Where is the timing chain

[chloedad]

Where is the timing chain located that runs the passenger side of the motor...I have an internal motor issue and it is misfiring on cylinders 1-3. It is a 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 L V6

 

[Joscibo]

It's under the passenger side valve cover and through the back of the head. You will need to pull engine to get at it and if you pull it you might as well swap for a used engine if it's gone bad. These are basically throw away engines due to the timing chain issues and the complexity of fixing them. You have to follow properly cause if you are off things go poof valves get bent etc...

 

[chloedad]

That is what I was afraid of. This is a used engine in it. I purchased it with 58K miles on it in August of 2012. It now has 80k on it. It also has a new transmission in it.

 

[chloedad]

not sure if that is the issue, but am guessing. I took it to the shop and they said internal motor issues and would not know for sure without pulling the motor apart.

 

[2000StreetRod]

compression test?

not sure if that is the issue, but am guessing. I took it to the shop and they said internal motor issues and would not know for sure without pulling the motor apart.

Was a compression test performed? If so, what were the results? Does the timing chain rattle? The timing chains usually last more than 80K miles. But then the transmission will usually last more than 58K miles. Was the vehicle abused or neglected?

 

[chloedad]

I replaced the transmission in FEbruary of 2012. It had roughly 178K on it, only 30k on it now.....the motor I replaced in august had 58k on it. The original was the mid 180's. I have owned the vehicle since 2006. A compression test is being done today. Will post when i figure it out.

Fun times with Dora!

 

[Exproblems]

...I have an internal motor issue and it is misfiring on cylinders 1-3. It is a 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 L V6

A compression test is being done today. Will post when i figure it out.

Fun times with Dora!

If you get a "zero compression" reading on all 3 cylinders, #1 ,2 and 3, your right bank or rear timing chain is bad or has "jumped time". Other parts (bent valves) inside the motor were most likely damaged if this happened. You will need another motor because your current motor needs to be pulled out and it's cheaper to replace the motor than repair the old one. I just went through this myself on same cylinders. I was lucky, I had a warranty and had a "remanufactured" or basically new engine from Ford installed with a 3 year, unlimited mileage warranty.

 

[rmcknight]

if your going to pull the engine yourself, you can check the heads and if ok, you can put all new timing gear in it for about < 300 bucks. buy the timing tools and re-sell them on ebay for the same price.