4.0 SOHC owners, advice and insight

[BHop]

Hi boys,


Thinking about upgrading my 97 OHV for a 2000 SOHC. The one that I have in mind has about 90 x.. miles/150 x.. km.

I guess my concern is... yup, timing chains and parts related to the timing chain system. I guess I could have just looked up the answers but I have a few I wanted to be thorough.

So, here we go:

i) Do the timing chain issues impact specific years of Explorers and not so much the later models? Or does it affect all SOHC engines?

ii) Is it a design flaw with an update fix? Or will it keep reoccuring after a specific amount of mileage/KM's

iii) Is it only a matter of time? Will they go for sure?

iv) This Explorer that I mentioned, I have no idea if the timing chain was ever doen it. Is there a way to tell (that is a little less than obvious?) Was there ever a recall of some sort to fix this issue?

From what I get, it's a $2500 fix which is close to the asking price of the vehicle as it stands, so obviously is kind of a big deal. I have emailed the dealer and am waiting for a reply to see if there is any documentation as it is not mentioned in the ad for the vehicle.


You input is appreciated,

B

 

[2000StreetRod]

timing chain upgrades

. . .i) Do the timing chain issues impact specific years of Explorers and not so much the later models? Or does it affect all SOHC engines?

Upgraded timing chain related component were incorporated in 2002 and later models.

ii) Is it a design flaw with an update fix? Or will it keep reoccuring after a specific amount of mileage/KM's

It was a design flaw that was partially corrected. The rear cassette guide is not reinforced with metal on the traction side and will eventually break requiring engine removal to replace.

iii) Is it only a matter of time? Will they go for sure?

Yes, like any other overhead cam engine using belts or chains failure will eventually occur. I think my Volvo DOHC engine requires belt replacement every 60K miles. Some members have over 300K miles on their original timing chains. Some 2nd generation owners experienced failure as early as 40K miles.

iv) This Explorer that I mentioned, I have no idea if the timing chain was ever doen it. Is there a way to tell (that is a little less than obvious?) Was there ever a recall of some sort to fix this issue? . . .

There was a recall. Eligibilty was based on mileage and model year. It expired many years ago. The front driver side (left) hydraulic tensioner is longer for the improved one. Depending on the year, it may not be visible under the intake manifold.

 

[mikepier]

Well for what it's worth, my 99 XLT SOHC has 134,000 miles and still going strong. I am the original owner.
No issues with the timing chain/tensioners, although I did have the recall done way back.
At this point, if something does happen to my engine, I will probably not fix it and look to buy a new car.

 

[rb142]

Unless you have documented proof of the chains being replaced (all of them, not just the front), you have to assume they haven't been done and will need to be -- especially for a 2000. If you can't work that expense into the purchase, you should probably look for something at least 2002.

 

[delexploder]

If you have the motor out already for the swap then you can get a full timing kit for around $200. , then either install it or take it to a shop and have it done, take care of it keep the oil clean and it will prob outlast the rig you wanna put it in,

 

[srercrcr]

I have 211,000 miles on my 2000 sohc....no issues you mention. Of course I baby it, that helps.

 

[BHop]

Alright that sounds fine then, I will have to get a definitive answer and work that in to my strategy.

It's a little frustrating, can't find 5.0's and if I do, they're ugly/bad shape, awd instead of 4wd and/or over priced. Along comes the SOHC, except with these timing chain issues which can cost more than the asking price to repair them.

Ugh, no love!

While we are at it, can you guys educate me on the 5r55e auto trans? Many of the ads that I come across for 4.0 sohc Explorers mention that the trans has recently been replaced or that the discount in price is due to trans issues... what's going on here, can you guys shed light pls?

Thanks again...

 

[Fordsgalore4]

my 99 has 220,000 miles and was running in till the head gasket went last week but I'm looking for another motor

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

I wouldn't touch the SOHC if my life depended on it. OHV all DAY. My 93 had the OHV and had 295k miles on it and pulled hard all the way to the crusher. My 01 Ranger with the SOHC? Changed chains around 150-160k, and at 210k or so they were rattling again. Granted I drive the piss out of it, but I hate this motor. For the same money you'll spend, I'd cam the OHV and call it a day. Or V8 swap it.

 

[masospaghetti]

Why not keep the OHV and put a cam in it? Far more reliable design.

 

[1992fordgreen]

I wouldn't touch the SOHC if my life depended on it. OHV all DAY. My 93 had the OHV and had 295k miles on it and pulled hard all the way to the crusher. My 01 Ranger with the SOHC? Changed chains around 150-160k, and at 210k or so they were rattling again. Granted I drive the piss out of it, but I hate this motor. For the same money you'll spend, I'd cam the OHV and call it a day. Or V8 swap it.

+1. I'd never touch the SOHC after hearing all of the horror stories here on SE. OHV is so much more reliable. From what I've heard, SOHC engines are crap...but that's just what I've seen.

 

[chefduane]

180k+ on my SOHC

180k+ on my '98 XLT 4x4 with the SOHC. Seems like there are a lot of us around. Not too bad for a piece of crap engine. No timing chain issues.
This board is testament that there are a lot of SOHC's around with high miles.
But if the OHV guys say it's a POS, then I guess they're right.

 

[Fordsgalore4]

220,000 on my SOHC and still going once i replace the head gasket but even still runs with it blown, but my 94 OHV has 155,000 and runs great as well

 

[2000StreetRod]

Underpowered Explorers

In my opinion all of the first and second generation Explorers were underpowered. Even with the V8 they have 20 lbs of vehicle per bhp. Decent performance starts at 15 lbs/bhp or less. Ford designed Explorers for utility, not performance. A loud radio and exhaust system (typical mods for the younger owners) attracts attention but doesn't transform an Explorer into a performance vehicle. Decent performance requires forced induction for the V6or significant internal modifications to the V8. The stock OHV V6 is way underpowered, rapid power loss at high engine speeds and susceptible to blowing head gaskets. The SOHC V6 has 50 more bhp, power doesn't plummet until 6050 rpm but has timing chain issues. There is insufficient clearance in the stock height body for high performance exhaust headers for the V8.

 

[J_C]

^ No matter what the figure someone will always come along and say it could be better. For drag racing.

 

[drdoom]

I once watched a 1G snap a built CJ5 (w/ a 360ci V8) like a twig.