2003 engine
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Junior User
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2003 engine
I have a used 2003 Ranger with the 4.0 engine. From looking at it, it looks like an aluminium block. When did the Rangers go to an aluminium block engine?
Also the manual says to use 5W-30 oil. Shouldn't a little heavier oil be used IF it is an aluminium block?
Also the manual says to use 5W-30 oil. Shouldn't a little heavier oil be used IF it is an aluminium block?
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g-k50
I've only had this truck for about 3 weeks. I bought it used from a Chevrolet dealer. When I got it, it had only 32K miles on it. This is the second Ford I've ever owned so I'm still learning a lot about them. This one seems to have been well maintained. It is the 4.0 engine, 5spd manual trans, 4x4, towing package, super cab.
Would it be typical for a newer model to have an aluminium block with steel inserts?
I've only had this truck for about 3 weeks. I bought it used from a Chevrolet dealer. When I got it, it had only 32K miles on it. This is the second Ford I've ever owned so I'm still learning a lot about them. This one seems to have been well maintained. It is the 4.0 engine, 5spd manual trans, 4x4, towing package, super cab.
Would it be typical for a newer model to have an aluminium block with steel inserts?
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
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Check out Helminc.com for a service manual.
The 4.0L is overhead camshafts. The cams need to be oiled quickly upon start up, stay with the 5w-30. That's the same engine I have in my 2001 Edge with 5sp, it's 2wd regular cab, and it spins the wheels in 2nd. So yeah it's good. I don't drive it much it's in storage 6 months of the year. I don't have my 4.0L SOHC service manual so I can't give you much info.
The 4.0L is overhead camshafts. The cams need to be oiled quickly upon start up, stay with the 5w-30. That's the same engine I have in my 2001 Edge with 5sp, it's 2wd regular cab, and it spins the wheels in 2nd. So yeah it's good. I don't drive it much it's in storage 6 months of the year. I don't have my 4.0L SOHC service manual so I can't give you much info.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Huntsville, AL
Even the new 4.0 sohcs still have a cast iron block. They are good engines, based off the 4.0 ohv design with a reworked block to allow for the rear timing chain. The earlier (pre 02) engines had issues with poor quality timing chain tensioners which would cause the engine to rattle, eventually jump time, and grenade. I have swapped out and rebuilt numerous 4.0 sohcs but never any newer than 02 so they must have got the issues fixed. They are quite powerful when they are running correctly.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
It's one of a few engines NOT to use 5W-20 & is on the Exclusion List at the bottom of the TSB.
*02-1-9***ENGINE - ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OILS - GASOLINE AND FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES ONLY
The 4.0L never got the oil pump upgrade that it needs to be able to supply the requred flow of 20 weight at operating temps.
Some engines because of design consderations, will never be certified to use 5W-20!!!!
You'll have to scroll down about 10 times, in the Factory letter to Dealers, to find the FAQ & answer about the 4.0L oil pump.
Lots of other interesting info in the letter, so it's worth reading through all of it!!!!
http://www.dantheoilman.com/fordoilfaq.doc
So we need to be mindful of what we pour into the crankase of our 4.0L!!!
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
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Thank you for that very important information.
The 4.0L SOHC has overhead cams that are driven with two timing chains, the left cam has the timing chain in the front and the right cam has the timing chain in the rear. Both chains have tensioners, that wear directly on the chain, the tensioners wear not the chains, the tensioners wear quickly if not properly lubricated and cooled. You DO NOT want to be replacing these tensioners every 100,000 miles, so keep the proper oil level in the pan and the proper grade oil, and the engine running at the correct temperature.
The 4.0L SOHC has overhead cams that are driven with two timing chains, the left cam has the timing chain in the front and the right cam has the timing chain in the rear. Both chains have tensioners, that wear directly on the chain, the tensioners wear not the chains, the tensioners wear quickly if not properly lubricated and cooled. You DO NOT want to be replacing these tensioners every 100,000 miles, so keep the proper oil level in the pan and the proper grade oil, and the engine running at the correct temperature.
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Everyone,
Thanks for the input. It has been a tremendous help. I crawled underneath the truck this afternoon and place a magnet on the block and it held. So, it's definitely a cast iron block.
Thanks again for all the input.
Thanks for the input. It has been a tremendous help. I crawled underneath the truck this afternoon and place a magnet on the block and it held. So, it's definitely a cast iron block.
Thanks again for all the input.
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