SOHC motor swap

[ThunderB]

Just bought a '98 EB with the SOHC V6. I hear a light pinging noise under light acceleration which points me to the cam chain guides/tensioners. Not very loud, but I hear it. I had the dealer run Oasis and the recall has not been done onthis truck, but it is at 93,000 miles now so I don't know if the recall even applies to me. If I have to replace my motor in a few years, what dropsin or bolts up to the 5 speed auto? Will a late model 2002-2005 SOHC V6 be a direct bolt in? Wish I would have researched this more before i bought it or I would have gotten the V8 or a Durango.

B

 

[Critical_Level2]

When you go for a new motor you could get a jasper. They are rebuilt to factory specs and have a 3 year/ 75K miles warranty. They are some very good motors, unlike the recon crap motors.
OR you could bolt up a 4.0 ohv motor. You would lose some power but it will bolt up.

 

[ThunderB]

I like the power of my SOHC 6 and I wouldn't be happy with any less. I wonder if the noise has always been there and the other owner never noticed it? I'm still researching the cam chain issue to see if it is a major concern. It doesn't seem to have been a problem for 93000 miles. If it is a problem, I want to get it addressed, but another motor is a plan B if this one fails. I love everything else about the truck.

 

[410Fortune]

have it fixed by Ford, no reason to replace the entire engine....

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I agree with 410Fortune. Why not just have it fixed if it runs good. Certainly a heck of allot cheaper than rebuilding a whole engine and you already know what you have.

 

[ThunderB]

I think you guys may have misunderstood me. I have no plans to replace my motor as long as it runs good. My truck runs great aside from the light pinging noise at around 2500 RPM under light acceleration. I’m not sure if I am covered under the recall. So I am wondering if, down the road, my motor blows due to cams chains skipping I can use a later model motor (2002-2005?) that would hopefully be updated and would not have the problems of the previous 4.0 SOHC that I have in my truck.

B

 

[Doug904]

The later style engine will work, you will have to use your old intake manifold, valve covers and sensors but yes it will fit. Also there is a freeze plug in the newer style engines in the valley between the heads that will need to be removed to use the older style PVC system but there again that's no biggy.

If you do decide to do it just give me a call, I can walk you through it no problem.

Later Doug.

 

[410Fortune]

Are you running the correct octane fuel?
What about the correct weight of oil?