Replacing head gaskets - What else should I replace?

[Lildon21]

Hey All,

I've got a '96 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC.

I went to replace my fuel injectors and the small plastic ending from one of them went down into the intake manifold. So I've decided to remove it, the valve covers, and the heads while I'm at it since I have some coolant coming out of the exhaust (but no frothy oil). So I got this kit FEL-PRO MS98005T and both head gaskets. Also thinking about having the heads resurfaced, but hoping if I am careful and use a plastic scraper they won't need it. I've currently only made it to removing the valve covers.

I've never really been this deep into the engine and am curious if there are any other repairs I should do while I'm in there or any tips folks have from doing this. Also did I miss any gaskets?

Thanks!

 

[amj441]

I would recommend checking out your timing chain guides, its well known that these engines have issues with timing components.

FEL-PRO MS98005T is the wrong set. This set is for the 4.0 OHV not the sohc.

I have done this job recently and you will need the SOHC timing tool set. While you are in there I recommend swapping your fuel rail for a steel one if you have the plastic one

Ill add more details when Im not as busy atm

 

[Lildon21]

I would recommend checking out your timing chain guides, its well known that these engines have issues with timing components.

FEL-PRO MS98005T is the wrong set. This set is for the 4.0 OHV not the sohc.

I have done this job recently and you will need the SOHC timing tool set. While you are in there I recommend swapping your fuel rail for a steel one if you have the plastic one

Ill add more details when Im not as busy atm

Ah, my bad. I believe I have the OHV, not SOHC. Also the fuel rail is not plastic (seemed like aluminum, could be steel though). Upper intake plenum is plastic though.

What do you guys use to clean these parts out? I was thinking gas for the valve covers, not sure on the fuel rail and intake manifold though.

 

[donalds]

Why swap the plastic one ?
Did you break yours
They are like 80% glass lol

 

[C420sailor]

No need to resurface the heads unless they’re gouged, warped, or otherwise damaged. Routine resurfacing of heads for new gaskets is for very high performance motors—and the 4.0 OHV ain’t it

 

[410Fortune]

You must get new head bolts

Good time for a new thermostat

 

[amj441]

Why swap the plastic one ?
Did you break yours
They are like 80% glass lol

I swapped the plastic ones because it was starting to form a leak, and while I was ordering seals, I figured that I liked the metal ones better, That and with the age of the cars I just felt better about the longevity of the metal.

And for cleaning the intake?? honestly not sure, I thought about giving mine a gas bath or something because of the shape of the SOHC intake makes getting bottle brushes in it interesting.

Im not familiar with the OHV so im unable to provide much more. (though geez I wish I did ((or the 5.0)))

 

[donalds]

And for cleaning the intake?? honestly not sure, I thought about giving mine a gas bath or something because of the shape of the SOHC intake makes getting bottle brushes in it interesting.

I put my intake in a bath of diesel fuel for a few hours Rinse and repeat

I'm no longer running that intake the 1 I'm using now is all aluminum stays pretty clean If your intake is dirty then your PCV system isn't functioning up to par

 

[Turdle]

Ah, my bad. I believe I have the OHV, not SOHC. Also the fuel rail is not plastic (seemed like aluminum, could be steel though). Upper intake plenum is plastic though.

What do you guys use to clean these parts out? I was thinking gas for the valve covers, not sure on the fuel rail and intake manifold though.

Get some purple power degreaser, available everywhere. Dollar General has it. Dilute and soak.

Take parts in soaking tub to discrete car wash wearing Crocs and old clothes. Park outside bay, lay parts out in bay . Spray and rinse well. You'll get soaked.


A towel or change of clothing isn't out of the question. People don't really watch people wash cars, leave doors open, change clothes, leave .


You don't want that oily mess in your driveway.

 

[rcmoney]

Hey All,

I've got a '96 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC.

I went to replace my fuel injectors and the small plastic ending from one of them went down into the intake manifold. So I've decided to remove it, the valve covers, and the heads while I'm at it since I have some coolant coming out of the exhaust (but no frothy oil). So I got this kit FEL-PRO MS98005T and both head gaskets. Also thinking about having the heads resurfaced, but hoping if I am careful and use a plastic scraper they won't need it. I've currently only made it to removing the valve covers.

I've never really been this deep into the engine and am curious if there are any other repairs I should do while I'm in there or any tips folks have from doing this. Also did I miss any gaskets?

Thanks!

It would be smart to replace the water pump while you are that close. Just for preventive measure/maintenance.

How do you know it's coolant coming out of the exhaust, not just condensation? Do you have to add water to the radiator/overflow tank? Did you do a compression check? That would be a good thing ... Also, you could use a shop vacuumm to run down the intake runners in the head to clean out debris from the stuff that fell down into the intake. I stick a smaller hose, like a cut off section of water hose or engine vacuumm hose, in the end of my shop vak so it will go into smaller spaces. Check the valve positions, open/closed/ since you have covers off. if valves are closed, debris didn't go into the cylinder... maybe laying on top of the valve in the head meaning easy to get to with vacuumm.

I've used a fiberscope camera and looked into the spark plug holes into the cylinder to inspect the piston and cylinder wall conditions. That would also tell you if crap fell into the cylinder. The camera cost about $100.00 off the internet (i.e. Amazon). Your gonna change spark plugs anyway ...

 

[Lildon21]

It would be smart to replace the water pump while you are that close. Just for preventive measure/maintenance.

How do you know it's coolant coming out of the exhaust, not just condensation? Do you have to add water to the radiator/overflow tank? Did you do a compression check? That would be a good thing ... Also, you could use a shop vacuumm to run down the intake runners in the head to clean out debris from the stuff that fell down into the intake. I stick a smaller hose, like a cut off section of water hose or engine vacuumm hose, in the end of my shop vak so it will go into smaller spaces. Check the valve positions, open/closed/ since you have covers off. if valves are closed, debris didn't go into the cylinder... maybe laying on top of the valve in the head meaning easy to get to with vacuumm.

I've used a fiberscope camera and looked into the spark plug holes into the cylinder to inspect the piston and cylinder wall conditions. That would also tell you if crap fell into the cylinder. The camera cost about $100.00 off the internet (i.e. Amazon). Your gonna change spark plugs anyway ...

I actually already had a bad water pump about 10 months ago. Replaced it along with the thermostat, radiator, and all the hoses since it was pretty cheap while I was already in there.

I do have to add coolant every week or two.

I can see liquid dripping from where the catalytic converter meets the exhaust, seems like more than condensation. I just replaced the catalytic converter because it failed and the new one didn't match up properly. Hence why I can see liquid coming out of there, along with a small amount of exhaust.

I guess while I'm here, any easy fixes for that exhaust leak? I saw some high temp gasket makers/sealers. Wondering if those are any good or if I should figure out a proper solution. It's a pretty small leak.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ID8IUJY?tag=seriouexplor-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002UEOPA?tag=seriouexplor-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084T8BW18?tag=seriouexplor-20

I am going to change spark plugs while I'm in there. The whole point of the injectors was a misfire that I figured was an injector, due to age and inspecting/replacing all other ignition components. I've got a buddy that brought a camera for me to use. I'll use that and check the valve positions. Thanks for the vacuum idea, I'll try that as well.

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful. Will try to remember and post back once she's running again!

 

[Lildon21]

Get some purple power degreaser, available everywhere. Dollar General has it. Dilute and soak.

Take parts in soaking tub to discrete car wash wearing Crocs and old clothes. Park outside bay, lay parts out in bay . Spray and rinse well. You'll get soaked.


A towel or change of clothing isn't out of the question. People don't really watch people wash cars, leave doors open, change clothes, leave .


You don't want that oily mess in your driveway.

Thanks for the tips! I'll grab some some of and give it a good cleaning while I've got it all apart.

 

[Lildon21]

I put my intake in a bath of diesel fuel for a few hours Rinse and repeat

I'm no longer running that intake the 1 I'm using now is all aluminum stays pretty clean If your intake is dirty then your PCV system isn't functioning up to par

Not really sure if it's even dirty at this point. Just figured I'd clean everything while I'm in there. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Lildon21]

You must get new head bolts

Good time for a new thermostat

Ordered new head bolts as well. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Lildon21]

No need to resurface the heads unless they’re gouged, warped, or otherwise damaged. Routine resurfacing of heads for new gaskets is for very high performance motors—and the 4.0 OHV ain’t it

Thanks! I'll check them out. I think they'll be fine based on your reply.

 

[410Fortune]

Make sure to inspec the heads closely… they like to crack right between the valves
This is a visible crack

New heads can be had around $700 shipped with return boxes for your cores