2002 explorer 4.6 timing issues. Losing oil pressure

[Ranger Explorer]

Hey guys.

Just bought a 2002 explorer with a 4.6. Has 138k miles.

Currently has a timing chain noise and is losing oil pressure.

I know that it's going to need guides and tensioner and such

But what I want to know is if the motor is still alright ? If I put those parts in will the motor be good as new ?

 

[Number4]

If you are losing oil pressure, then you most likely have timing guide debris in the pan clogging the pick up tube.

If you just replace the timing components, you'll just end up losing the engine.
I'd highly suggest you stop driving it immediately.

People in your situation who've continued driving or didn't clean out the pan, have reported back with locked up engines.

If yours is 2wd, I hear you can drop the oil pan relatively easy. If your 4wd you'll need to either lift up the engine or drop the front end axle assembly.

 

[boominXplorer]

Good chance the tensioners are worn down enough to grind a hole in the head of the tensioner. It bleeds off oil pressure into the timing cover instead of making it up to the heads. I have seen cams locks up from lack of oil pressure.

 

[Ranger Explorer]

Once this probably started it wasn't driven anymore.

I should have specified. I know that I need to change the components but I also know that I have to drop the pan to clean everything out of there.

I guess what I am asking is, since it wasn't driven long when this problem occures. There should be any internal damage correct ?

Should I buy the 200$ timing kit and put it in and clean the oil pan and see how it runs ?