4.0 Timing Chain trouble, possible replacement engines?

[phillip723]

Well, the timing chains in my v6 flex fuel SOHC finally broke, or slipped, after 210,000 miles. Either way, the engine's done for. I'm having a shop install an engine from a junkyard, or possibly even a Jasper reman engine, if I can find the money. What cars would have an engine that would fit my 03 Ex? I don't really care about labor such as transferring parts from the old engine, since I'm not doing it myself. But I would like to know what cars to start looking at in junkyards. Thanks for any help.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

not really up to par on flex fuel stuff. any explorer from 97 to i believe 2010 you will be able to find a SOHC in, as well as rangers from 2001 to last production year and mustangs from 2005 to 2010. take note however, these are fuel motors. as i said, i dont know what the difference is with a flex fuel. you will also want to change harnesses, sensors, fuel rail and injectors if you get a motor from a different year/model

 

[phillip723]

I've heard that the only difference with flex fuel engines is that they have better gaskets or something to stand up to the high percentage of ethanol. I don't think it would matter if I put a flex fuel engine in my Ex or not, besides, I always run regular fuel anyways, it was just a flex fuel engine. Is there a difference in wiring harnesses or fuel line connections in the engine bay?

 

[vroomzoomboom]

just engine, thats why i would suggest you use everything from yours just to be on the safe side

 

[Tech By Trade]

They will all work, any SOHC from 97 through 10 from a mustang, ranger, range rover, explorer, sport trac or b series mazda. You just need to strip it to a short block (everything off down to the heads and oil pan) and swap everything over from your old engine.

 

[phillip723]

The Ex is currently up on a hoist and the mechanics are looking underneath it to check the frame, drivetrain, etc. to see if putting in the engine is even worth it, or if something else will just break. I have good faith it will be fine though; the transmission is almost brand new and I've never had an 4 wheel drive issues. Now I'm just waiting for a call from the mechanic to confirm the rest of the Ex is in good shape.

 

[phillip723]

Mechanic still has not even looked at it! He's been swamped the past few days. He said he'll get to it tomorrow and his only concern is some rust he saw when putting it on the flat bed, but it may just be surface rust on the frame. There's a nice Mitsubishi Montero Sport '98 for $2995 at the local used auto shop.... If this mechanic quotes me more than $3k then I'm parting out the Ex.

 

[scott9050]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/09-10-FORD-...ash=item25cfa04e93:g:BscAAOSwx6pYpLXv&vxp=mtr

 

[phillip723]

Okay, glad that's settled! The Explorer is in better shape frame, body, and trans wise than any replacement vehicle I've seen. It checked out okay with the shop so the new engine is going to be ordered soon. It'll be back on the road in the next few weeks. Thanks everyone for the help.