In need of advice please

[msredneck]

I am new here and just bought '01 ST 174,000 miles (V-6 build date May 2001 oil fill and dip stick on passenger side). It seemed to be OK when I test drove it. We replaced leaking valve cover gaskets, temp sensors, serpentine belt, thermostat and changed oil/filter.

It was extremely dirty and gummed up around the valve cover areas. when we cranked it up we had no oil pressure and wound up pulling oil pan. Screen was stopped up, pan had lot of plastic and metal bits in it.

When we cranked it this time it sounded like a diesel engine running (clacking). I started researching this board and of course now realize my problem is the timing chain/tensioner (the noise is isolated in front of engine).

My dilemma is do I repair this and if you recommend this option what is involved and what is a good ballpark cost figure? Another option is to swap engines and my questions here are which engines will swap (are they simple plug and play). Do I need to find a wrecking yard and find a donor vehicle and swap the entire drive train? Will a Ranger or Explorer engine work? If so are they also made out of plastic?

Sorry for such a long post any help appreciated I am really sick about this deal. I always wanted a ST but not one like this one. I was unaware of these inherit problems with these trucks until now. This is a great resource.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You don't know the condition of another used engine if you want to swap one in so you're better off just replacing the timing chain & tensioner. Since it has high mileage, you might want to look into getting a rebuilt engine or rebuild your present engine.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

I would look into a rebuilt engine or get the current engine rebuilt will new parts, you'll want to do this because parts of the old tensioner are still probably floating around in there waiting to wreak more havoc. As long as they are a Job2 4.0 like yours from a Ranger, '01-03 Explorer Sport or 01-05 Sport Trac (non flex fuel) and even some Mustangs will interchange. There's a couple great threads on here about replacement engine compatibility.