97/98 4.0 SOHC Timing Chian Tensioner Defects

[mditto]

I have had my 97 back to the dealer now for the 4th time to replace defective timing chain tensioners on the SOHC engine. This last time the part was suppose to have been a new "revised" tensioner from Ford. The first day back all seemed well. A few days later, same ol loud rattling noise. If Ford contends there is no problem with these parts on these SOHC engines, then why did they spen big $$$$ on a revised part that wasn't needed???

All of us with this engine need to be very concerned with this issue. Just because your's may be covered and repaired under warrenty right now, beware when that warrenty expires, and the problem WILL be back. It has cost me over $1400 so far.

Contact Ford, NHTSA, and any Consumer protection agency to report if you have had this problem, even if it was covered under warrenty.

Mark D

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[mzdimplez1623]

97 Ford Explorer Sport SOHC Engine Issues

Is there a recall on the timing chain tensioner? I had to remove my heads recently, my truck is not under warranty , but I know that my vehicle had a recall order for some other minor things that were supposed to have been repaired by the Ford/ Lincoln/Mercury dealership I took it to...When I removed my engine heads I found that the tensioner was in small pieces all thru my engine, and in my oilpan!

 

[Brandon96]

Whooaaa this might just be a record! Bumping an 11 year old thread with your first post! :

The 00M12 recall was for the timing chain tensioner, it may be worth investigating that kit. I think you may be able to get it from the dealer still.. however I'm not 100% sure. Do a search on it with the button in the upper right hand corner to learn more about it.

Welcome to the Forums!

 

[snoranger]

Whooaaa this might just be a record! Bumping an 11 year old thread with your first post! :

Do a search on it with the button in the upper right hand corner to learn more about it.

Welcome to the Forums!

OH, I think he found the search button already. How else are you going to dig up a thread this old?

00m12 was a TSB, not a recall.

 

[mzdimplez1623]

lol

lol I am a she but actually someone searched this site for me and sent me the link , so I appreciate any help .... can u please be more specific..I dont know what button or what I should be lookin for exactly.. Thank u for the help ..

 

[Dopey Fudd]

I am having this issue too, I am going to replace this weekend, but I don't want to run out and buy both if it is only one. and besides, I have to order the one on the front, and that is a 3 day wait. the backI have found. the question is, is there one that tends to go out more than the other? I ask that seeing how I can find the rear one. so I want to assume that one tends to go out more.

 

[CDW6212R]

These threads are all available as general internet search results.

Search on this site/forum for "timing cassette tensioner" and read those. timing cassette tensioner

All of the Ford SOHC 4.0's have the same need for regular valvetrain maintenance. These are not drive and forget about it engines, wait 150k miles and then wonder what could go wrong.

The front timing chain cassette, and all chain tensioners, 3 or 4(4WD), they all need replacing every 75k to 100k miles. beyond that they are all weak and you are living on luck. The rear cassette is also the same chain on plastic design, but they seem to last longer for some reason. Those should also be done if the opportunity comes along to get the engine or trans out(the rear cannot be done with the engine/trans bolted together(one has top come out)).

 

[2TimingTom]

^^Where's a good place to source quality timing components mentioned above? The dealer or other outlets?

 

[Dopey Fudd]

understood. Most vehicles are not a get in and go.
I have had this vehicle sinse january. and this started a couple months after I got it. my mechanic informed me as to the noise I was having, wen he did another repair for me. I do most of my own, but from time to time, need help with diagnostics. he showed me where the parts are, and how to replace them. and I can get both out without engine removal. I just found that I had to order the fronts, yet found the rear tensioner at several locations. I know I need to pull one and see how the tension is, but I figured if there was a pattern, it could save me a a step. (i/e front left wheel bearing tends to go out more than the passenger side)

 

[CDW6212R]

Read all of what I posted, every word. There is not just one problem, one tensioner is not the solution. That is why so many people complain about a repair not solving the problem, they didn't do all that was needed.

Read the threads, it's all detailed there, parts, prices, pictures, and required tools.

Replace the two external tensioners, and replace the front timing cassette, plus the front tensioner(s) and jackshaft chain, gears etc. The parts are cheap, maybe $200 total. An engine rebuild is far more if you wait, or skimp and do just the easy external tensioner(s). Do it right, don't pass the buck to some new owner.