2000 XL 4.0L OHC swap choices?

[akbossman]

The head gasket blew and the lower end is clamering now since the water got into the oil. Looking for engines to replace with out too much hassle. Are 5 speed engines different that auto like some cars?

 

[AlexSport'00]

Another SOHC, or the OHV? Possibly the V8 if you wanna go that route. But I assume the same engine would be easiest.

 

[koda2000]

The easiest swap is the '05 Mustang 4.0L SOHC V6. It's basically the same as your original 4.0, but Ford solved the timing chain cassette problems by '05. You would basically be using the Mustang long-block and transferring over the other parts from your old engine. Your computer will never know the difference.

 

[2000StreetRod]

timing chain updates

The easiest swap is the '05 Mustang 4.0L SOHC V6. It's basically the same as your original 4.0, but Ford solved the timing chain cassette problems by '05. . .

I believe the timing chain related improvements in the 2002 and later Explorers are identical to those in the Mustang SOHC V6.

 

[FordGT55]

I believe the timing chain related improvements in the 2002 and later Explorers are identical to those in the Mustang SOHC V6.

No offense but I believe you are wrong from personal experiences. At the shop I work at we have had a couple SOHC engines in Explorers that have come in with blown timing chains. We've had a few 2002 Xs and one 2003 that have had the issue. So personally the later the engine the better I believe. Just what I've seen.

 

[akbossman]

So if the engine came from a 5manual tranny or auto doesn't matter?
I am looking at a 98 4.0

 

[koda2000]

So if the engine came from a 5manual tranny or auto doesn't matter?
I am looking at a 98 4.0

There is a balance shaft on some of the engines, I think it had to do with manual or auto trans, or it might of had to do with 2 or 4wd. I don't recall, but the lack of a balance shaft shouldn't be considered a deal breaker. As far as the timing chain cassettes, Ford did not reslove the wear issues with these engines until '05. I believe the newer cassettes can be used to rebuild the older 4.0L SOHC engines, but in my opinion it's not worth rebuilding these engines as there can be alot of internal damage, it's a huge amount of work/labor, it requires special tools and skills and it's just cheaper to go with a later model used engine. I've seen '05 Mustang engines selling for between $400 and $1,600. You may get lucky @ $400, but I find, in life, you usually get what you pay for (eg: certified mileage, carfax report, reliable warranty and free delivery).

 

[akbossman]

This is a ohv not sohv There are no 05 stang engines even close to me

 

[vroomzoomboom]

to answer your question, yes. a 98 motor will work for you. you will need to change over the fuel rails, and possibly injectors. you may also have to change your manifolds (exhaust and intake) depending if its a internal, or external egr motor. also, you may need to change all of your sensors.

 

[koda2000]

This is a ohv not sohv There are no 05 stang engines even close to me

Then why did you title your post OHC (Over Head Cam)? Your choices are OHV (over head valve) or OHC/SOHC.

 

[2000StreetRod]

updated cassettes?

According to Tasca Ford the new OEM left cassette shown below is compatible with the 2005 thru 2007 Mustang.

It appears to be identical to the cassette installed in the 2002 and later Explorers. The traction and slack sides of the guide assembly are reinforced with metal.

The Tasca Ford new OEM right cassette shown below is compatible with the 2005 thru 2010 Mustang.

It appears to be identical to the cassette installed in the 2002 and later Explorers. The slack side of the guide assembly is reinforced with metal but the traction side is not. The traction side can break apart due to fatigue just like on the 1997 and later Explorers.

The primary chain tensioner in the Mustang has 6 leaves like the 2002 Explorer and unlike the 3 leaves in the earlier tensioner. The left and right camshaft chain hydraulic/spring tensioners in the Mustang are identical to those in the 2002 and later Explorers.

I'm not sure when the "pencil" that reduces the volume of the oil galley to improve oil flow included with the 00m12 kit was implemented but I think it was by the 2002 Explorer. I don't know if the Mustang has the restrictor but I assume it does.

Many Mustang SOHC V6 owners have reported timing chain related problems. I predict Mustang failures will be comparable to those of 2002 and later Explorers of similar age and mileage. The valve timing components of any engine (even the OHV) wear and eventually need replacement. Timing chains normally last longer than timing belts. Unfortunately, in the case of the 4.0L SOHC V6 the plastic guide assemblies do not last nearly as long as the timing chains.

 

[snoranger]

According to Tasca Ford the new OEM left cassette shown below is compatible with the 2005 thru 2007 Mustang.

It appears to be identical to the cassette installed in the 2002 and later Explorers. The traction and slack sides of the guide assembly are reinforced with metal.

The Tasca Ford new OEM right cassette shown below is compatible with the 2005 thru 2010 Mustang.

It appears to be identical to the cassette installed in the 2002 and later Explorers. The slack side of the guide assembly is reinforced with metal but the traction side is not. The traction side can break apart due to fatigue just like on the 1997 and later Explorers.

The primary chain tensioner in the Mustang has 6 leaves like the 2002 Explorer and unlike the 3 leaves in the earlier tensioner. The left and right camshaft chain hydraulic/spring tensioners in the Mustang are identical to those in the 2002 and later Explorers.

I'm not sure when the "pencil" that reduces the volume of the oil galley to improve oil flow included with the 00m12 kit was implemented but I think it was by the 2002 Explorer. I don't know if the Mustang has the restrictor but I assume it does.

Many Mustang SOHC V6 owners have reported timing chain related problems. I predict Mustang failures will be comparable to those of 2002 and later Explorers of similar age and mileage. The valve timing components of any engine (even the OHV) wear and eventually need replacement. Timing chains normally last longer than timing belts. Unfortunately, in the case of the 4.0L SOHC V6 the plastic guide assemblies do not last nearly as long as the timing chains.

Sometime during the '01 model year.

 

[Sedition]

I wonder why no one ever decided to re-inforce the traction side of the rear jackshaft to camshaft timing chain cassette. Even now in 2012 every timing kit I can find has the plastic rear cassette.

Perhaps it has something to do with a "fail safe" idea. Say for instance if something happens the traction side of the rear cassette is simply shattered into peices instead of having metal parts jamming the timing chain.

Getting back on topic, if you do decide to replace your SOHC with another one I suggest spending a little extra on a new set of timing chains, guides and tensioners to get maximum life out of your replacement SOHC V6. Oh, and be sure to keep up to date with your oil changes. I suggest using synthetic oils to keep the 5 & 1/2' of chain running smoothly.

 

[briwayjones]

I would swap it with a OHV 4.0L.