Hi everyone-sohc here

[97explorerdude]

Just signed up for the explorers forum. Proud to be from the . I wasn't sure exactly to post my first thread. I have done a few searches and it seems the sohc engine is pretty rare? The only thing I could come up with where used ones for sell. Haven't seen anything on tech help. I'm looking at purchasing a 97, with a skipped timing chain (minimum damage). I got on www.motorcraft.com to see what is interchangeable. It seems only the 97 98 Explorer and 98 mountaineer. Obviously, this wasn't their best design as it was quickly put out of commission. The way I understand this is a common problem? There was a grinding so I'm not sure if the valves are bent or if there is any other damage. Has anyone else had this problem on the sohc engine? If so what all was damaged. ----Also WTF is with parts for the engine. I got on autozone's and oreillys website. They don't sell timing parts for this engine????????????? I'm at the point where I'm thinking of parting out the truck, or maybe I'd be better off selling for as-is $700?? It's a 4x4 4.0 sohc suv.

Also I've never seen so much sludge build-up on an engine before. It's like 1/4 inch thick under the timing cover---and I'm not excagerating

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Sounds like a lemon. The SOHC engine is not rare at all. The only two v-6 engines put in the Explorers are the SOHC and OHV. Also the 302 v-8 engines were put in some Explorers. The timing chain on the SOHC is somewhat of a pain. Maybe someone who has done it personally can tell you more about it. Good luck - hope it all helps.

-Drew

 

[wdgross06]

To fix that sludge right up use some "Sea Foam" it can be found at your local auto parts store hopefully. Run some of that through your system and see what the results are. After its unsludged, make sure to do an oil change!

 

[97explorerdude]

With that much sludge, I don't think a rebuild is in my best interest. I'm pretty sure the previous owner hadn't kept the vehicle properly maintained. If I was to fix the timing problem and check the valves for straightness, I would obviously pull the pistons, etc to check trueness in the cylinders. I'm also going to pretty much be guaranteed a required .30, new pistons, rings, bearins, gasket set, maybe heads (probably valves at a minimum), etc as it was not properly maintained. Seeing as how the timing has jumped and $300-600 in parts minimum is going to be required, my most probable route would be dropping in a used engine. Where is the best place to go to get a used one? This isn't something I want to drop $2500 into. It's more of a $500 or less to get it back on the road and sell it as quickly as possible kind of deal.----Or if I can get enough out of parting it out. ($2000 or better) I might be willing to go that route.