4.0 OHV Problems

[Tepex009]

Alright i have a 99' XLS with a ohv 4.0. I am losing coolant slowly and i can smell antifreeze when she warms up. I also have a pinging sound when i put a load on the motor. Anyways i was told it has a leak from the timing chain cover. Is that possible? My motor is also using oil as well and the oill gauge flick on and off sometime when i drive it. Can anyone help me

 

[DoraThe_Explorer]

It could also be your intake manifold gasket. Is the coolant in the overflow dirty / have oil in it?

 

[wood1]

Hey there, welcome.

The lower intake manifold gaskets can degrade to the point that they leak but the 4.0 OHV is well known for the LIM bolts becoming loose over time.

When I bought my Ex it used a bit of oil and pinged under load. I read about retorquing the LIM bolts (many of mine were finger tight surprisingly) and how it could cause exactly the issues you describe. I retorqued the LIM (in the proper sequence and torque) and it stopped pinging and using oil.

I have since replaced the LIM gaskets and found that they were very degraded around the coolant passages. A sign that the coolant had been ignored way too long.

 

[wood1]

I just found a pretty good how-to pdf I had saved on how to replace the LIM gaskets on the 4.0. If you are interested PM me your email address. Just remind me what you need in the PM.

 

[Tepex009]

Hey i just found out that the head gasket was replaced 1 1/2 years ago. Do you think it is necessary to replace the intake gaskets upper and lower or is a re-torque just needed?

 

[wood1]

It'll only take you a couple minutes to find out. Take a 1/4 drive ratchet and extension and see if you have any loose bolts.

 

[Tepex009]

I have seen the timing chain cover wet after diving it and smelling hot coolant. Would it be wise to replace the timing cover gasket and water pump and gasket as well?

 

[wood1]

I would see where exactly the coolant is coming from. When I did my heads I replaced the water pump but it wasn't necessary to mess with the timing cover.

 

[DonsFords]

check thermostat housing for antifreeze leak, ping /noise timing chain tensioner,rough running intake o rings, been ther done it

 

[wood1]

He's got the OHV and you have the SOHC. Different issues.