2000 Eddie Bauer 4.0L SOHC engine life.

[ebexplorerguy]

Hello, My first post since joining August. I was wondering if I could get some feeedback on the 4 Ltr SOHC engine. I am ready to roll 100k and was wondering how much life I should expect with this engine with regular oil changes.
Thanks

 

[rileyrs]

if you haven't had timing chain issues at all, then as long as you keep up solid maintenance, you should see another solid 50k or much more out of the motor.
there are many ppl on here with 200 + miles on their sohc's

 

[ebexplorerguy]

Riley,
Thanks for the info. No timing chain issues since I purchased. I suspected there was a repair before I bought it at 50k. Been running fine since. I do believe it needs a tune up at 100k, probably new plugs at least. Is the timing chain issue characteristic of this engine?
Jim

 

[explorerguy89]

yea sohc's will last to about 150k thats why i got the ohv =p much more reliable in high miles mine had 144k on it now and runs like a top

 

[rileyrs]

i wouldnt say the ohv is much more reliable, the sohc is an excellent motor is cared for well. my sohc runs much better at 70k, than my friends ohv does at 80k. but then again my 94 with an ohv went to 180k with no problems, so id say they are both rather good engines.

a good tune up will do wonders on how well it runs, and also on how long you can keep it running, if you havent done a full tune up in a while. do it!

the timing chain issue isn't necessarily a characteristic, but it is a known issue and many have experienced it. ford issued a recall on it, for several years explorers. supposedly it doesn't effect performance at all, just a loud annoying rattle at certain rpm's.

anyway, if your sohc is working well now, and if you keep up on maintaining it, it will last a long time!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section.

 

[ccbyrne]

mines pushing 155,000 and doing great. she's a gem.

 

[Redneck0907]

I had a 97 sohc and guy i sold it too has 175k+ its still running now.

The best thing you can do for the engine is use a full synthetic oil. It doesn't wear down as fast as conventional, which extends the life of the timing chain cassettes. Good luck with it!

One last thing. Keep an eye on your Transfer Case! my old ex blew it around 135K sad to say its rather common!

 

[rileyrs]

oh forgot to mention that! full synthetic!

i run amsoil full synthetic all around in the ranger.
and im very impressed.

your t case will go forever if you flush it early with amsoil, or other, full synthetic atf. its good stuff

 

[explorerguy89]

well yes with proper treatment the trucks will of course last =p its after all still an ex

 

[2000StreetRod]

Add a preoiler

It is my opinion that the excessive wear of the plastic chain guides is a result of improperly designed oil lubrication. I believe that adding a preoiler would greatly extend the life of the timing chain system. I have just installed the 00M12 kit with signficant improvements to my gasket leakage but minimal change in the cold start up chain rattle. I know that I will need to do something with the chain issue within the next 6 months or 3000 miles. I may replace or rebuild the engine or just do the major chain overhaul. Whatever I do, I will add an Accusump at the same time or earlier.

 

[flipside]

got 140,000 on my 01 sport 4.0 sohc oil changes every 3 months runs like a champ 22-24 miles to the gallon freeway k&n filter lowerd front 2 inches

 

[ebexplorerguy]

Thank you, I messed up. This is a great site!

 

[Mirge]

Our 98 EB had a tad over 156k miles on it before the rebuild... ran fantastic motor-wise, until a mechanic dropped a bolt into the motor.. hence rebuild

Ran full synthetic since I purchased it... which then it had around 85k miles on it. Plan on switching back over to a full synthetic after motor break-in period... love my Explorer

 

[iowaboy]

Have 166k on a 4.0 98 EB. Owned since new. Oil change every 3-4000 miles. Had the tranny flushed at 80k. Has tow pkg and limited slip. No rust yet either which is remarkable in Iowa. Have had only minor body hardware problems so far. Knock on wood.

 

[janolsson]

It will be worth checking if the front cam chain tensioner has been changed for the updated design as per the 00m12 kit. The way to tell is to look at the top front of the engine, just to the right of the thermostat housing there is what looks like a black bolt head 27mm in diameter in the side of the head. If this is a flat bolt head then its the old style tensioner. If it has an inch long cylinder raised out of the top of it then it is the updated version that will also mean you may also have the restrictor valve (pencil) added to retain pressure when engine off.
If you have the old style then you should definately do the 00m12 kit. this includes new upper and lower intake manifold seals that may not need replacing but these tend to go hard over time or with a lot of heat cycles so best to do them also (Kit $50 ish over there).
It will also be worth changing the rear tesioner at the same time as over time the spring in them gets tired.
By putting new tensioners in even though you don't yet have the rattle you will keep good tension in the chains which may prolong the life of the guides.

If you search the forum there are pictures of the tensioners and descriptions of how to do the kit.

Enjoy your rattle free life.
regards

 

[356]

173K on my SOHC, engine runs great and has only been maintained per the manual.

 

[ebexplorerguy]

Thanks for the info, next is a tune up and oil change.