1997 4L SOHC chain replacement

[4doorXLT]

I'm just going over the day, it does sound like the valves aren't seating causing the rockers to be loose! It may have skipped more than a few teeth LOL!

We'll see what tomorrow brings!

 

[2000StreetRod]

Loose rockerarms

. . .
Interesting note, when i pulled the valve cover on the right side, one rocker arm was off sitting to the side of the valve and I can remove the others without compressing the springs. It has been sitting for 7 months though, concern?

Good news:
There is a lot of slack in the chain, turns out the rear chain is not broke, looks like it skipped a tooth or two or three. I may not have any serious damage!

The rocker arms should not be that loose. Your lash adjusters may be excessively worn. According to my Haynes manual the plunger travel should not exceed 1.5 mm. Or, the valves may not be seating properly. The valve stems may be bent from hitting the pistons due to the timing chain slip. I suggest removing the camshaft and checking the valves for proper operation. You will have to remove the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt (loosens clockwise) to remove the camshaft. Do you have the special valve compression tool?

CAUTION: If you reinstall the camshaft with the rocker arms in place be very careful when installing the bearing caps. They are prone to bind against their seats and if so the caps may break.

Are you planning to remove the head to check for piston and valve damage? The head bolts are not reuseable and are fairly expensive.

 

[4doorXLT]

I am struggling with what to do. With 160,000 miles on this engine I was shocked to see no sludge. I have maintained it very well. Looking at the amount of metal in the oil and filter is a large concern. By the time I buy the head gaskets, bolts, guides and pay the machine shop......... plus. I may just buy the used engine with 100,000 miles and replace the chain guides before installing it.

Maybe I'll pull the cam and see what I can see and decide. I was really hoping for better results!

 

[2000StreetRod]

Inspect & test the valves

I suggest that you leave the head in place, remove the camshaft and try to determine the condition of the valves. Do you have access to an air compressor? If so, you can pressurize each cylinder (one at a time) on the right bank and check for valve leakage. Also, check for broken or weak valve springs. Valve springs can be replaced without removing the head by keeping the cylinder pressurized.

Have you determined how far off the camshaft timing is?

Does anyone have access to SOHC V6 cam timing data?

 

[4doorXLT]

conclusion: all three cylinders on the right side are dead. Cylinder leak test showed all 6 valves are bent or broken etc. I'm thinking the best route for my explorer is the used engine.

I guess I'd be a fool to not replace the guides before installing the new engine?

 

[2000StreetRod]

That's a shame

What year is the replacement engine? The 2WD engine has no balance shaft like the 4WD. The 1997 and 1998 have a variable intake system that the later models do not have. The SOHC V6 long block from any Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger or Mustang will fit. You just have to transfer everything that bolts to your engine to the replacement long block. The 2002 and later engines have improved guides and tensioners.

If you pull the valve covers you can pretty much tell the condition of the left and right guide assemblies. The chains and sprockets last much longer than the guides. If you get a 2002 or later long block then chances are the primary tensioner is the newer 6 leaf unit and still good. If you can cold start the engine and listen to it run before purchase you can listen for chain rattle.

 

[BobWiersema]

conclusion: all three cylinders on the right side are dead. Cylinder leak test showed all 6 valves are bent or broken etc. I'm thinking the best route for my explorer is the used engine.

I guess I'd be a fool to not replace the guides before installing the new engine?

Pull the heads and check the pistons for damage, it should be obvious. You said your engine is nice and clean, might be worth repair. When you consider the cost of the timing kit is the same on which ever engine you use, figure heads, gaskets and bolts. Take a look at the mains, if they look good I would think seriously about repairing it. Or if you could find a used one with low miles, that could be an option. A used SOHC with 100K? I would go through the whole thing before using it, unless you know for a fact its good.

Also, how did you do the leak test? When you put compressed air into the cylinder you will here it blow through the rings. If you pull the springs off the valve stems while pumping in air and the valves dont drop in, its good.

Bob

 

[4doorXLT]

It is an E type engine, same year as mine 1997.

100% of the compressed air was coming straight through the intake and out the exhaust! Used engine comes with a warranty from the wreckers! Compression test , 150Lbs all the way around. Basically the used engine puts me back on the trail I was hoping I was on. It is hard to justify buying the same year engine but it's all I got!

 

[BobWiersema]

E is the SOHC, do you have 4x4? You know about the balance shaft thing in the 4x4 motors right? Is that engine already pulled or can you here it run. Im just thinking with 100K on it someone may have already done the timing chains. If not its due. Could be a cost saver, what kind of dough are they talking for that (if ya dont mind me asking)?

Bob

 

[4doorXLT]

600.00 bucks is the asking price! Engine is out of the vehicle already! I am told mine had the chains done

 

[4doorXLT]

I picked up the new to me engine this morning. I spent the day tearing it down. I removed everything including the lower intake manifold, exhaust manifolds and wiring harness. I cleaned it all up and ventured inside the engine. I removed the right valve cover and boy was I impressed, prestine. No signs of sludge at all, very very clean. The guides look great and I can see signs (silicone) on the front case. I'm going to install it as it is.

I may get my Explorer back by the weekend

If anyone needs pictures of anything just let me know!

 

[BobWiersema]

New Stuff

Sounds good.
Post pictures here.
Download Picasa from Google and use it to upload your pictures to a free account and link them here. Or use Fotki (much better) free account. I wrote up a page about Fotki, this is it - http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273496

Bob

 

[4doorXLT]

I HAVE MY EXPLORER BACK

Final thoughts now that it's done, it wasn't really that bad! If I was asked to rate the job out of 10, 10 being the hardest, I would have to say it was a 5.

Ford did a really good job of making a difficult job easy!

Did I mention I have my truck back

Thanks all!

 

[2000StreetRod]

Congratulations!

You are a fast worker but obviously from the successful results pay attention to details. I hope that you enjoy many thousands of trouble free miles!

 

[cjmedina]

Latest news

I have the front of the engine torn down, all that's left is to pull the pulley and the cover. My wife came in today to see our baby, she's not happy! While she was there I said lets find TDC on #1. Bottom line, I have 0 compression on the right bank and 150 Lbs on the left!

I'm so upset!
It's a character building job now!

Looks like a similar thing thing happened to me:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275822

Which rocker was laying in the head?


CJ