4 timing chains w a single cam
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Joined: Apr 2004
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The SOHC 4.0 cam drive system is nuts.
The one good thing about those motors is when you open one up like that, you can simply pull it and send it to the scrappy. Almost any other 4.0 SOHC will bolt into it's place and accept your intake, exhaust, and other connections. Many served--they were in a lot of Mustangs for 10 years as well as Exploders and Rangers.
Before installation, new guides and tensioners. And keep the oil clean.
Some here report over 200k on these.
The one good thing about those motors is when you open one up like that, you can simply pull it and send it to the scrappy. Almost any other 4.0 SOHC will bolt into it's place and accept your intake, exhaust, and other connections. Many served--they were in a lot of Mustangs for 10 years as well as Exploders and Rangers.
Before installation, new guides and tensioners. And keep the oil clean.
Some here report over 200k on these.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 14
From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA
85e150sixmtod, I've done quite a bit of researching on the chain and the cause for the problem. The short version: The front hydraulic tensioner did not retain the oil pressure after engine shutdown. Then the plastic parts heated and wore out quicker and then the chain "rattle noise" started. This was not discovered during initial testing. The tensioners were suppose to be changed every 60K. But there's no mention of that in my owners manual. Most chains give up at 212K. Mine lasted to 213. I need to find if/where I can rent the special cam tools. If I have to buy the $220 tool kit it may not be worth the fix, since I was going to trade it this spring anyways.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
85e150sixmtod, I've done quite a bit of researching on the chain and the cause for the problem. The short version: The front hydraulic tensioner did not retain the oil pressure after engine shutdown. Then the plastic parts heated and wore out quicker and then the chain "rattle noise" started. This was not discovered during initial testing. The tensioners were suppose to be changed every 60K. But there's no mention of that in my owners manual. Most chains give up at 212K. Mine lasted to 213. I need to find if/where I can rent the special cam tools. If I have to buy the $220 tool kit it may not be worth the fix, since I was going to trade it this spring anyways.
With 213 on the clock, just pry one out of a lower mile Mustang or Exploder. You gonna go to all this work and not go through it for bearings etc?
One member rebuilt one of these and described this as a "hateful engine."
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 14
From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA
Yes it was running when I parked it. The only reason I started working on it was because the timing cover gasket was leaking coolant. I thought it was the water pump. but after replacing the pump I could see it was the gasket behind the pump that was leaking. The smaller chain (that is off the gear) is just for the balance shaft.
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