Getting the timing chains taken care of

[Josh C.]

1997 Explorer 2wd 4dr 4.0 170,x.. miles. So I've had the rattle of the chains for about 3 months now (I have replaced the external tensioners) and am finally taking it to a mechanic to get all 3 replaced, quoted $900. I have a few questions.

1. Since the motor will be out of the engine and partially apart what do you all recommend else be done to the motor? What is usually involved when a motor is rebuilt?
I also have the 4.0 motor from a 2001 Sport that was totaled and it only has 120,x.. miles on it. No known problems when it was in the EX
2. I know the intake manifold is different on the two motors but is there any other difference?
3. A part of me says to have the 2001 put in because it has 50K less miles. Is it compatible with my 1997 computer?
Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated?

 

[2000StreetRod]

return vs returnless fuel system

The 1997 has a return type fuel system and the 2001 has a returnless system. I don't know if the fuel rails are different. It may just be that the 1997 has a fuel pressure regulator on the rail and the 2001 has a fuel pressire damper. They may be physically interchangeable on the rails. If one of the Explorers was originally sold in California then the injectors may be different. California had some different flow injectors for their stricter emission requirements. The engine wiring harnesses will be different because of the variable intake system that is on the 1997.

Are you thinking about installing the camshaft timing kit in the 2001 engine before installing the engine in the 1997? The $900 cost seems extremely reasonable. Does that include the cost of the timing kit or just labor? I recommend a quality kit. Some of the cheap kits available are just junk. The guides are very flimsy and warped. The hydraulic tenisoners seize as soon as the engine oil pressure gets up to normal.

 

[koda2000]

1. i don't know how your mechanic can do this job so cheaply. the parts alone are around $750 and there's a huge amount of specialized labor involved. Ford charges about $2200 for this job. i'd be very suspect of what your mechanic is actually going to do.

2. rebuilding an engine properly requires total dis-assembly, many machining steps using equipment typically only found in machine shops, careful inspection, measurement and replacement of any worn parts and careful reassembly. on an OHC engine this is very expensive i'd guess at least $3500 for a quality job (and that doesn't include the labor of pulling/re-installing the engine in the vehicle). a 1997 Explorer isn't worth half that amount.

if i were you i'd put the newer engine in it and switch over the intake parts from your '97 motor or buy a newer V8.

 

[NICE59FORDF100]

the blocks, heads, ect are all interchangable between the 2001 and your 97. kris and i have even put third gen sohc motors into second gens. yes, you do have to change the fuel rail and swap over your factory engine harness, ect, but thats what i would do is use the 2001 motor, put the new timing into it, and install. and i know Bandit Customs usually charges (parts, labor, tax, out the door) about 140--1500 retiming. but then again, we have all the special tools and what not...i think ive done 4 this year already

 

[Josh C.]

This particular mechanic has been taking care of our sister companies trucks for many years so I trust him. It is in Santa Ana, California and there is a mechanic on every corner so rates may be more competitive. I'm actually going over there tomorrow to talk with him; my buddy talked to him for me. I'll probably just stick with the same motor to keep the cost down and sell the 2001 as a whole...make back some of my money.