timing chain install questions

[goodguysjared]

have all the tools and etc. ive done these a few times.
i have an 02 explorer at the shop and the guides will not go thru the head.

ive done enough of these to be able to do it with removing trans and leaving radiator in, and have never had a clearance issue on sliding the cassete in place.

are there odd ball castings out there?

it appears to be hitting on the inside edge of the heads under the smaller headbolt to block boss.

rip heads and remove that material?

i have gaskets and bolts coming for monday, but dont want to break the guides.

just want info for future, so i can quote head r/r on the next one by looking at casting numbers

thanks

 

[2000StreetRod]

happens occasionally

Welcome to the forum. Several members have posted experiencing the same problem. As I recall one member had a problem with the front cassette and one member had a problem with the rear cassette. As you identified, the problem is with the internal misalignment of the head casting with the block casting. Both members were eventually able to get the cassette in place without breaking it or grinding the head. It was a combination of trying multiple positions and forcing. I can't remember if it was Explorer generation dependent. I'll try searching for more information.

 

[2000StreetRod]

found one example: 2002

Help! SOHC front timing cassette removal with head in?

 

[goodguysjared]

theres gotta be more info on this out there.

i am amassing info, feel free to chime in

 

[Exproblems]

theres gotta be more info on this out there.

i am amassing info, feel free to chime in

FYI, "2000Streetrod" is the man you want to talk to regarding the 4.0L timing chain repair. There is a lot of info on this repair in the forum archives, just use the search box at the top of the forum and type a question into it. Include your year, model and engine size into the search question. It will pull up past discussions on your search inquiry.

 

[2000StreetRod]

head bolt interference

Here's an example (2001 Ranger Edge) where one head bolt caused a problem:
Front and Rear Timing Chain Replacement