Newbie cam chain tensior/ auto tranny question

[Brian]

Hello all,

I just purchased a 98 SOHC sport with 40,000 miles for $13,000 and a beat to death 86 Izusu Trooper I took the truck to the dealer who originaly sold the vehicle to get a service history so I know where I stand as far as maintenance work. The service person informed me there was a recall to replace the cam chain tensioner and I should schedual an appointment asap. After searching this forum, I learned a noise on startup is the most common sign of a bad tensioner. Also it seems many people who have had this repair seem to still have problems (maybe they are just the ones who continue to post and others are happy?). When I start the truck in the morning I hear an ever-so-slight knock (only noticable from outside the truck) it goes away before I arrive at work 5 minutes later. This truck runs GREAT! The engine pulls strong through the RPM range and my gas mileage is good (18 mpg). Should I bring a good running vehicle in for recall work or should I abide by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule?

My auto tranny question has to do with a discrepancy between my manual and the dealer service person. Manual says change the tranny fluid every 30,000 mi. The dealer says my truck with 40,000 (and no history of tranny fluid change) doesn't need a change yet. What gives??

Thanks for your help!

Brian

 

[leebo]

I'd like to start off by welcoming you to the site. You'll find any and every bit of info right here.

To your questions....I'd say replace it. It's free and you just have to take it into them. From all the ones on the board that still have problems there's more that don't. I'd have them take a look at the recall list and just go ahead and fix everything that's recalled right then and there. Save yourself some time and headache.

As for the tranny fluid......go ahead and replace it. The explorer is the greatest SUV around, hovever their tranny isn't. Anything you can do to extend the life is well worth your time. Right now I'm looking at about a $1300 bill to rebuild mine, due to the fact I didn't take as much care of it as I should of. It's better off to change the fluid early than wait. My explorer has had a blown tranny for a week and I already miss it....I sure do want her back.

As for the trooper......dare you to drive it into the lake, no wait, it's tax time....donate it and get a refund....then send that money to me for my explorer.

 

[IgotTwo]

Don’t even think twice about it! get that tensioner swapped out!
I read the “posts” about little pieces of metal finding their way thoughtout the engine. Not good!

I have a 97 SOHC, 50K going in on Tuesday for the throttle plate, “O” ring gasket and tensioner. They tell me its painless.

When I spoke to the dealer about it, they said “no problem…we’ll fix it.” That was scary! The verdict is still out, but why do I think that Ford has been in the press so much lately, someone said, “try to be nice....at least for a little while.”

Did you get the recall notice? I received a pocketed fold out package with fancy inserts, separate letters for each recall, an article on “How Safe Ford Explorers Are”, “How to Drive Your 4WD Safely”, 30 psi tire pressure sticker for the door jam and only God knows what else. It was so elaborate, at first, I thought it was a wedding invitation.
It seemed a bit overboard.
As for the tensioner…..Go for it!…..before they stop smiling! haha
Good luck

 

[Robert]

I would say yes, have them replace the camshaft tensioners and o-rings. My '97 has never been quieter. As for the transmission fluid change, it sounds like you are reading the schedule for the 4R70W transmission. It is the 4-speed automatic that comes with the V8. you have the 5R55E, 5-speed automatic. My '97 lists its change interval at 51K under severe duty and doesn't list a change interval under normal duty. I changed mine at 50K and wouldn't recommend going any longer than that even if you think you fall under the normal duty schedule. When I changed mine, my fluid was as clean as the new fluid I put in.

 

[<<MONOCHROMOUS>>]

i just got all that recall and cam stuff done saturday, and im dissapointed, it still putters and makes noises. i dont notice any difference. but i feel better knowing they are replaced

 

[IgotTwo]

Got the cam tensioner and o ring gasket fixed on my 97 SOHC 50K.
Absolutely painless!
Went to the dealer....told em that I thought I had cam and gasket problems.....they said fine "we'll fix it"....no whining or cry baby stuff.
I dropped the truck off last night and got a call about 11:00 AM with...."it is done, you can pick it up anytime."
Got throttle plate fixed too
They did tell me the O ring was really shot.

I really noticed a big difference. Much tighter response on acceleration. The engine is much quieter. I did notice the idle is a tiny bit rougher but I'll let things settle in.

So far I'm a happy camper... I love America, I'm never going back!!!!!

I also took it to another dealer because at the place where I bought it, they were all weak and worthless. I may have found a better dealer in the process.

Let hope it works!