concerns

[lidavef]

I am looking for a later model explorer to replace my 1999 4.0 4x4 xlt with 220,000 miles. the timing chain adjuster is going (death rattle). my question is , i am looking at 2003-2008 (or later, but trying to keep the cost below 5,000) with around 100,000 miles. what should i be concerned with? my 99 needed a trans rebuild at 130,000. are the newer ones better? did ford address the timing chain adjuster in the later models(v-6)? anything else? Thanks in advance. Dave

 

[gdgiordano]

The timing system was as jacked up on later models as on 2nd gens. The 3rd and 4th gen 5R55 tranny’s are actually worse than 2nd gen(I went through 3 including factory on my 97 in 210k miles).

That said if you get at 2006-2010 it MUST be a V8. They have their own issues but the tranny’s are more robust it seems as well as the v8s having a little more minor issues.

 

[67FordGuy]

Good luck on your search for a 4th generation Explorer! As a new owner of a 2010 with the 4.0L v6 it is interesting to me to read this thread about two 4.0L with 220,000 and 210,000 miles respectively. Nice!

 

[Zagnut]

Good luck on your search for a 4th generation Explorer! As a new owner of a 2010 with the 4.0L v6 it is interesting to me to read this thread about two 4.0L with 220,000 and 210,000 miles respectively. Nice!

Bought an 06 Eddie B 4L a week ago with 200k. So count me in.
Current issues:
Replacing rear struts and endlinks this weekend.
Need to do front brakes, they're getting rough
Engine code p0240, bank 1. Catalytic converter.
Needs oil change.
Otherwise runs good. Not sure if/or when timing chains have been changed. Thankfully the 4L is a non-interference engine. So even if chain breaks, engine survives. Just a royal PITA to replace.

Got it for about 2k below kbb value. Can't complain. Dealer didn't know the woman buying it had a boyfriend that grew up with a wrench in his hand and wasn't expecting me for the test drive.

Someone local is selling an 06 4L Eddie B, with 125k, for $10k!!!!! Not sure how "spotless" it is, but that's easily 3k+ over blue book.

Always run VINs through Autocheck. Cheaper, and usually more thorough than Carfax. I can not stress this enough. I ran at least a dozen VINs through them, before finally settling on our new Ex. Dealers, and auction houses especially, are reported through Autocheck.

I still have a few more I can check I think for what I paid. If you want, PM a VIN and I'll see if I can still run it.

 

[D Hook]

I was always under the impression that the 4L IS an interference engine.

 

[gdgiordano]

I was always under the impression that the 4L IS an interference engine.

I have heard it both ways so I don’t know.

 

[swshawaii]

I was always under the impression that the 4L IS an interference engine.

^ Absolutely correct.

I've made REPEATED attempts for Underhood Service to correct this otherwise good article. Ask anyone on EF that has replaced or rebuilt their 4.0L SOHC from timing chain guides failing.

Fortunately, the 4.0L SOHC is not an interference engine so a timing chain failure won’t bend the valves. But it does create an expensive repair for the vehicle owner.

Ford 4.0L V6 Engine - Explorer, SOHC, Timing Chain