02 Explorer 4.0L SOHC Issue

[RanchHunter]

So, I bought this thing test drove it all seemed fine. On the way home it died. Local shop checked it said motor seized. I had it towed home and checked it out. Engine runs. It blew a freeze plug and the 6th Cylinder intake valve wouldn't close all the way causing a misfire. But numerous checks and no bad head gasket.

Ok so the issue.

Used a bore scope saw the intake valve stopping just short of closing. Tore into the already leaking valve cover and everything looked great. Looked into the intake portion of the head and saw the valve everything looked fine. Ok decided to check the lifters since it had a pretty pronounced tap.

The number 6 intake lifter/lash adjuster literally came apart. I pulled the top out and fished out the bottom but the case is still stuck in the head. Any ideas on how to get the casing out? I hit it with PB blaster and am letting it soak but not hopeful there isn't much to grab onto.

I can only assume that the reason the valve wouldn't close fully was when it went up this jammed and wouldn't retract and allow it to close all the way.

Appreciate the help all.

 

[Number4]

Aside from trying to get your money back,

You can try to tap (reverse drill bit) it out. But you’d probably have to remove the cam to get access.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Have a look at the piston on 6 for for valve contact marks.

 

[RanchHunter]

I might try it but the bottom of these are thin I would think. I grabbed a tool off Amazon and was too big going to try another. It expands inside the casing to grab the inner race. I considered hitting the top rim with a dremal and making a slot for a screwdriver. Once I break it free it should come right out.

I checked the valves with a bore scope and they and the piston look great. After getting the rocker off the valve close completely as well.

If I can get this danged casing out I would be g2g.

Thanks for the ideas.

 

[RanchHunter]

Aside from trying to get your money back,

You can try to tap (reverse drill bit) it out. But you’d probably have to remove the cam to get access.

So the reverse bit worked. I didn't remove the cam just used a crescent wrench on the bit, as I turned I pulled upward until I got enough to grab with vice grips.

Thanks for the idea. Now to put it back together and hope it works.

 

[RanchHunter]

Got it back together and it's got a blown head gasket.

So is it feasible to swap this with a 5.0 or just to much needs to change?

 

[Tech By Trade]

If you have a complete donor to swap the engine, transmission, wiring harness, ecu, and instrument cluster it can be done. in other words, not really feasible.

 

[RanchHunter]

Well dang

And the 4.6 I'm guessing also

 

[Drewmcg]

Why not just replace the head gaskets? Don't need to pull the engine for that . . . If you go this route, and depending on miles and service history, it may be worthwhile to replace the driver's side secondary and the primary timing chains and guides/tensioners, too. And water pump and thermostat housing.

 

[RanchHunter]

I know it was timed new chains and guides recently. I thought I would have to pull the whole motor to do heads on this because of rear chain.

Can I do timing without pulling motor?

Worthwhile idea.