04 Explorer Valve Spring Replacement

[icmhawk]

I have a 04 Explorer 4.0L flex fuel engine and it started running rough and the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer and $44 dollars later they said it was a valve spring or burned valve. I ordered a spring and plan to remove the valve pan this weekend. Just wandering if anyone has done repairs on this model and can give me some tips. I also bought a spring OH spring compresser ($20) from Autozone but I notice Ford has a specially made ($160) one for the SOHC engine. Do I need the that or will a generic universal spring compressor work. Anyway I'm in a pinch because this is the only family car I have and my truck is a 2 seater.

The Marine base I work on has a auto skill shop so they may have the special tool.

 

[EasyRhino]

Sorry, I have no idea about the 4.0L V6 but will give you a bump.

And thanks for your service.

 

[icmhawk]

Definitly a broken spring

I got the valve pans off and it is a broken spring (which is great!!). Not to bad to replace but I need the compression tool. I've looked online and the OTC 7928 is advertised in some places as only working on 4.6L and up. I've also seen that it will work on 4.0L 2V, so I'm not sure I'm getting the right tool. Does anyone know for sure which tool I need. The tool is fairly expensive, so I don't want to buy the wrong one, plus I really need my explorer back to haul the kids.

 

[eXcali]

Check autozone, they usually have this sort of thing on the "loan a tool program" if they don't talk to the manager, if they can get it he/she may be kind enuff to add it to their loan service.

After a quick lookup a standard valve spring tool should work. I'd give it a try.

 

[icmhawk]

No luck

I have not had any luck finding the cheaper tool will work. I may have to buy the 303-581 made by Rotunda, but it cost $140 dollars. I'm amazed that all of these companies sell the OTC 7928 but know absolutely nothing about it or even what a valve spring is. Sears sells it online, but when i called them they said I should call their automotive because they did not know what models it worked on. Well when I called automotive they were more clueless than the lady i spoke with the first time. How can they sell a tool and know nothing about it. I just wanted them to look on the package. :thumbdwn: