has great feedback. If they were really cheapo parts, I would think the feedback would reflect this. The only part of the instructions I did not do was to remove the valve springs, but everything was lined up as it should have been using the special tools required to set the timing. I really like the truck, but don't know if it's worth fixing if this is just going to happen again. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

May 9, 2015 | 12:27 PM

Flash635

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Brisbane Australia

I've heard that some of the replacement tensioners are pretty bad.
I lucked out with my inexpensive set from ebay that work great.

No point me telling you who I got them from because he doesn't operate anymore.

May 9, 2015 | 01:02 PM

85e150

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Joined: Apr 2004

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Another member here described these engines as "hateful".

Find a runner and swap motors. Almost all SOHC motors will interchange, including Mustangs. If you want to run that down, I'll search out the links again.

You have to swap your intake, ignition, exhaust of course, but the basic long block interchanges.