Is timing chain the issue??

[RDE]

Sorry if this is a re post...I did search before hand.

I have a 4.0L V6 SOHC 2005 EXPLORER. It has been a good truck has about 110,000 miles on it. The truck has always been a little loud...meaning the engine has always sounded louder than my other vehicles. I guess it has sounded like a whirring sound, but really nothing noticeable.

Drove the truck today for about 30 miles and noticed a slight stream of smoke coming from engine. When I looked I followed the smoke back to the source and noticed a slight crack in the plastic case (see photo) as I touched it it was pretty brittle and broke off. I could see underneath what seemed to be the timing chain.

My brother law came over took one look and got on his phone spoke to his friend and said to me 'you either need a new engine or timing chains'. He said, "it looks as if the chain got loose and as it goes around over time it has hit the plastic case and over time it has cracked. Obviously now that the piece has come off the engine is a lot louder....I made a joke that couldn't I just jp weld the piece back on the plastic case and leave it...He laughed and said yeah right.

So I am looking at options of either a new engine, sell it as is, or replace timing chains.
However is this rear chain able to be replaced...I thought I read before that it could not?? He said you can but the whole thing is a huge job.
I guess my problem is that the engine has always been loud....could this have been an issue that has been there since we bought it at 75,000 miles and it finally just cracked the case. How can i tell if the chain is loose or the issue and the reason the case broke?---Thanks

SHOULD ADD: No change in gauges...Oil, coolant, all reading normal -not sure if that makes a difference

 

[2000StreetRod]

broken right cassette guide

Most likely the upper end of the right cassette guide assembly has broken off allowing the chain to slap the valve cover. It has probably been hitting the upper positioning bolt since you purchased the vehicle.

Unfortunately, the engine is normally pulled to replace the right cassette. I'm surprised your engine was noisly as early as 75,000 miles. It has the improved timing chain components which should last 150,000 miles.

 

[RDE]

Thanks for the quick response...So if I pulled the engine, I would have to replace the RT cassette...correct? Does this include the chain also, or just the part shown in the photo?
Also if I replace this particular chain do I need to replace the others?

I guess my question is can you buy them individually or do they come part of a set?

Yeah I have had the truck for 3 years..never really had a problem with it...surprised it took this long to finally crack the case open if that is the problem.

THANKS

 

[2000StreetRod]

entire cassette

You can no longer purchase just the guide assembly. You have to purchase the entire cassette: guide assembly, sprockets and chain. You only need to replace failed components. The left cassette and primary tensioner and guide can be replaced with the engine in the vehicle. However, if you plan to keep the vehicle for several more years you may want to replace the entire camshaft timing set. If you have 4WD, replacing the balance shaft chain tensioner is a pain with the engine in the vehicle. Click on the helpful threads link in my signature for more information on timing chain related issues.

 

[RDE]

thank you for the help...i knew i would have to take the engine out no way around that I guess....i just finished putting a new transmission in my plow truck...looks like i have another project to keep me busy.

 

[Joscibo]

thank you for the help...i knew i would have to take the engine out no way around that I guess....i just finished putting a new transmission in my plow truck...looks like i have another project to keep me busy.

I replaced my 4.0 with an 08 4.0 Mustang engine with 52,000 miles for $850!

 

[RDE]

thanks for the reply Joscibo...I went to the one and only local scrapyard in the area today and he said indeed a mustang engine would work only problem he has not gone one or a replacement engine....so it looks like I am going to read through the 'how to' 2000streatrod created and pull the engine and replace the timing chains etc. Is that what I would be looking for http://www.ebay.com/itm/271178523916?item=271178523916&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

Local dealership were no help what so ever...really disappointing in the service. All they said is that they have never heard of this problem...I told them to visit this website.
Carquest wanted $491 for the full kit....so I am unsure if the ebay item I listed is the one I want..

Thanks for the help

 

[RDE]

Also wanted to add that although the valve cover broke...possibly from the loose chain hitting it...I have no drop in oil pressure, and the engine is running fine...no drops in RPM or anything..actually it is running great....ok it is a little loud coming from the crack in the cover...is it just a matter of time before it would finally just all go
I am a responsible truck owner and I don't want people to think I have been driving it around town. (this was my observation when I first saw the problem when driving home) I just want to make sure the chain is the issue before I take the engine out...thanks

 

[2000StreetRod]

4usa timing chain kit

Several members have used that kit and been satisfied with the quality and reliability: SOHC V6 Timing Chain Parts Sources I prefer the OEM kit but only because I plan to keep my Sport until I can no longer drive (I'm currently 66).

The SOHC V6 will infrequently throw a cam follower and bust the valve cover. When that happens the engine runs poorly because one cylinder isn't functional.

To be sure it's a timing chain problem pull the valve cover and inspect the chain. Your 3rd generation is easier to work on than the 2nd generation. You shouldn't drive the vehicle as it is anyway since you'll lose oil thru the opening.

 

[RDE]

yep got it thanks...I have been reading through the 'saga' thread for the past two hours and printing it off I plan to remove the valve cover tonight and see what is going on.
I did pm you Dale...if you could email me the list that would be great.
Thanks

 

[Joscibo]

thanks for the reply Joscibo...I went to the one and only local scrapyard in the area today and he said indeed a mustang engine would work only problem he has not gone one or a replacement engine....so it looks like I am going to read through the 'how to' 2000streatrod created and pull the engine and replace the timing chains etc. Is that what I would be looking for http://www.ebay.com/itm/271178523916?item=271178523916&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

Local dealership were no help what so ever...really disappointing in the service. All they said is that they have never heard of this problem...I told them to visit this website.
Carquest wanted $491 for the full kit....so I am unsure if the ebay item I listed is the one I want..

Thanks for the help

Go to Car-Part and punch in the info on a 2005 Mustang select 4.0 engine and it will give salvage yards in the closest vicinity to your zip code and the mileage on the engine. The good part about the 05 and newer mustang engines is the changes made to the timing chain area are in place. I moved my valve covers put a new water pump put my fuel rail and injectors in and any other part that transferred over to it. The engine is running like new with not even a check engine light coming on! This engine is complex as I have been told and replacement engines are affordable and available for a little more money and time than parts to fix or maybe not fix? My motor has 3 or 4 valves with slop in it which tells me there are bent valves and timing chains to contend with and 165,000 on the clock! I now have 52k and a recently rebuilt tranny all is good I'm driving for a bit and then selling for some profit! I have 3K into it and it books for 5-6K. I would look for any 4.0 SOHC out of a ranger or Mustang and transfer stuff over before fixing a questionable engine.