4.0 SOHC, Been rattling, thought is was the cats but idk now cause the other day sitting a red light the truck just died. It's been a week since and the only thing I get when I try to crank it up is a spinning noise... Tried hitting the starter, no good. I have spark in the spark plugs, fuel in the lines.. Looked down in the valve covers and it apprears the chains are turning when trying to turn the engine over. Talked to some Ford Mechanics on the phone and they say timing chain pre tensioner and that I should start shopping used engines... Any help would be awesome!!

 

sounds like timing chain time. if it didnt screw any thing up when they broke

 

If the chains are turning, that indicates they are not broken. I would get it checked out before looking for a new engine. It could be something simple that would be much easier to fix than installing another engine.

 

did you check both chains?

 

Common 02 timing chain problem, As mentioned, take it over to ford and let them figure out the problem before you go searchign for a motor

 

both? there are 3. and its the timing chain if it broke your SOL youll be looking for a new engine bc it is an interference engine.

 

Timing Chains went. Family mechanic checked it out today and told me to shop engines... Reman sounds great but the quote on it was a little steep for me. $5,000. Used, I found one with 55,000 miles for $900. I guess I'm looking at around $1,000 - $1,500 for labor on the removal and install. SHOOT! :-(

Any thoughts on all this would be great! Or ideas for starting over fresh.. New belt... ect..

Thanks guys.

 

Get a used engine and have some friends and family help you out. It's not as bad of a task as you may think..


GB :)

 

surprised nobody has said "drop in a 5.0"

 

put it yourself! you can rent a hoist and everything for cheaper than you pay someone to do it. Im sure if there are some local guys on here to ya, they would be more than glad to come help out. plus its a nice leaning experience

 

Anyone know of any good places for used engines or even know of any good buys? I've found a few but searching for something more enticing... ;-)

 

junk yard or ebay just make sure it comes with a warranty

 

Okay, here's what I came up with.

2001 SOHC (61K miles) and the transmission that goes with this engine, $1,100 for both.

I've had major issues with my current trans since the rebuild, I'm thinking knock it ALL out while I can. I'm pleased with this deal and my shop deals with this company on a regular basis for parts, so here's hoping it all works out. Purchasing engine and trans this Friday. Company is called M&S Auto Parts out of Fayetteville, GA.

I'm planning on replacing the water pump, thermostat, spark plugs & wires and rear main seal.

Any other things to consider or take care of? I want to do this right and be able to drive it for a few years without worrying about too much. Thanks for all the input so far.

 

i would re torque all of the bolts and new gaskets too

 

The head bolts are torque to yield bolts, don't retorque them

 

The 2001 engine may have the same problem. Mine does. It's hit and miss in this year range. Look for an engine that's 03-04 or newer. Or get a FORD mechanic to put the updated timing chain parts into the engine you buy.


GB :)

 

Check out this guy. I'm sure he could put your intake and accessories on the engine. I paid 800 for my 4.0 SOHC and put it in myself, so 900 installed with a warranty is apretty good deal. 98 ford explorer 4.0 sohc engine

 

get a free-wheeling engine like the 5.0