Hey Everybody
I am picking up a 2007 4x4 King cab Ranger tomorrow am. It has a 4.0 SOHV (I believe) and the driver's side timing chain has pooped the bed...cracked valve cover.
I am able to remove the engine if needed and do what has to be done but my question is this...
Evidently this is an "interference engine" and from what I am reading there may be a possibility that the pistons may have been damaged on that side when the chain went (or whatever happened) and I will have to do a leak down test to determine that. IF the leak down test shows no piston damage can the chain on that side be replaced and engine retimed? I will plan on pulling the front of the engine off and removing the valve cover for inspection and will proceed from there.
I have never heard of an interference engine so I would like to get some input. The truck is in excellent condition and will be worth an engine replacement if necessary, but I would love to avoid that if possible.
Thanks for any help I can get with this!
Fred

 

How many miles are on your 2007? color? manual/auto?

The timing parts can be replaced, yes. When you assess things, you might decide to do both.
Ford Motorcraft oil filled chain tensioners are said to be better and come with their thin, little gasket.
The cam locking tool is a must. I've seen them on videos and agree.

You actually cracked the valve cover!
The right cover is the one with the PCV valve socket and is getting hard to find.
You may find yourself repairing your original one.

Please report your diagnosis to this thread...even if you back away from the project.

 

Thanks for replying, The truck white with an automatic trans and has 120,000 and some change. I paid $800 for it and will pick it up tomorrow morning, am hoping the pistons are OK and I can just get away with the timing chain but with the condition of the truck it is well worth an engine if necessary

 

Its not the piston you need to worry about, Its the valves. Piston will bend valves.

 

He's picking up the Ranger today.
However he goes about inspecting it, I just hope he'll get back to us after his diagnosis.

Something letting go (timing chain on that side) and cracking the valve cover could be interesting.

Also Fscott4, get a camera so you can include pictures.

 

I am hoping to just do the head(s) and not have to get into replacing pistons.
Im going to try to attach some pics. This is not a bad truck for $800 I think...

 

OK, valve cover is off and its evident the timing cassette has pooped the bed. a lot of plastic floating around on the head. I will remove everything on the front of the engine and get the head out this week. Is this doable with the radiator in place or should I just take it out? I would like to avoid any work that I absolutely dont need to do.

 

There are two timing chain that will to be replace. Do you need to remove the rad...No, but it would make it easier to get at all to parts with it out.

 

The timing cassette is on the front of the left bank (cylinders 4,5 and 6)
The right side has its cassette on the rear and engine removal is a must if you intend to do both sides.
Whatever hurt the left likely hurt the right.

 

Got an 02 4.0 with about 155. Still very tight and trans shifts great no issues.
Motor and trans needs a new body. My beloved stepside will always be my favorite. Rust just did it in.
My '12 ('13?) Isn't near the truck.