Need Advice quick - 01 V6

[raascal]

I am new here and have been spending the day looking at posts for 2nd gen exp - could not help but notice alll the chatter about SOHC 'death rattle' seems quite expensive to fix. Just put a deposit on 01 EB with SOHC - engine sounds real tight - no rattle - trans shifts great - runs and looks great - has 88000 miles - I know there are no guarantees but should I EXPECT this repair in the near future and should I just continue my search and get the V8 Thanks.........

 

[Svetepi4]

Very hard to advise on vehicle that s/o nas not seen at all, but do not feel stuck that all the problems described in the forum are going to get to you
...and all in all - depends on the bargain!

 

[gijoecam]

For every one that develops the infamous timing chain rattle, there are literally tens of thousands that never have an issue. In my case, the motor was replaced with 23,000 miles on it (before they knew what the issue was) and since having the revised tensioner lifter and the oil gallery volume reduction plug installed in '00, I've not had an issue (knocking on wood) with 171,000 miles on it now (148,000 on this motor).

I wouldn't wory about it. The problem was supposed to have been corrected by the end of the 2000 model year. If the truck is in good shape and the price is right, I'd go for it. Very few of these engines actually experience a catastrophic failure due to the issue. The vast majority that exhibit the rattle never do anything more than make the noise.

 

[raascal]

Bought the truck - all seems OK

I went ahead and bought the EB - great truck - did all the tings mentioned to check this and all seemed OK - very happty with truck - thanks for the advice

 

[baron4406]

My EB had 162,000 on it and was quiet as a church mouse. After having it two months it basically fell apart. Timing chains rattle like heck, I've had to replace everything, and I'm rewarded with 10-12 MPG. Last American car I'll ever buy.
To make ya feel better my Father has a 2001 Sport -Trac, he has ALS and couldn't turn the key anymore so I installed a push-button start for him. He's had the truck for 4 years it had 21k on it when he got it and has 88k on it now. The engine is quiet with no rattles anywhere so its a crapshoot at best with American vehicles, so are good and last forever and some are junk. You did the right thing by checking it out and if the motor sounds fine now-cross your fingers.