Which 4.0 engine do i have?

[nugrapeman2]

I bought a 99 Explorer XLT about 5 months ago. It had 294000+ miles on it. However it doesn't have the original motor in it. How do i know which one it has? I'm a little over 298000 now. I don't know whether it has a 4.0 sohc or 4.0 ohv. I really didn't know there were 2 different V6 engines at all till i found this forum. I do know there is also the 5.0 V8. My engine says 4.0 EFI on the top. Did it come from and earlier Explorer? Any help would be appreciated. Also if money was no concern what would be a best new not refurbished motor to put in my explorer? I may do that in the next 2 years. It runs okay but doesn't have much power. I've had two spark plug wires replaced and also the camshaft synchronizer and the egr valve. It had a miss that several dealerships couldn't figure out but finally it runs good just no power.

 

[nugrapeman2]

The original motor was an OHV because the eighth letter of the vin number was and X.

 

[Jstcruz]

If it says EFI on the top I believe it is the OHV but I dont remember for sure. Also, it probably is the OHV because the SOHC would need a new computer and harness. That being said, who ever put the "new" engine in it probably didnt go thru all of that. There are threads on here that go over the differences, but a search would generate countless results. If you can post a pic you would get a quick answer.

 

[nugrapeman2]

It wasn't a new engine. It came from an Explorer that was wrecked. But i don't know anymore about it than that..

 

[nugrapeman2]

If it says EFI on the top I believe it is the OHV but I dont remember for sure. Also, it probably is the OHV because the SOHC would need a new computer and harness. That being said, who ever put the "new" engine in it probably didnt go thru all of that. There are threads on here that go over the differences, but a search would generate countless results. If you can post a pic you would get a quick answer.

I'll take a pic tomorrow..

 

[nugrapeman2]

If it says EFI on the top I believe it is the OHV but I dont remember for sure. Also, it probably is the OHV because the SOHC would need a new computer and harness. That being said, who ever put the "new" engine in it probably didnt go thru all of that. There are threads on here that go over the differences, but a search would generate countless results. If you can post a pic you would get a quick answer.

Yeah i've already tried searching here and on yahoo too with no real help..

 

[XLT99]

The ohv says "4.0 efi" on the top engine cover where as the ohc motor says "4.0 SOHC" so Jstcruz is right. And hes also right in that the two motors use different ECMs.
Look on the driver side of the motor, mine has a tag thay says something along the lines of '99 4.0 sohc'

 

[koda2000]

if it says EFI and it has no power, its a OHV motor. the good news is it's not the SOHC motor, which makes more power, but is much less reliable than the OHV motor.

 

[corkey]

does it look like this ??

 

[Jstcruz]

if it says EFI and it has no power, its a OHV motor...

Hey! some of us will resent that!
My OHV has plenty of power for my -and others- likeness thank you very much

 

[swshawaii]

10 pages searching "OHV vs. SOHC"
Here's a dated but interesting one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=195963

 

[Jstcruz]

10 pages searching "OHV vs. SOHC"
Here's a dated but interesting one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=195963

^^ Good read

 

[koda2000]

Hey! some of us will resent that!
My OHV has plenty of power for my -and others- likeness thank you very much

Sorry Joe, but compared to the SOHC or the V8 the OHV V6 is down on power for a vehicle that weights about 4000 lbs. I'd still take it over the SOHC though.

 

[nugrapeman2]

does it look like this ??

Yes that's it..

 

[nugrapeman2]

Hey! some of us will resent that!
My OHV has plenty of power for my -and others- likeness thank you very much

My only complaint is at start up. After its up to speed i can outrun anyone but driving in town i seem to have to floor it to keep up..

 

[nugrapeman2]

10 pages searching "OHV vs. SOHC"
Here's a dated but interesting one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=195963

Good article..

 

[Jstcruz]

Im not saying the SOHC is not more powerfull than the OHV, but it moves plenty well enough for me and I have no problem pulling trailer loads of lumber with it. Thats all that really matters - since mpg is out the window anyway lol

 

[nugrapeman2]

Im not saying the SOHC is not more powerfull than the OHV, but it moves plenty well enough for me and I have no problem pulling trailer loads of lumber with it. Thats all that really matters - since mpg is out the window anyway lol

Yes the same here..

 

[nugrapeman2]

Is there a vin number on the motor anywhere i could track my used motor down to the original vehicle and look up the carfax info to see what was done to the donor vehicle?? I no its a long shot but i don't know anything about the explorer my motor came out of because i bought it used and the dealer didn't know anything because he got it at a auction. Its running great now i would just like to know..