98 explorer timing belt tensioner

[NYGiants]

a buddy from work offered to sell my his 98 explorer for $500. the only problem he said is the timing chain tensioner. is that a big deal?, other then that its got 140k miles v6 4wd.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

It needs a motor I'm sure it has had the catastrophic failure if its $500, it may still run but the damage done by metal fines that are created during this failure and their circulation via oil throughout the motor are killers.
It is also an interference engine and probably has bent valves and damaged heads.
Known problem on the early SOHC 4.0's

 

[NYGiants]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

the kid says it runs fine and it just rattles. he only is selling it because he mods civics and took the explorer off the insurance. and its apparentley a timing chain not a belt?

 

[dolluper]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

What engine does it have eh

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

What engine does it have eh

Yup I agree....... the SOHC used 3 timing chains I believe and the OHV used I and with 1998 being the change year ....... hmmmm

You should get a certified mechanic opinion because it "could" be a good deal or a bad deal. 4.0 V-6 used from the junkyard could be a better solution.

 

[dolluper]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

Plus the title says belt and the post body says chain ...a motor with a timming belt and chain ...Fords better idea LOL's

 

[NYGiants]

Re: 98 explorer timing chain* tensioner

Re: 98 explorer timing chain* tensioner

its a chain not a belt ill find out tonight at work how big the engine is.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

This is a 4.0 liter single over head cam V6 engine. It was a cam in block engine and still is a cam in block engine except the cam in the block is now just a shaft to run the over head cams via 2 additional chains. It is rumored Ford had a better idea.
The right side over head cam chain cassette is in the back of the engine and connects to the cam in block shaft and the left side cassette also connects to the cam in block shaft but on the front side of the engine. There is a chain from the crank to run the cam in block shaft and a little chain to run a tiny little balance shaft in the crankcase. The cam in block also spins the oil pump with a oil pump drive plug. (where the distributor was when it was a good pushrod engine)
Most of the problems are from the left bank chain guides breaking apart and allowing the chain to get loose and noisy and also allowing it to start dragging over metal items producing plenty of filings for the oil and its system.

Anyway the job is not for the faint of heart by any stretch of the imagination and a replacement engine is by far easier and usually more cost effective tho engines seem to be getting more expensive.
Sadly late model Mustangs use this engine and the more durable with better chain guides late model Mustang version can be used. The balance shaft was a 4x4 only thing for a few years in the late 90's and is most commonly eliminated during chain replacement. A non balance shaft motor can also be substituted.
If it still runs good it may be fixable, the chains are a couple hundred dollars the special tools can probably be had for $150 now and the labor well that is unknown to me. Replacing just the tensioner will likely do nothing as the real problem is int he broken guides. There is a small removable pan on the bottom of the oil pan.
Special tool OTC-6488 is a must for 4.0 SOHC chain replacement.

Ford: Full of win.

I love these gen 2 Exploders, with a good drivetrain which is why I have a AWD V8 model and have had 204k problem free miles.

 

[NYGiants]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

yeah i talked about it with a mechanic from work and he said its not worth it.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

You have to pull the engine to get to the rear timing chain. All the special tools shown above are needed to set everything up. Not a "backyard" job unless you have access to the special tools.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 98 explorer timing belt tensioner

yeah i talked about it with a mechanic from work and he said its not worth it.

Like I mentioned...... maybe a junkyard motor