4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Rattle

[NHarris]

Hey all,
I may sell my 05 Ex and may get a 2nd gen explorer. I just looked at one today and its in great shape, a 1999 fully loaded XLT model with leather. Only 164k miles.
It unfortunately has the 4.0L SOHC engine that of course has a problem.
The right side of the engine makes a terrible noise like that of the famous timing chain rattle.
The owner says after it warms up the noise tones down.
Sometimes I could hear the idle drop low and then go high and back to normal. Supposedly when she bought the truck the rear tensioner had been replaced but I doubt it because the noise is from the rear of the block.
She wants $2900 for it. Would this Explorer be something to consider? I dont mind doing the fix or swapping engines. And what would you offer if you thought about buying this truck

Thanks in advance,
-Nate

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

Seems like a lot for an engine that needs major work.

Just curious though. Why would you be selling your '05 with a good working SOHC for a '99 with a broken SOHC?

 

[Snowboi]

Not worth it. If the chain falls off, or misses a tooth, kiss the engine good bye.

 

[2000StreetRod]

broken rear guide?

If the noise is loud then the rear guide assembly is probably broken. Replacing the rear hydraulic/spring tensioner would not fix the problem. The engine must be pulled to replace the rear cassette. A shop would probably charge $1,500 because of the extensive labor. The dealer would probably charge $2,500. If you're willing to do the work yourself you could replace all of the timing chain related components for about $500. I would offer no more than $1,500 less than the value of the vehicle if the engine were in good condition. The owner probably already knows that it is not economical to pay a shop to repair the vehicle.

 

[NHarris]

Well I'm having my ford dealership check how much they would fix it for.

To make sure no one thinks the seller is trying to rip me off she is only a college student and does not know anything about the car's problem. She has had many low offers so if I decide on it I want to make a competative offer that she wouldnt want to refuse. I have some numbers in mind for it.

Hitchhikingmike, to answer your question my 05 has a fair amount of issues. ABS sensor, wheel bearing, brakes, differential slightly leaks; I could go on and on. See I don't want to spend money to keep repairing it. Besides I want to have a lifted explorer with a solid rear axle and yes the 05 can be lifted but there are a lot of problems associated with lifting it.

For a visual this is the truck I looked at with the timing chain rattle: