Hi friends. I recently bought this rugged? Ranger. Heard noise from engine, thought maybe idler or belt ps pump. Hadn't had transportation for weeks. NEVER envisioned the possibility of a design as ludicrous as to have 4 timing chains with laughy taffy for chain guide tensioners. Love truck, but I need transportation. How long may it run like this? I believed it is a non interferance engine. Can some one who really knows tell me. I also read it is. What is the smartest thing for me to do now? Thanks for suffering with me. Go Chiefs!

 

Welcome to the forum

4.0l SOHC is FOR SURE an interference engine, image here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ngs-jpg.60226/
Although valve piston collision is not common on chain failure since valves don't normally stay at full open on this setup.
So it CAN happen but not 100% of the time, roll of the dice

4.0l OHV was not an interference engine

Yes, bad timing chain tensioners on the 1997 to 2004 4.0l SOHC engines were the problem.
They allowed chains to loosen up and then beat on the guides until they broke.
You can often replace just the tensioners if you catch it early enough.

The newer designed tensioners eliminated this issue with 4.0l SOHC

Google: ford 4.0l sohc replace timing chain tensioners

If guides are too badly damaged then engine does need to be pulled out to repair/replace the rear chain and guides

Go Seahawks

 

so funny. Just like I said. Interference engine yes and no not. I understand timing chain install. Smart as long as crank tdc and cam at tdc. Then chain chain dont matter. That is why need tools to lock cams.

 

Same for all interference engines, piston valve collision is not 100% when chain fails.

Look at changing tensioners, sooner than later, that could fix the problem completely, if guides are not damaged.
And in any case they have to be changed even if you do need to change guides and chains, so not a waste of time or money

 

Thanks for responding. It seems as of the primary chain is the most likely to fail. Is that true? Im just hoping that the rear is not the problem. Is there 4 chain tensioners on my 4x4? One for every chain? So many times chain is ok until it breaks? just cassettes and tensioners? That would be nice if true.Thanks again.

 

greeting(s) ...

 

To you too.

 

Primary chain tensioner, not the chain itself
And you can change this without pulling the engine

There was no real problem with the chains or guides, the tensioners were the problem and thats what caused the guide and/or chain failures.

Good read here as well: 4.0 sohc timing chain rattle - everything you need to know - Ford Ranger Forum

 

Well thanks. I have a glimmer of hope then.

 

Hi guys. How are you? I guess want to replace all chains etc. Do bolts need replaced also? No kits I found include bolts. (TTY) on cams and jackshaft. What is best over all kit? Clyes? Please let me know rather not have done again.