2000 Explorer doesn't start

[trplad]

2000 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC V6 4x4 Vin E

I took a chance and bought an explorer that didnt start, i replaced the spark plugs and fuel filter, the filter was leaking and plugs looked like they never been changed, it has 139k on it.

Doesnt Start
Compression Test revealed 50lbs on driver side and 150lbs on passenger side.
Slight "knocking" or thumping when cranked.
Code Reader revealed code P0230- "Fuel Pump Circuit Mal###tion".
Battery Voltage only reads 9.7

I think the timing chain slipped and hit a valve causing the knocking...any suggestions on what to do next?

I can get a 2001 engine w/72k on it for $600 or a 2000 w/100k on it for $500, did they resolve the tensioner issue on the 2001 model?

or would it be better to rip out the motor and redo the valves and timing chain components?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Bank 2

If all cylinders on Bank 2 (driver side) have low compression then the timing chain has slipped. If they have about 50 psi then the valves may not be bent. Usually the exhaust valves are the ones damaged.

I suggest that you manually rotate the engine two revolutions checking for interference. Do not rotate the crankshaft counter-clockwise. Don't force the pistons against the valves. Do not use the starter motor. If you encounter mechanical resistance then pull the valve cover and check the camshaft timing. If there is no interference then replace/charge the battery, hold the throttle plate at WOT and check the compression on all Bank 2 cylinders. The left (driver) cassette can be replaced with the engine in the vehicle. See my helpful threads for SOHC V6 information.

All of the timing chain related improvement were incorporated in the 2002 and later models. The rear guide assembly is still not reinforced on one side so it can fail due to fatigue.

 

[trplad]

Thanks for the suggestion I will try that.

 

[trplad]

If all else fails what year or car model engines are compatible is there a list somewhere of the vehicles that have these sohc long block engines?... i know any SOHC long block will fit as long as i keep the intake and exhaust.... i read ur one post that stated people put 2005 or later mustang motors in these things...is there any cutoff as to how late a model is acceptable?

 

[2000StreetRod]

SOHC V6 long block

2001 to 2011 Ford Ranger
2001 to 2010 Mazda B4000
1997 to 2010 Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer
2005 to 2010 Ford Mustang
2005 to 2009 Land Rover LR3

The Explorer/Mountaineer 4WD models have a balance shaft that the 2WD models don't have. A small number of the early Mustang SOHC V6s had the balance shaft even though none were 4WD. The Mustangs don't have the crankcase breather that the Explorer/Mountaineers have. The 2002(?) and later engines have an improved thermostat housing with clip in instead of screw in sensors.

 

[trplad]

thanks again for your time, will keep ya posted on the project or any other questions.

 

[trplad]

sorry, also the guy at the junkyard told me its not good to put too new of an engine in it, any reason why? im guessing he meant miles and not model year?

 

[2000StreetRod]

No good reason

sorry, also the guy at the junkyard told me its not good to put too new of an engine in it, any reason why? im guessing he meant miles and not model year?

I would want the newest engine with the least miles I could find for a reasonable price. However, the newer the engine and the lower the miles the more it will cost. You don't want to spend $2,000 for an engine going into a vehicle only worth $3,000 unless you plan to keep it for a long time.

 

[trplad]

so if the valves are ok what repair kit should i try and get? the whole timing chain kit or the ford recall service kit 00m12, i can find them both on ebay for $100 or so each. would the chain still be ok if it slipped? and i just need to replace the tensioner and gaskets.

 

[2000StreetRod]

broken guide assembly

In my opinion it is unlikely that the camshaft chain would slip unless the cassette guide assembly has broken. I encourage members to determine what's broken before purchasing parts. SOHC V6 Timing Chain Inspection & Repair

Some of the timing chain kits available on ebay aren't worth installing. SOHC V6 Timing Chain Parts Sources

The cassette guide assemblies are no longer available as an individual item - you must purchase the entire cassette (chain, sprockets, guide assembly). I prefer OEM guide assemblies. SOHC V6 Timing Chain Related PNs

If you take the time to replace the left cassette you probably should also replace the primary (crankshaft to jackshaft) tensioner.

 

[trplad]

im assuming from your timing chain inspection and repair thread i would need the OTC-6488 tool kit?? since the timing chain has slipped i would need to retime the camshafts? of course i wont get it until i inspect the cam timing first to make sure but just wanted to know what im getting into...i guess theres no other way around it besides this tool?

 

[trplad]

ok i missed your post in that thread - Left camshaft timing - no OTC-6488 use ...ill give it a go and see what happens.

 

[trplad]

heres is a picture of her, picked her up for $800 w/o starting...

 

[trplad]

im also assuming the intake manifold is fine and not leaking, wouldn't it lose pressure when i performed the comp. test? i know they have a problem with those too.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Intake manifold

im also assuming the intake manifold is fine and not leaking, wouldn't it lose pressure when i performed the comp. test? i know they have a problem with those too.

Actually, you should be able to perform a compression check without the intake manifold being present. If the upper intake is present then the compression readings will be higher with the throttle plate wide open.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Otc-6488

ok i missed your post in that thread - Left camshaft timing - no OTC-6488 use ...ill give it a go and see what happens.

That thread assumes that the timing chain has not slipped. It is possible to time the camshaft fairly accurately without the OTC-6488. I didn't have the tool kit when I replaced my cassettes. You just have to make sure that the timing slot is below the camshaft axis and parallel to the surface of the head that mates with the valve cover when the chain is taught and the crank is at TDC.

In my opinion the spring pressure of the camshaft tensioner is not adequate to keep the chain taught although several members have timed their camshaft using just the tensioner.

 

[trplad]

update: i revealed the timing is off and i get 2 unnatural clicks in one revolution of the engine, tensioner and guide look fine so far on it, im going to get a microscope and check for bent valves and take off the timing cover tomm., maybe a sprocket broke under there?!?

 

[trplad]

 

[trplad]

the tensioner and guide look like its reinforced with steel, im not sure how the recalled ones looked but these look pretty sturdy and may have been replaced already?

 

[trplad]

If i do have to replace the engine i would like to get one where this wont be a problem...you said 2002 or later models...is there a thread explaining the difference of engine parts/components relative to year(explorer only)? i read that the thermostat housing got changed from plastic. this is my first ford, ive had a blazer, pathfinder and now an explorer.