4.0 SOHC Longevity ??

[Katmandu]

I need to know just how reliable/durable and what the Service Rate/Longevity is on our EX's 4.0 SOHC engines are.

:RANT ON:

My 98 EB's 4.0 SOHC currently has 81,x.. miles on it and has been VERY well maintained with regular service during it's life span. All the applicable recalls have been performed as well.

Most unfortunately, it looks like I'm gonna have a VERY expensive engine repair in the VERY near future with it.

The Jackshaft Chain Tensioner and/or Guide are making the "infamous Diesel-like" clattering sound on Cold Start-up and upon accelleration. :thumbdwn:

Looks like I'll be dumping a minimum of $500 into it and most PROBABLY more.

Anyways, I've been trying to decide what to do with it from here.....

I've been roaming the New Car lots and being attacked by VULTURES (Car Salesmen), but I'm stuck in a dilema on what to do about/with my 98 EX.

Like most folks, I'm upside down on my loan for it. I owe around $7900 and the top KBB Trade-In value is around $6750. The most I've been offered for it on as a trade-in is around $5700. THAT just ain't gonna cut it.

So.... I'm pondering keeping it, repairing the tensioner/guide and driving it until the wheels fall off!!

Dunno at this point in time.

:RANT OFF:

 

[aldive]

I have the SOHC in my '99 and have had not one single worry with this engine in 107k miles.

 

[Katmandu]

I have the SOHC in my '99 and have had not one single worry with this engine in 107k miles.

Lucky Basstige! :'

What year did Ford upgrade the Tensioner/Guides ?? In 99 I suppose ??

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I believe there was a recall for some SOHC tesnioners/chains. The SOHC is a very strong engine. One of Fords best.

-Drew

 

[GJarrett]

I've only had a couple of problems with mine; the camshaft chain/clatter from the tensioner, and it seems to use a thermostat every 60,000 miles or so. My odometer currently shows 161,000 miles but I've got 35 inch tires and haven't corrected my speedo, so I've probably got 165 - 170k miles on it. It still runs as strong as the day I bought it new.

Mine had the tensioner recall done but it does have the startup clatter, I guess from the problem you had diagnosed . I've lived with it since about 100,000 miles. The only other item that happens is that mine shows no oil pressure at startup for the first couple of minutes, but it's a sensor/gauge problem not actual pressure problem.

A $500 maintenance item on a seven year old vehicle is nothing at all, and you can expect continued great service for another seven years, if my engine is any gauge. To go looking at other new vehicles because of one lousy $500+ bill seems to me to be self-defeating math - given a choice between a one time $500 bill, or four-five entire years of monthly bills nearly that high, I'm sticking with just spending the money once ionstead of sixty times. My criteria for beginning to look at another vehicle is when mine starts costing as much in maintenance montly as buying another vehicle will cost in payments.

And since you are upside down on yours in value, you'd really get taken to the cleaners when trading it in for another vehicle.... do that, and in upcoming years you would be able to look back and see that trading it in for another vehicle was the first step in a series of really bad financial decisions that ended up leaving you automovitely bankrupt in a huge upside-down hole that makes this current one look tiny.

Yes, you can drive the wheels off of it. That's what I plan to do.

 

[CDW6212R]

The 2002 SOHC has the improved chain cassettes in it. The pre 2002 SOHC engines all need the upated parts. The SOHC cam tensioners all have springs in them which wear out faster than the rest of the engine. They should be considered wear items, like a timing belt.

There are no hard numbers yet, but I bet something like 75,000 miles is going to be a recommended replacement interval. Some engines have had problems very early on, and some have lasted 150,000+ miles. Good luck,

 

[Lazzman]

My 98' SOHC has 126k on it with never a problem and I love to beat that thing, it is a super engine, tough, strong and race ready all the time. It runs stronger than the day I bought it new 6 years ago

I have been using Mobil 1 since the day she was born and also use the extra slippery additives like Tough Oil as well.

 

[CDW6212R]

Congrats, and good luck for more. On average, you are over the limit. Rely on good furtune, or do some preventative maintenance at some time.