4.0L SOHC Finally Died

[koda2000]

well, the engine in my daughter's '01 XLT appears to be just about dead. she called today to tell me that it's making really loud (louder than usual) timing chain noises, and has almost no power (probably the chain as jumped a tooth). frankly i'm surprised it's lasted this long, as it's been making t-chain noise since she bought it back in Sept 2011. with regular oil changes, it's lasted to almost 200K.

now I have to figure out what to do about it. other than the timing chains, everything else still works ok, but who knows how many more miles the tranny has got left in it. other than the tranny I can fix whatever else may go wrong with it easily and inexpensively (2WD).

I could maybe find a used engine for around $400-$500, but that's a lot of work to install it, and then how long will that one last?

I could find a used '05 Mustang engine with relatively low miles, w/free shipping, warranty and vehicle history report for around $1,400. still a lot of work and how much longer is the trans going last?

i'm thinking maybe I should keep it around for parts for my 3 other trucks, or scrap it for around $500 and use that toward a late 90's V8 (they can be had for around $1500 in my area on craig's list).

any opinions appreciated.

 

[pbnj22]

well, the engine in my daughter's '01 XLT appears to be just about dead. she called today to tell me that it's making really loud (louder than usual) timing chain noises, and has almost no power (probably the chain as jumped a tooth). frankly i'm surprised it's lasted this long, as it's been making t-chain noise since she bought it back in Sept 2011. with regular oil changes, it's lasted to almost 200K.

now I have to figure out what to do about it. other than the timing chains, everything else still works ok, but who knows how many more miles the tranny has got left in it. other than the tranny I can fix whatever else may go wrong with it easily and inexpensively (2WD).

I could maybe find a used engine for around $400-$500, but that's a lot of work to install it, and then how long will that one last?

I could find a used '05 Mustang engine with relatively low miles, w/free shipping, warranty and vehicle history report for around $1,400. still a lot of work and how much longer is the trans going last?

i'm thinking maybe I should keep it around for parts for my 3 other trucks, or scrap it for around $500 and use that toward a late 90's V8 (they can be had for around $1500 in my area on craig's list).

any opinions appreciated.

scrap it and try to find a 2nd gen 5.0! or find a used engine, install it and then sell it and upgrade to the 5.0

 

[MrBman1300]

I would fix it and then sell it if possible. Generally the trannys last a good while.

 

[koda2000]

it's already got a salvaged title, so the expense of fixing it (and all the labor involved) isn't worth it. I guess i'll take off any parts I can use, the tires and wheels and scrap it. no more stinking SOHC's for me, lol

 

[CDW6212R]

If you can find someone to do the engine timing chain work, and rebuild the trans, it could be a nice vehicle for another several years. Think of how good the truck is besides the engine.

If you like it otherwise, and remember how good the gas mileage is with the SOHC(I got 19+mpg easily), then save it. That would be cheaper than another vehicle most likely.

I'm in the same boat, almost. My 99 has 150k miles, and the trans went out two years ago. I need to do the SOHC timing chain work again, and rebuild the trans. I can do the engine myself for under $200, and the trans will take some work to learn it and buy the special tools. I hope to get that done for under $500, depending on the cost of the tools and converter.