Thanks to this board I have a 95 ranger with 3.0L Vulcan that's running great after head gasket replace several years ago. Now I have a buddy that has a 2002 ranger regular cab that might have the 4.0L engine (not sure if the 3.0 vulcan was available in that year) that has been having coolant issues. Hasn't overheated, just coolant goes missing from the reservoir and sometimes radiator hose collapses. Im concerned its head gaskets. He took it to a shop where he lives and they said corrosion was causing the system not to work and vent properly and will flush and clean the system, replace water pump. They also said there is a leak at the timing cover and it will blow the gasket when they flush the radiator so they want to drop the oil pan and replace the timing cover gaskets. Does this sound correct? The 3.0L Vulcan wasn't anything like that but Im not familiar with the 4.0L. Again, he not sure if he had the 3.0 or 4.0 but he will try to find out. I believe there are 2 types of 4.0L? an OHV and an OHC?
Any thoughts and advice you can provide would be appreciated.

 

How many miles are on his 2002? Did he get it new?
If he got a 4.0l in a 2002 his would've been the S.O.H.C.
Does the vehicle appear to be well maintained?

If it's a 4.0l, tell him to inspect the thermostat housing. It's located at the engine end of the top radiator hose.
They're made of plastic and split and leak. Also check the quality (cleanliness) of the coolant.
Coolant leaked outside the engine creates a white chalky / frosty residue.

 

I believe we have found the answers. It’s got 140000 miles on it, not particularly well maintained so cooling system is corroded up. Looks like it’s the 4.0 ohc engine. The water pump bolts to the front engine cover ( forms the back half of the pump) and coolant flows through the engine cover to get to the pump, thus the gasket leak on the front cover being an issue since it’s right at the water port. I recommend to him that he goes ahead with the repair and try to get the timing chain tensioners and guides replaced if possible.

 

The tensioners are replaceable, as you know, with one (left/driver's side US) requiring some intake disassembly to access.
Be aware that the 2 tensioners differ left to right. One is longer than the other. Do not omit the flat washer / gasket each has.
Many people maintain that Motorcraft brand are the only ones to buy.

Also, the guides are part of the chain cassettes and as far as I know, are not available separately.