Is It? It seems like it has alot of problems. Will it run great to 200,000 miles, or is dying at 70k more the norm? If it is junk, why is Ford using it as the base engine in the new Mustang? Maybe the up-coming Duratec-35 is delayed or something.

Thanks

 

The cam chain tensioner thing is nuts, and the manifold leaks are nuts, and the $500 worth of hoses are nuts. And it's a little noisy.


Otherwise I like mine.... I hope it lasts beyond 70 as I'm already at 79....

 

I like mine, so far. It's not real noisy (but it does have a nice exhaust note). The power is excellent, the gas mileage in my 4X4 Ranger is about the same as my 3.0L 2wd, and actually, I had more engine noise from the 3.0L. I just hope it has the longevity that the 3.0 is famous for.

As far as I know, the timing chain tensioner problem is fixed. If you have one of the older ones that had that issue I believe Ford has a fix for it, many times for free.

 

Huh??? Can you please explain this statement?

 

i like mine i did have to replace all the timing chains with the newer ones but ford payed for that. it has almost same bottom end as the ohv with the exception of larger main bolts. it also responds well to mods

 

When I had a 97 explorer with the SOHC 4.0, the thing was quick, and sounded mean too, it had sort of a growl to the exhaust. I really liked that motor.

 

When I bought my 99 XLS 4x4 with the SOHC v6 I took it to two local mechs I trust and asked them the same thing. They both said the motor/tranny combo I had was one of the most reliable ones Ford made.
Just their $.02 since I know nothing about motors.

 

i have to disagree there the transmission behind there is the biggest peice of junk i have ever seen

 

Even junkier than the 2.9 A4LD??? OR the Taurus front wheel drive transmissions?!?!?

 

it is basically an computer controlled a4ld. my 5r55e broke again today now it will not downshift

 

I've got a 92 Explorer with the 4.0 in it. It has 182,000 miles on it and has never required any major maintenence. I've had it since 6-03 but know both previous owners so I know what has been done and what hasn't. It went back to the dealer for every recall so those were taken care of. All I have done to it is a new clutch set, slave cylinder and master cylinder last summer and a new alternator last week. The engine doesn't burn or leak any oil, still has plenty of power and doesn't make any noise it isn't supposed to. I like it.

Chris

 

I'm a little puzzled as to why a truck engine is going in the new Mustang. It seems like the 3.0 Duratec has a more "sporting" character. Is it just a cost thing? The iron block and SOHC 2-valve setup is probably a lot cheaper to build.

Jim

 

are they changing the cams or anything or are they just dropping it in

 

Any chance you could expand on that a little more. My 2002 Ranger is in the shop for tranny slippage problems, only has 28,000 on it. They replaced a gasket and seperator plate today, as well as the valve body. That didn't fix it so they are dropping the tranny tomorrow to open it up.

My concern is that there are design and/or component quality issues, and the same or other problems will just come back... after the warranty is expired.

BTW, haven't had any problems with the 4.0 SOHC.

Brian

 

it is just a modafied a4ld and we all know the reputation that it had. i am on my 3rd 5r55e