General Problems with 99 explorer sport

[ragajungle]

I know there is a link in here just for this but I couldn't find it so I figured I would post a new one... I have an opportunity to buy a beautiful 99 loaded sport with 120k on a 4.0L/ auto trans for $1300. BUT the trans has no reverse. I am not so much worried about the trans b/c with the cash-4-clunckers there are a ton of cheap salvage ones to be had.

Just wondering if there are any sore spots I ought to check out before I plop down $1300 on this reverseless beaut. Any pointers are appreciated!

Thanks!
Mike

 

[ahodges]

Is it the SOHC engine or the OHV engine? because a lot of people seem to have problems with the SOHC engine having timing chain problems. It can be fixed it just takes a lot of time and the engine should/ has to be pulled to do it.

 

[ragajungle]

I believe it is the SOHV 4.0L.. Funny you bring that up b/c when I first started it up after it had sat for a while I heard a clattering from the top end of the motor.. Could that be a tell tale sign? Otherwise the truck runs and drives great (less the reverse).
Thanks for the reply.

 

[ahodges]

well that noise doesn't really tell you anything. Mine does that and its an OHV. If you open the hood it will say on top of the intake manifold

 

[marragtop]

If it's the SOHC and you have an engine rattle, it's probably the timing chain or guides. That is a major repair. If the 8th digit of the vin is "E", then it's the SOHC, if the digit is "X", then it's the OHV engine.

 

[ragajungle]

I am fairly good with mechanics - I have done a head gaket on vulcan 3.0L and leaf springs on both my bronco IIs.

Do you have to pull the motor to do it or is it doable by just removing the front cover with the engine in the truck?

BTW (Yes it is a SOHV)

-Mike

 

[ahodges]

Yes the engine has to be pulled to replace the timing chains and guides. The chain for the right bank i believe is in the back of the engine. Either way one chain is in the front and the other in the rear.

If its a rattle you are hearing then its definetly the timing chain but it its a ticking noise then is most likely lifters...

 

[celly]

BTW (Yes it is a SOHV)

SOHC or OHV?

If SOHC, put "SOHC Timing Chain" into one or both of the search tools on this site and decide whether it's worth your while. It's a real hassle to do this repair, FWIW.

 

[ragajungle]

SOHC - sorry bout that