1998 4.0L 4x4 SOHC rebuild or remanufactured engine?

[bfsjr]

I now have the dreaded timing chain problem on my 1998 Explorer XLT 4x4 SOHC. I would like any input on whether I should try and rebuild my current engine or replace it with a remanufactured engine from a reputable supplier.

Thanks for any input from members of this forum

bfsjr

 

[koda2000]

well, I guess the answers to your questions are more questions...

Rebuild:
1. what is your mechanical skill level? do you have the required standard tools you'll need? have you ever rebuilt an engine? are you just talking about replacing the chain related parts or a full rebuild?

2. are you just planning on doing the front chain, or front and rear? the rear requires pulling the engine, or at least the transmission.

3. how much time do you have? can you live without the use of this vehicle for a minimum of 3 days? figure on around $700 for parts and you'll need special tools to hold the cams in place.

Remanufactured Engine:
if you purchase a rebuilt engine, are you going to do the install yourself, or pay someone else do it? the cost of the rebuilt engine alone will exceed the value of your truck, plus in order to make your warranty valid, the engine rebuilder is going to require you to change other parts that may be perfectly good (water pump, thermostat, hoses, filters). add these to the cost.

how many miles on the rest of the truck? what kind of shape is it in? is it worth spending this much money on it?

in my opinion, a reman engine isn't worth it. if you have to pay someone to install it, it definitely isn't worth it. where I live your truck is only worth scrap value if it needs a motor, and maybe $1500 with a good engine. I just scrapped a 2001 SOHC (which was otherwise in fair condition because the front chain cassette finally let go.

it depends how much you LOVE this truck. you can find a newer V8 for the same, or less, money.

 

[boominXplorer]

If the engine still runs good and been maintained I would go for new timing chains. I have installed about 10 sets now and have had good luck every time. It will cost you about $600-700 in parts if you do it right plus labor. It is pretty time consuming though for a first timer.

 

[bfsjr]

well, I guess the answers to your questions are more questions...

Rebuild:
1. what is your mechanical skill level? do you have the required standard tools you'll need? have you ever rebuilt an engine? are you just talking about replacing the chain related parts or a full rebuild?

2. are you just planning on doing the front chain, or front and rear? the rear requires pulling the engine, or at least the transmission.

3. how much time do you have? can you live without the use of this vehicle for a minimum of 3 days? figure on around $700 for parts and you'll need special tools to hold the cams in place.

Remanufactured Engine:
if you purchase a rebuilt engine, are you going to do the install yourself, or pay someone else do it? the cost of the rebuilt engine alone will exceed the value of your truck, plus in order to make your warranty valid, the engine rebuilder is going to require you to change other parts that may be perfectly good (water pump, thermostat, hoses, filters). add these to the cost.

how many miles on the rest of the truck? what kind of shape is it in? is it worth spending this much money on it?

in my opinion, a reman engine isn't worth it. if you have to pay someone to install it, it definitely isn't worth it. where I live your truck is only worth scrap value if it needs a motor, and maybe $1500 with a good engine. I just scrapped a 2001 SOHC (which was otherwise in fair condition because the front chain cassette finally let go.

it depends how much you LOVE this truck. you can find a newer V8 for the same, or less, money.

I am capable of doing this job and I have pulled and rebuilt only one engine in the past. My current engine is in very good shape and I'm sure that all it needs is replacement of the timing chains, tensioners, rails, and guides. The chains have been rattling for a couple of months now and appear to be getting worse.

I will be replacing both the front and rear chains and I only use this vehicle to pull my utility trailer occasionally and to take my dog to a park a couple of miles away from my home for a walk on a daily basis. I can certainly stand to not have the vehicle for a period of time. I don't mind spending money on the EX since I plan to have it for many years to come. The vehicle has a 157,000 on it currently. the body is in great shape and I am hesitant to buy a replacement vehicle since I never know what the history of another vehicle will be.

Thanks for the input.