SOHC Timing Chain.. did Ford ever fix the design?

[marragtop]

I'm looking for another Explorer, somewhere in the 99-04 era. I'd really like to find a V8 AWD, but there aren't many around. That leaves me in the 4.0 world. My preference would be the OHV, but from what I can see, Ford discontinued the OHV in 2001. Can anyone confirm that? I know how to interpret the vin (code X vs E), but if I knew which years only the SOHC was available that would help my shopping effort.

My main concern with the SOHC is the timing chain/guide problem. In the later years, did Ford ever redesign it so that it is less problematic? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I'm sorta in the same fix, looking for an 03 Sport with
low mileage. I do know that Ford discontinued the 4.0 OHV
in 2000, since I have one of the last ones. Everything after
that year was either 4.0 SOHC or V8.

I 'think' that Ford redesigned the SOHC chain tensioners and guides
in 02, but not absolutely sure. Maybe someone with more knowledge
on the subject will post.....

 

[2000StreetRod]

Ohv & sohc

The last year the Cologne OHV V6 was produced and used in the Explorer was 2000. The Cologne SOHC V6 was produced and first used in non-USA Explorers in 1996 and used in USA Explorers in 1997. The early SOHCs had a variable intake system thru 1998. Up thru 2001 (I believe) the SOHCs had upper and lower intake manifolds. The 2002 and later years only have one intake manifold. I believe that the upper rear timing chain cassettes were never redesigned. The upper front cassettes were redesigned in 2002 (I believe) and the older cassettes are no longer available. I believe the lower front tensioner and guide were also redesigned in 2002 and the older parts are no longer available.

Ford issued a repair kit (00m12) that included upper and lower intake manifold gasket sets, a redesigned upper front chain tensioner, and an upper front oil return restrictor. In my opinion the kit chain related parts did little to correct the problem which is slow lubrication to the front of the engine at startup and high wear plastic type parts.

The chain rattle can start as early as 50,000 miles if the engine oil is not maintained properly or later than 250,000 miles with frequent oil changes and excellent filters. The engine or transmission must be pulled to replace the upper rear timing cassette. The timing cover and everything above or in front of it must be removed to replace the lower front tensioner and guide. The lower front chain must be removed to replace the upper front cassette.

You may want look for a low mileage, well maintained 2002 or later model or any SOHC that there is proof that all of the chains have been recently replaced. The chain guides can break into pieces and still be quiet so listening for chain rattle doesn't mean they are good. Broken guide pieces can block oil passages causing engine internal damage. The only way to tell for sure that the timing chain system is in good repair is by visual inspection which requires tearing apart the engine.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Thanks for the info Dale; guess I'll continue looking for
a good low-mileage 03 Sport.

BTW, interesting thread of your's and Don's discussion of
ATF/oil filter and coolers w/good pics....

 

[briwayjones]

After 2001 they redesigned them and I haven't heard of any major problems.

 

[DanaM]

I was told by the steelership that the problem only existed on certain SOCH, no all of them.


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