Question regarding back of sohc engine...

[mikeonbike1962]

First post but need help. This was posted in a transmission thread but moved. So I'll edit and repost.

picked up a 97 explorer for my son. Engine was noisy but I figured valves or belt tensioner. I find out... it's an sohc and it a tc tensioner job. Poop. Ok, a friend helps me:engine out, do the t/c's, plugs, and 5 days later we put it back in.

Then the oil leaks arrive. Wow, smoke etc. Ok, I tried to go cheap and not replace the valve cover Gaskets. So Plenum off, I do them in the vehicle. plenum back on. Start and smoke... rear t/c tensioner bolt dripping. Ok, extract, goop, and back in. I restart today and oil flow from the bell housing...

My first Idea is the aftermarket cap for the rear jackshaft access has gapped open inside the bellhousing. Not sure, but I'm not pulling that engine again. I'm thinking I can pull the tranny and inspect/ replace. Ideas?

QUESTION: with the transmission out, are you able to replace the 2" round jackshaft cap?



mike
orlando fl.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your post into its own thread in the stock 95-01 section.

 

[2000StreetRod]

replacing jackshaft rear plug

At least one forum member has replaced the rear cassette by pulling the transmission instead of the engine. Before doing that I suggest that you make sure the hydraulic tensioner is not leaking. Did you install a new O ring? The O ring can easily slip down during the installation and leak. Some members use a thick grease to hold it in place.

Here's what you can expect to see after pulling the transmission:

There's no need to remove the oil pan or reinforcement section as shown in the photo.

Also, make sure the leak is engine oil and not ATF.

 

[BubbaFL]

What Dale said - make sure your FRONT tensioner isn't leaking. If it leaks, oil can pool up in the valley / under the intake, and will run down the back of the block and drip from the bellhousing.

 

[mikeonbike1962]

Bingo!!!

the picture is EXACTLY what I needed to see. the front tensioner is good advice. I've got some uv dye and will do it this week. The front tensioner would be an absolute blessing if it was the front. (hey, plenum off, tensioner loose, rtv, plenum on and roll) Somehow I'm not thinking I'm that lucky.

thanks guys!

mike

 

[mikeonbike1962]

we'll... t'was Bubba who hit the nail on the head. But first to recap: We rtv'd the heck out of that jackshaft cap on the back of the engine and from the pic, I'd say that the bell housing splits it to keep it intact anyway.

I uv dyed the oil and found the "leak" to be coming from the FRONT tensioner actuator. I didn't use a washer on the "bolt" and there's probably 'some' oil pressure at the end (oil port on the actuator) (sarcastically). I wouldn't dare RTV that one with it's oil collar, so I went to ford and bought the washer
($9.00, wow, for a washer!) .

last night I installed it and no more leaks.

I did have to wash the pool (lake!) of oil through the valley of the engine.

You guys are great and I thank you.

mike