Look What I Found

[AmericanInfidel]

First off, I want to thank all for sharing their knowledge here. Because of you, I was able to do the following on my EX myself: replace plugs and wires, upper and lower balljoints, torsion bar end links, shocks, outer tie rod, and a few other stuff. My EX has 228k miles bought two years ago when it had 216k. It runs great. Not having any problems right now. By the way, it is a '98 4.0 SOHC XLT 4x4.

Now, the reason for the post. Oil was leaking in the pan area so I figured I'd change the pan gasket and the oil pump screen. Imagine my surprise when I dropped the pan and found these. I'm familiar of the "death rattle" and what's causing it but it didn't really sink in until now. I know what the plastic pieces are but what is the metal part? It's about half inch wide and about 2.25" end to end. How much longer longer does my EX have? I'm sure that's a million dollar question. Thanks for your reply in advance.

 

[SoNic67]

That looks like a bearing from connecting rod/piston (top part).
In that case, I am amazed it dind't seized on you yet.

 

[herebyproxy]

Not good

Go ahead and start looking for a replacement engine. I too am very surprised it is still running

 

[windsors03cobra]

The metal piece is a spring for the timing chain guides, with those miles your engine does not have longer. you could fix the current engine before it total destroys itself.
Another option is a used late model Mustang 4.0 engine, or any later model used 4.0. you dont want another early design used engine as it will have problems like you have now.

 

[BubbaFL]

The metal part is a leaf from the jackshaft tensioner.

The plastic parts are from one of the cam chain tensioners.

No way to tell how long it will run - you could go another 100k, or it could blow up tomorrow.

If you have the tools, time, and a little bit of talent, I'd tear the engine down sooner rather than later. If you drive until it dies, you could end up with more serious and expensive problems (bent valves, etc).

 

[AmericanInfidel]

Though disconcerting, thanks for the replies so far. There is no telling how long it's been like this. It could have already been like this when I bought it.

As I've mentioned, I've done some work on this truck myself but I don't think replacing timing chain tensioner is something I can handle. Has anyone had it done at a shop and what did it cost? Would love to have an idea, a ballpark. Thanks again.

 

[stroher89]

If I was you would just drive it until locks up then buy it one from junk yard here in nc 500 bucks you will buy one.good luck!

 

[98X48167]

well i did all the timing chains and cassettes on my truck at the dealership and it cost me 2500 was a painful price but i love my truck and that was the last thing i needed to make the engine all perfect and now my truck should go for another 200k as it already has 180k on it and its a 98 sohc 4l v6 the timing chains and cassettes is a known issue on that engine according to my buddy who has workd for a dealership by my house for 12 years he has done plenty of these repairs in his bay


good luck with your truck hope it all works out for you

 

[AmericanInfidel]

Thanks for the replies. At $2500, it's painful alright but I, too, love my truck. One thing I would like a definitive answer on is the metal part. What exactly is it? Is it part of the timing chaing guides or something else in the engine? Would like to know exactly what it is. Thanks.

 

[BubbaFL]

The metal part is one of the leaves off of the primary chain tensioner (aka jackshaft chain tensioner).

Take a look at the pic in this post -

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1470502&postcount=14