[larrington2]

...this engine. We have one in our Explorer. The hydraulic tensioners for the cam quit working, which caused one of the cams to start rattling. Eventually leading to an engine replacement There is no way to fix it without rebuilding the engine. There is no recall on this either.

[george723]

sorry about having to replace the engine,,,,,,,,,,,,,by any chance did u drop a dodge or chevy motor in there so you would have to worry about it at all???? lol. the ford v6's,esp the newer ones are prone to problems like that esp when they start getting um in the miles,,,,,,nobody makes anything last the way they used to thats for sure

[larrington2]

You got that right.

[TrickyRicky]

sorry about having to replace the engine,,,,,,,,,,,,,by any chance did u drop a dodge or chevy motor in there so you would have to worry about it at all???? lol. the ford v6's,esp the newer ones are prone to problems like that esp when they start getting um in the miles,,,,,,nobody makes anything last the way they used to thats for sure

They don't want the engines to last long anymore because they want you to buy a new car every 4-5 years. At that point it will be cheaper to buy a new car then replace the engine. JMO

[HiTekRedNek]

That motor came in most every year of the Explorer, and it did make several changes during the course of the life of the Explorer and it is still used in todays Explorer. What Year is the vehicle, how many miles were on the original motor? Was the oil pump ever replaced? Did it leak or burn oil? What weight oil did you use? Have you had any of the following fixed or replaced:

Valves, valve seals, rocker arms, cam shaft?

I was a Ford mechanic for about 10 years, and know this engine very well. It is one of the best Ford made in my opinion. Strong motor, and with care will last forever.

[HiTekRedNek]

*Engine - 4.0L SOHC - Rattle noise from primary chain drive area between 2K-3K RPM - Cold engine operation only

*Noise - Rattle noise from primary timing chain drive area between 2K-3K RPM - Cold engine operation only - vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engine only

Ford: 99-02 Explorer, 01-02 Sport Trac, Explorer Sport, Ranger
Mercury: 99-02 Mountaineer

Issue:

Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0 SOHC (Single Over-Head Cam) engine may exhibit a Primary Timing Chain rattle noise. The noise is audible during hot and cold engine operation (but predominantly found on cold engines) under acceleration, typically at 2400-2500 rpm. To confirm presence of this noise, accelerate in 2nd gear between 2000-3000 rpm and listen for rattle noise that sounds similar to spark knock. This may be caused by the Primary Timing Chain Tensioner system.

Action:

Replace the Primary Timing Chain Tensioner, Chain Guide, Jackshaft, and Crankshaft Sprockets with a Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Kit. The kit includes an improved Primary Chain Tensioner, as well as updated Primary Chain Guide, Jackshaft, and Crankshaft Sprockets. Required fastners, primary timing chain, and front cover gaskets are also included. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

Service Procedure:

Verify the condition. Obtain the correct kit and follow the sheet supplied with the kit.

Use kit 2U3Z-6D256-AA (balance shaft engines) for:
-99-01 4x4 Explorer/Mountaineer
-01-02 4x4 Sport/Sport Trac
-All 02 Explorer/Mountaineer, except engine codes 2G-960-AA and 2G-964-AA

Use kit 2U3Z-6D256-BA (non blance shaft engines) for:
-99-01 4x2 Explorer/Mountaineer
-01-02 4x2 Sport/Sport Trac
-02 Explorer/Mountaineer with engine codes 2G-960-AA and 2G-964-AA
-All 2001-02 Ranger

Labor Time: Estimated around 6 hours

[HiTekRedNek]

FORD: 1997-2000 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER

ISSUE: A "knocking" noise at start up for up to 2 minutes from the left hand front chain cassette area may occur on some vehicles. After engine shutdown, the tensioner oil supply gallery empties. The noise may be due to air entering the left hand tensioner when the engine is restarted.

ACTION: Replace the left hand camshaft tensioner with a revised Tensioner Kit. Refer to the Instruction Sheet within the Tensioner Kit for service procedure details.


Recall 00M12
November 2000

To: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers

Subject: Owner Notification Program 00M12 - Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2001 Explorer Sport/Sport-Trac Vehicles Equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engines - Camshaft Chain Tensioner and Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Additional Coverage

PROGRAM TERMS: On the affected vehicles, this program extends the coverage for the 4.0L SOHC camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gasket to 6 years or 72,000 miles from the vehicle’s warranty start date, whichever occurs first. This coverage will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. If the vehicle already has more than 72,000 miles, this coverage will last until April 30, 2001.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines built at the Louisville Assembly Plant and St. Louis Assembly Plants from Job #1, 1997 through April 7, 2000.

Certain 2001 Explorer Sport and Sport-Trac vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines built at the Louisville Assembly Plant from Job #1 through April 7, 2000.

SERVICE ACTION

Owners of affected vehicles are being notified that Ford Motor Company is providing additional coverage for the affected engine camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gaskets.

If either the camshaft chain tensioner or lower intake manifold gasket should require replacement, dealers are instructed to install both of these upgraded parts at the same time, at no charge to the customer.

The no charge coverage for this condition is available for 6 years or 72,000 miles from the vehicle’s warranty start date, whichever occurs first, and will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. If the vehicle already has more than 72,000 miles, this coverage will last until April 30, 2001.

Please read Attachment IV (Question & Answer Sheet) for more details.

REASONS FOR THIS PROGRAM
We have incorporated enhancements into newly produced Explorer 4.0L SOHC engines. The long-term benefits of these improvements are being offered to prior customers.

The need to install a replacement camshaft chain tensioner is typically indicated by an engine rattling noise that occurs just after cold engine start up and goes away within a few minutes after the engine is running. Rough idle and low idle are symptoms which may, in some cases, indicate an intake manifold leak.

The condition of either or both of these components will not cause engine damage or failure, but may decrease the customer's satisfaction with their vehicle.

[HiTekRedNek]

And then there is TSB 020801, I am unable to find that one.

[Mike@Appliancepros]

Ya but 6 hours labor at Rossmeyers ford must be $10,000 or more.

[larrington2]

So there was a recall on the engine in 2000. I wonder HighTek, if there is a way of knowing what percentage of these engines built for the 2001 Explorer XLT 4x4 model suffered the same ailment, seeing it is supposed to have the upgrades already? Just curious.

[HiTekRedNek]

Most Ford dealers are between $75 - $80 p/labor hour. The time is usually 6 hours to do the job, but doesn't necessarily represent how many labor hours you will be charged for.

For example:

1999-2000 4.6L Crown Victoria upper intake manifold. There was a leak in the original design, so there was a coolant issue. They made a new design which was a lot better.

Cash - Paid 6 hours
Warranty - Paid 3.4 hours

Time to actually do the job......I can do it in under 2, from pulling the car in to delivering the car back. It was a recall for LE cars, they didn't want to risk a car in a high speed chase.

[HiTekRedNek]

So there was a recall on the engine in 2000. I wonder HighTek, if there is a way of knowing what percentage of these engines built for the 2001 Explorer XLT 4x4 model suffered the same ailment, seeing it is supposed to have the upgrades already? Just curious.

Call the Ford dealer, and have them run your VIN...when I was with Ford they could run an "Oasis Report" which would tell me what recalls were done, and which were outstanding.

[HiTekRedNek]

http://www.ford.com/owner-services/m...ll-information

Get your VIN and it will tell you what was recalled in your vehicle, if that item was paid for by you, then typically Ford will want the reciept and proof of payment and if the recall is still in effect they may issue a refund. I say MAY and use the word strongly

[HiTekRedNek]

They don't want the engines to last long anymore because they want you to buy a new car every 4-5 years. At that point it will be cheaper to buy a new car then replace the engine. JMO

Actually, that is why they made modular motors, so you didn't have to buy the entire thing. Just the section you needed. One of the best ideas Ford had.

[LawStudent]

HiTek,
Is it true that over-head Cams are more trouble. I had heard that. I had trouble with an over-head cam once and took it out. It was worn. Took it to a machine shop and had it built back up and damn if it didnt work. We had gone to several junk yards and couldn't fine that particular cam. This has been yearsssssssss ago.