Timing chain questions, need help!

[adezd1986]

Hey everyone, I just recently bought a used 2002 4.0 v6 explorer. A few days ago on our way home the engine suddenly started sounding like a diesel! My wife took it to a shop and the guy quoted $3200 to $5000 to fix it. I couldn't afford anything close to that and it would actually be cheaper to buy a new engine and have it swapped out, so i decided to open it up and see what i could figure out myself without pulling the engine (I dont have the space, time, or resources to remove the engine completely right now).

I have searched the forum quite a bit and found lots of good info, but couldn't find anyone that was in the same position as myself.

So I got everything I needed off and removed the crank case and have came to the conclusion the only thing that broke was the timing cassette that's on the front of the engine on the drivers side. Everything else looks to be in great shape. The question I have is about re timing the engine once i replace the cassette. If I don't remove anything from the right side will I still need to take that side apart and re time it? Im hoping that if im really careful and mark things i can just remove the the left chain replace the cassette and put it back together and be good to go. Please if anyone can give me some info on this i would greatly appreciate it. Is it still necessary for me to purchase the special timing tool kit? Thanks!

 

[2000StreetRod]

SOHC V6 Timing Chain Inspection & Repair

SOHC V6 Timing Chain Inspection & Repair Look at the no OTC-6488 procedure toward the latter portion of the thread.

At some point (maybe 2004) the head casting changed making it difficult to replace the cassette without removing the head. However, the recent cassettes can be disassembled making it possible (although a little tricky) to replace the cassette without removing the head. You may not have any trouble with your 2002 head.

 

[adezd1986]

Awsome!

Thank you [MENTION=111113]2000StreetRod[/MENTION] That is exactly what I was looking for! I will make sure to take pictures and notes if i feel that anything i encounter will help others.