And you though the SOHC had problems

[Robert]

I keep hearing all of the negative talk surrounding the SOHC and how anyone that would consider one is crazy for thinking about getting such a problematic engine. Sure, it's had some initial problems when it was released such as the camshaft tensioners, lower intake manifold o-rings and cam shaft chain guides, but nothing major. All of the problems have since been resolved by Ford. Ford even went so far as to extend the warranty to 6 years/72K miles on the tensioners and o-rings and to 7 years/100K miles on the chain guides. With the updated parts, the SOHC should provide many years of trouble free service. If it were still such a problematic engine, do you really think Ford would continue to put it in the Explorer & Ranger while dropping the OHV from the lineup? As I've said before, I can't remember the last time I've seen a major failure on a SOHC. What I can remember though is the last time I've seen a failure on a late model V8. Take a look here Dead Link Removed As you can see, any engine can have it's share of problems.

I truely believe that all of the threads putting down the SOHC are from people trying to justify whey their engine is better. But then again, maybe all I'm trying to do is justify why my SOHC is superior

 

[XxX_Sport_XxX]

hehe good points.

 

[canada74]

it is a good engine,no doubt, but the main reason why ford dropped the OHV is that theres no market for a 160hp engine in an SUV, especially when doge and gm all have h/o engines

 

[410Fortune]

I agree the SOHC is a decent engine. The only reason the OHV 4.0L is so bulletproof is because they have been building the 60 degree Cologne family of engines since the early 80's. The OHV 4.0L is the last of them, its little brother the 2.9L was quite a reliable work horse as well, the 2.8L before that was only slightly worse, and the 2.6L was the first of them and had some problems.

Once the SOHC has been in production for a few years (and it has) the problems will be resolved....anything new no matter how much you test it wont be as good as the tried and true proven technology.......

I prefer the OHV just because it fits in my truck easier and makes plenty of torque for my little BII. If I was to spend the money it takes to drop ina SOHC I would just skip it and go 5.0L, because its abouthte same amount fo time and $$$ to get one in there.....

My best friend has a 97 Limited with the SOHC and with 90K miles it hasnt had a single problem....the tensioner TSB was performed and thats it....good engine.......

I heard some negative talk from you about my brake job too so I guess what goes around comes around 'eh? hahahaha just kidding, keep it light man and HAppy Holiday Weekend!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO

 

[SaleenEXP]

It's not that it's a bad engine, the 02's and up have a more tuned version of it, it's just that it's a very "un-friendly" engine for mods and doesn't respond to them as well as say the 5.0 V8 or 4.6 V8's.

And the fact that in all the "Gas Mileage threads", most of you with the sohc, except for Aldive, are getting worse mileage than 5.0 guys. And it doesn't have the torque. Other than that, it's a pretty good engine.

At least it's right up there with the 3.0 BMW X5 for engine sound, it has a nice growl for a V6, and a lot better than GM's new inline 6 cyclinder which sounds nothing like an inline 6 should sound like - it's more like metal on metal- And it's not really that much more powerful than the 4.0 sohc considering it's larger output numbers.

 

[2k1_V8]

Robert,

I'm not sure what you think this proves. My 2000 4.0 SOHC was in the shop with more motor repairs that would make the OASIS computer run out of paper..

My two closest friends are Ford Mechanics, one a 14 year veteran, the other 11 years. They said there was NO comparision of V8 issues to the problems with their V6 repairs.

My cousin drove a 97 AWD V8 to 120k without a hiccup, or a single shop visit. Coworker currently had 93k on his 98, no issues.

WHat happened to my motor was a manufacturers defect of a bad piston from day 1. It can happen to any motor. it is not historic of this motor, and people know this.

My Ford friends strongly directed me away from purchasing my 2000 due to noted issues with 4.0 SOHC and the well known weak trans. I plan on towing my mustang with the 2001.

This isn't a V8 vs. V6 thread, but it's worth mentioning the differences between a fluke, and history of a known issues.

you must read between the lines a good deal. I've been lurking here for months, and all I do is see people moaning about their rattling cam tensioners, even after the TSB, blown up trans left and right, etc.

You almost seem a little excited hearing about someone else's misfortune.

 

[Jason_25]

What's the point of this thread Robert?

It seems to me like your trying to start an argument and stir things up, which is not cool at all.

 

[Robert]

410Fortune - Did you notice the in my other post? I know that you know your way around a vehicle, probably better than anyone you'll find working at Midas.

2k1_V8 - I in no way am "excited hearing about someone else's misfortune". If you took it that way, I'm sorry, it wasn't intended. You said you've been lurking here for a few months. Go back and look at my 3141 posts and tell me if you can find one where I have knowingly critisized someone or put them down. I think you'll find most of my posts informative, helpful or just to lighten things up around here.

Jason_25 - The point of this thread is to show that whereas the SOHC may have some annoying problems, it is not unique in them as some would have you believe. I was merely pointing out the fact that any engine can have a problem. This post was meant more for the newbies that might be trying to decide between the V8 and the SOHC. If the only thing they hear is Go with the V8, the SOHC is too troublesome, then I don't feel they are getting accurate advise. If the only people that offer advise against getting the SOHC are people that don't own one or never have owned one, then the newbie isn't going to get an unbiased oppinion. I'm giving the newbies advise from someone that has owned a 4.0L OHV, 4.0L SOHC and 4.6L SOHC V8.

This thread is not to argue about which engine is better. It is only to show that any engine can have problems. You'll never see a post from me saying the V8 is a piece of ****. I know it is one of Ford's best and proven motors. It has a long track record of proven reliability. As was said earlier all engines will have some hicups when they are first released. The minor issues that have shown up on the SOHC are not major and the engine hasn't been around long enough to earn a track record.

 

[tbomb]

i didnt think robert was trying to start any trouble, and i completely agree with him. im sick of people saying "the sohc is crap. get the v8", because the majority of people who say that have absolutely nothing to base it on, and know nothing about vehicles except where to put the gas and how to install a kkm.

ive had a 4.0 ohv and a 4.0 sohc, and my family has owned a total of 4 4.0 ohvs and 3 4.0 sohcs, and we've NEVER had a problem with any of them. after i had the 3 main recalls taken care of on my sohc, i dont have one complaint.

im sure most people are aware that any vehicle can have a design or manufacturing defect - it happens to 4.0 sohcs just as often as it happens to v8 bmw engines.

anyway, that just a few thoughts on this topic

(oh, and, someone mentioned trannies earlier - trannies are completely irrelevant in this conversation.)

 

[SaleenEXP]

I don't think Robert was trying to cause trouble either, just sticking up for the sohc.

Like I said, it's not a bad engine, just not mod friendly, the engine itself is already in a high state of tune especially the 02' and up sohc 4.0. Plus the gas mileage thing, thats about it.

And Tbombs right, if anybody thinks Ford makes a lot of recalls on engines and the vehicle itself, they don't. They issue among the lowest amount of recalls compared to other companies. BMW issues a sh!tload as tbomb said, their engines we're blowing up and catching fire on the highway. GMC had a recall for the Trailblazer and look a likes for the front axle completley separating from the truck while driving - not to mention their new 4.2 I6 is having a lot of problems as people are reporting their engines catching fire also. I could go on and on on about other manufacturers.

The only serious thing Ford has really recalled was the "Firestone thing" which wasn't even their fault, it was Firestone and the people not knowing how to control their trucks. Ect ect....

You don't hear about Ford having engines blowing up, axles seperating ect ect.

Ford Rules

 

[tbomb]

Originally posted by SaleenEXP


Ford Rules

well, that might be pushing it, but i still like 'em

 

[wallygetsit]

I do have the right to post this message, as I've owned both a OHV and SOHC. I would not buy either again. IF we buy another Explorer the only engine option will be a V8.

 

[Robb]

Originally posted by wallygetsit
I do have the right to post this message, as I've owned both a OHV and SOHC. I would not buy either again. IF we buy another Explorer the only engine option will be a V8.

Well, maybe you can help this thread by explaining what exactly you didn't like about the SOHC.

Robb

 

[tbomb]

Originally posted by morrisey0
Well, maybe you can help this thread by explaining what exactly you didn't like about the SOHC.

Robb

i agree; and no one said you dont have the right to post here if you havent owned both engines. we're not comparing engines, we're just saying that the sohc is not a bad engine.

 

[wallygetsit]

-The many recalls are frustrating, but seem to be fixed in the newer models. So that point is moot.
-Even after a the recalls I still have a noise similar to a ping between 2300-2900 RPM that two area Ford service departments comment as "normal."
-For a V6 the mileage is not stellar, though it is better than the OHV. It does bother me however that a couple co-worker at work drive Tahoes and get only a mile less a gallon. We all drive pretty much the same commute so I really don't want to hear about driving styles.
-Another co-worker had an XLT SOHC and Ford bought it back from them due to "issues". He bought another XLT with a V8, same model year and was much happier. No just because of the resolved issues.

That should be enough for now. I don't want to start a holy war, but all-in-all, I am happier with the SOHC over the OHV if that helps.

Cheers...

 

[2k1_V8]

robert, I understand your perspective.

I enjoyed my 2000 Sport SOHC for the last three years. I thought the SOHC was a powerful V6, I used to surprise some ricers at a light w/ with 4.10 option.

I almost bought the car, but Ford wants way too much coming off a lease, about 3.5k over fair market value.

I decided on the V8 XLT for several reasons. The 302 is a tried and true motor. I made 443 RWHP/518 FT/Tq on a '92 302 in my 84 Capri, EFI, Vortech blower, TFS heads, PMS management system, etc., no problems.

I have no such plans for the exploder, only for towing the car + trailer. The 4R70W is a good trans, and should handle this with no problems.

I will remember the high revving V6 and well geared 5 speed though. It was a fun truck to drive.

 

[wallygetsit]

2k1,

What difference have you noticed in MPG?

 

[2k1_V8]

Wallygetsit,

I only got to drive the new V8 exploder for a few weeks, so it's hard to say. I have a lead foot, so I could get bad gas mileage in the Ford Focus they gave me as a rental..

 

[SaleenEXP]

2k1 - are you 2wd? We get about 16mpg in the city and 21-22 on highway in our 00' 5.0 2wd Mounty, and we all have lead feet when driving it. Just filled up yesterday and got 15.764 all in the city, we're driving up to Orlando in about an hour for Thanksgiving so we'll see what we get on the way up there, my mom just about always sets the cruise on 80mph. So it will be somewhere between 19-22mpg

5.0 plus 3.73 ratio =

 

[410Fortune]

NO matter what you say or do here in this thread the guys with V8's from the factory always think that anybody who didnt get the V8 is just dumb. Thats just how it goes.

It doesnt matter if we are talking cars, all the guys that have V8 Mustangs think the people who bought V6 Mustangs are just plain retarded.

It never ends because there is always somebody who has the bigger engine in their car or truck and they will always think that there is something seriously wrong with anybody who doesnt get the bigger engine.

I would buy a SOHC equipped Ford no problem. I have many friends who have the SOHC in their trucks and they all seem fine to me. Of course I also have a bunnch of friends with 5.0L powered Fords and they dont have any problems either.

the only thing I will never do is own another 4 cylinder anything.....