4.0 SOHC Timing Chains

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Oct 25, 2007 | 09:23 PM

Michael Paul

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New User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 20

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From: San Diego, CA

4.0 SOHC Timing Chains

I have just replaced the tensioners/guides/cassettes on a 97 Explorer 2wd with a 4.0 SOHC. Is there anyway to double check that I have the camshafts and crank properly aligned before I button it all up? The instructions with the toolkit are useless. Are there any good old fashioned timing marks that I can check? Someone mentioned offsets, I'm not entirely sure what they are talking about. Has anyone seen clearer instructions or pictures to guide me? This is my Uncle's truck. The Stealer didn't want to work on it so they gave him an estimate of $6200. The guides and tensioners on the front of the engine were broken, but I'm not sure what the Stealer was thinking. The parts were only $200.
Thanks!

Oct 26, 2007 | 11:27 AM

70f100longbed

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,900

Likes: 29

From: Raleigh USA

Did you pull the engine and replace both cassettes? There are no timing marks so you HAVE to use the right tools to time the cams. If you only did the front cassette you have to retime the right cam as well b/c the jackshaft is free to turn when you remove the jackshaft chain. The cams have a slot at one end that is offset from center for the tool to slide in and lock the cam in place. Then there is a C shaped tool that engages the harmonic balancer and rests against the block to put the crank in time. There is a tool that fits on the cam sprocket to lock it while the bolt is torqued. There is a tool to access the right cam bolt with the engine in the vehicle. The $6200 estimate (which is kind of high) from the stealer is for replacing the engine assy. I will do the cassettes only if the cams did not jump time and the engine is not sludged up. Other than that and it's getting a unit. Make sure you have the cams right or it will bend every valve in the motor.