need new engine.

[snakeman5911]

Got a 03 XLT explorer and has a bad timing chain guide on the passenger side head. Got a few quotes and they said around 2 to 3 grand to fix. After pulling the motor, opening it up to pull the rest of the plastic cam guide stuff out and redo all timing chains and put back in. He told me it would be cheaper and easier to just replace the motor. I have been looking at ones at salvage yards and they look different than what I have in it. Just wonder what all will work in my application. 03 explorer xlt non flexfuel 4.0 v6 4x4. I believe it is an E code motor. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Number4]

People have installed Mustang 4.0's and even engines from the 2nd gen. Don't get caught up on the peripherals. All you really care about is the long block (engine and heads.). Move all other parts from your engine to the new one.

Ideally, get a 4.0 from as new an Explorer you can find. But I'd go for mileage over year. Either way, you will want to inspect and replace some of the timing components.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I did post a link but it wasn't right. Someone made a list not to long ago of all the interchangeable engines but I couldn't find it. Basically any 4.0L SOHC from a mustang, ranger, Landrover, and Explorer/sport trac will work. The newer and lower the KMS the better. What ever you get be sure to pull the valve covers before any money changes hands and inspect the cassettes. Guys have pulled 80k mile engines to install just to have plastic sitting in the bottom of the oil pan.
If you are inclined you can do the repair yourself for around 1000 in parts and the 200 dollar timing tool. Took me a couple months worth of screwing around on weekends to do mine myself.