1997 explorer timing tensioner

[Jimp1977]

I have a 1997 4.0 sohc explorer. The left tensioner stopped working and it caused the timing chain to break a hole through the left valve cover. The engine still runs but not well. Was wondering if anyone here knows if I replaced the tensioner and valve cover would it be ok after that or what else I need to do. I'm not sure if it jumped time nor do I know how to check it. Any advise would be extremely helpful thank you

 

[koda2000]

My guess would be your engine is now junk. Pistons hitting valves and whatnot.

 

[Flash]

If the chain was loose enough to break out of the valve cover then I'd say that your valve timing has gone out enough for the valves to hit the pistons.

You would also need to replace the chain guides even if there was no piston/valve damage.

Left side looking at the engine? The engine or gearbox has to come out to fix that.

 

[Tech By Trade]

If it still runs your engine is probably fine. When the cassettes crumble the chain rubs on the inside of the valve cover and grinds a hole through it. It doesn't take long either. Problem is you need to pull that engine to get at the rear cassette. In the end it is a hell of a lot less money, time, and energy to get an engine from the wrecker and drop it in. Any 4.0l SOHC will work from a mustang, ranger, range rover, explorer or sport track. Just gotta swap the plastic, manifolds and sensors.

If you take the other route you are looking at a couple grand in parts and specialty tools. It took me 2 months of bobbling around on weekends and evenings to get the job done, and you have to be very meticulous about your work, this aint no chevy small block to time, that's for sure.

On a note, I would not trust a shop to do the timing chains unless they could prove to me they have done it before, and show me that they have all the specialty tools required in shop.