Another SOHC timing chain overhaul

[damarble]

I just brought home a fairly clean 2000 XLT auto 4x4 with 213k for $500. Problem is it has the worst rattle I've ever heard. Runs great other than the noise. Owner said it happened all at once and she stopped driving it that day.

I also have a 01 SOHC sitting on my garage floor. From a manual 4x4 with 95k. Had a very light rattle when pulled that had become apparent and worsening over the last 10k.

One of these motors will get a new timing set and go in the 2000. There does seem to be a few differences in the bolt ons so I'd probably have to swap them over anyway, then the issue of swapping the auto flex plate onto the manual flywheel engine.

Would I maybe just be better off fixing the engine in the 2000? Going to start ordering parts today and start pulling the 2000 motor if it will be the victim. If I fix the 01 instead I'll pull the 2000 later.

 

[damarble]

Started pulling out the 00 motor. If it looks decent inside I'll fix it I guess. So far the oil isn't sludgy and the coolant was clean so it looks promising.

 

[damarble]

A bunch of stuff unhooked, radiator out, p/s pump and a/c comp pushed aside. One set of exhaust flange bolts out. PB Blaster soaking on the other set, and the motor mount bolts.

 

[damarble]

Got the motor all the way out. The bellhousing bolts all came out with a fight and one of the exhaust flange bolts rounded off and had to be cut, wasting much time.

BTW, my trans bottom cover is painted blue, I assume that's not factory?

 

[2000StreetRod]

good progress

You're making good progress. If you would like a set of SOHC V6 assembly instructions PM me your e-mail address.

 

[damarble]

Your guides have been a helpful reference. RBV engines are some of the easier ones to in IMO, but it's nice to have a guide to catch potential pitfalls. I could use those assembly instructions too, thanks.

My bellhousing bolts were this tight:

 

[damarble]

I was about to order the OTC 6488 kit but I don't want to cough up the $200. Have any of you guys that have done this been able to easily resell the tool kit afterwards and recoup most of the cost?

 

[kevinspann]

Not sure.... I still have mine.

Get the instructions from 2000StreetRod up there.

When I did mine, I put the 4x4 Balance shaft in it, but had it timed wrong, so it vibrated. Just now got around to fixing it with the motor still in the Explorer (Doing rack at the same time, had to drop the front axle too)

If you are just replacing the timing cassettes, you shouldn't need to time the balance shaft however.

 

[damarble]

Want to sell it?

 

[kevinspann]

Want to sell it?

PM me an offer I think I'm done with it....I hope.

 

[damarble]

Anybody think it would be an awful idea to get the kit without gears? This is a car with over 200k on it, it's not like it will be around that much longer anyway. I just want to get it on the road a cheaply as possible to get me by a while and save money towards other vehicles.

 

[2000StreetRod]

guides only?

Are you talking about buying the guides only that don't include the sprockets and chains? I wasn't aware they are still available as a single item. I purchased just the left guide for my vehicle and installed it with no concerns. The chains and sprockets last much longer than the guides. However, I just happened to find a new one that was still in stock at a dealer that went out of business. An eBay seller was liquidating the inventory. Wear patterns quickly develop on the sprockets and chains. If you reuse the sprockets and chains make sure to keep them in the same configuration. If you replace the chains I suggest that you replace the sprockets.

 

[damarble]

I was figuring on just buying the complete kit (minus gears) that goes for about $100 and using everything but the chains.

 

[2000StreetRod]

aftermarket cassettes

I was figuring on just buying the complete kit (minus gears) that goes for about $100 and using everything but the chains.

Is this the kit you're looking at: FORD EXPLORER 4.0 SOHC 4WD TIMING CHAIN KIT W/OUT GEARS

I would ask the seller the name of the manufacturer. The listing gives the Cloyes interchange number but not the name of the manufacturer. Some members have purchased some real junk timing kits via the internet. Guides were very thin and warped upon receipt. Others have had good luck. See SOHC V6 Timing Chain Parts Sources

 

[damarble]

This was on the one I was looking at since I've heard it has the 6 leaf springs, the 4USA one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/270897122817?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Dale, it boggles me how much info you've compiled on this subject. Thanks for all the hard work you put in.

 

[2000StreetRod]

TTY bolts

The jackshaft sprocket retaining bolts (front & rear) and the harmonic balancer retaining bolts are torque-to-yield bolts and should not be reused. You will have to remove all three bolts in order to replace the chains. See: SOHC V6 Timing Chain Related PNs

 

[damarble]

But if it only need the guides and tensioners the bolts can stay in right? I'll pull the cover off before I order and assess the damage.

 

[2000StreetRod]

front timing cover

You can't remove the left guide assembly without removing the front timing cover. The guide assembly lower mounting bolt is behind the front jackshaft sprocket.

The harmonic balancer must be removed to remove the front timing cover.
See SOHC V6 Timing Chain Inspection & Repair

As a minimum you'll need the harmonic balancer retaining bolt.

 

[damarble]

Ah I see. Thanks.

 

[damarble]

So I finally got around to taking the flexplate off and hanging the motor on a stand.

Managed to break a hose barb off the plastic thermostat housing, discovered one of the hold down bolts was broken and the housing was weeping so a blessing in disguise.

Valve covers off. Wow, both front and back guides exploded everywhere and chains flopping around. Chains are in great shape though, it hadn't run after the rattle started.