Engine Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners

As of this 2020 writing, I'm just dumb lucky, not having had any TimingChain component failure with this 20yr old V6-4.0L~SOHC engine; only issue noticed is momentary rattling during very cold morning starts. The recent removal of the lower Oil Pan & Pump Screen was clean, without any TimingGuide shrapnel nor other surprises being found in the Pan\Screen\Girdle. After first becoming aware in 2010 of the notorious Tensioners & Guides in this engine, I had a trusted mechanic install new Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners, followed with an Oil Change, then I switched to lighter 0w30\0w20.FullSyn. Since that time, the engine is 100kMiles+10Yrs older & is or was overdue for new Oil Pressurized Tensioners. Both myself & vehicle have since retired from daily commutes; it's assigned to snow plowing or occasional substitute for another car, thus the wife assigned me the maintenance task of replacing these 2 TimingTensioners as detailed below. The IACValve SetScrew was also adjusted, lowering StartingFlare ~500rpms; part of an effort to generally minimize engine wear during cold starts, specificly to minimize wear on engine TimingGuide components.

TimingTensioner At EngineLeftDriversSide
Compared to the right rear Tensioner, the left Tensioner is difficult to access with little room between the Manifold & the TStat; a TempSensor on the TStat was moved to improve clearances; click here for details. Use only the OEM Tensioner noted below; cheap NoBrand Tensioners often fail & damage Guides+Engine. To PrePrime a new Tensioner, dip in fresh oil & pump pin several times, then press the oil out using a vice.



TimingTensioner At EngineRightPassengerSide
Compared to the left Tensioner, this right rear Tensioner is much easier to access: remove the right front Wheel & lower MudSkirt & drill a hole in the plastic upper MudSkirt for a straight angle with 20i Extension. Use only the OEM Tensioner noted below; cheap NoBrand Tensioners often fail & damage Guides+Engine. To PrePrime a new Tensioner, dip in fresh oil & pump pin several times, then press the oil out using a vice.



EngineColdStart Procedure
If a V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine hasn't run in 12hours or longer, this EngineColdStart routine is recommended to generally PreLubricate critical Engine components & specificly to PrePressurize the TimingTensioners.
 * Turn Key To RUN Not START, Let InstrumentCluster Lamp+BuzzerTest Complete
 * Push+Hold GasPedal To Floor, InstrumentCluster OilPressureNeedle Should Be At Zero
 * Turn Key To START, Let Engine CRANK Without Starting Until OilPressureNeedle Moves Or ~10secs
 * Let Key SpringReturn To RUN, Engine CRANK Should Stop
 * Release GasPedal, Turn Key To START; When Engine STARTS, Let Key SpringReturn To RUN
 * OilPressureNeedle Should Quickly Rise+Hold At MidGage Position

Links To Related Info
Thanks go to the brave souls who've preceded me in similar adventures & freely shared their experience:
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20200710121000if_/http://www.underhoodservice.com/exploring-service-needs-on-the-ford-4-0l-v6-engine
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20200527100537if_/http://workshop-manuals.com/ford/explorer_2wd/v6-245_4.0l_sohc_vin_e_efi/engine_cooling_and_exhaust/engine/timing_components/timing_chain_tensioner/component_information/technical_service_bulletins/all_other_service_bulletins_for_timing_chain_tensioner/99-26-5/dec/99/engine_knocking_noise_from_left_side_at_start_up#page=0
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20210515142216if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-replace-rebuild-or-remanufactured.438266
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20211014182255if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-related-pns.316665 Timing Parts
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-parts-sources.317039 Timing Parts
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-pn-for-replacement.486638 Timing Parts
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/source-for-sohc-hydraulic-chain-tensioner-seal-solved.485606 Timing Parts
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-kits.485735 Timing Parts
 * https://www.google.ca/search?q=%2B%22Fel-Pro+TCS-45986%22&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwj9mavChd70AhWDY60KHU5iADoQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=%2B%22Fel-Pro+TCS-45986%22&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CpDVipDWCbFWgAcAB4AIABYogBvgGSAQEymAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=ls21Yf32MoPHtQXOxIHQAw Timing FrontCoverGaskets
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/starting-my-00m12-installation.261439
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/98-sohc-cold-start-idle-problem.61152
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-rear-timing-chain-tensioner-oil-leak.395421
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-rattle-resolution-process-sohc-v6.278100
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-parts-removal-procedure.316471
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/retitled-sohc-engine-removal-rebuild.479104
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-pictures.161701
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/high-mileage-sport-trac-250k-and-counting.478260
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-4-0-no-oil-pressure-at-upper-tensioner.402152
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-noise.473831
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/install-manual-polaris-rzr-tensioners-in-4-0-sohc.483728
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/rzr-manual-tensioner.482886
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/disable-balance-shaft-by-removing-chain.483243
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/balance-shaft-myth-debunked.255402
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/explorer-balance-shaft.221345
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2003-4-0l-timing-chain-balance-shaft-question.485319
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-replacement-and-balance-shaft-delete.437135
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/balance-shaft-tensoner-parts-found-in-pan.451801
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/balance-shaft-chain.376001
 * https://www.explorertalk.com/threads/99-4-0-sohc-timing-chain-repairs.45084
 * https://sohcreplace.blogspot.com/2008/06/1997-2005-4.html
 * https://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40715
 * https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/surprises-when-doing-tensioner-and-guide-replacement.189696/page-2
 * https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/tensioners-replacement-fail.156055
 * https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/aftermarket-sohc-timing-chain-guides.185509
 * https://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/101016-yeller-2002-4-0-sohc-engine-rebuild.html
 * https://www.v6mustang.com/threads/4-0-sohc-rebuild.277619
 * https://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/engine/1707-jasper-engines-remanufactured-crate-engine-and-transmission-in-an-01-ford-ranger
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/replace-all-4l-timing-chain-guides-without-removing-engine-or-special-tools.485343
 * https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-ohv-sohc-v6-tech-33/2001-4-0-v6-timing-chain-possible-fixes-157991
 * https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1631166-sohc-tensioners-question.html
 * https://youtu.be/z2x6EI47HeU?t=1 Timing Fail Rattle
 * https://youtu.be/HZwjpvwOZ6I?t=1 Timing Fail Rattle
 * https://youtu.be/nM_Tt2hjbj0?t=32 Timing Fail Rattle
 * https://youtu.be/nM_Tt2hjbj0?t=358 Timing Fail Rattle
 * https://youtu.be/bRQiFIPTric?t=141 Timing Fail Rattle
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20210903072702if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/stuff-in-the-oil-pan.494927 Timing Fail OilPanBrokens
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20210515142600if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/04-oil-pan-removed-and-found-this.471051 Timing Fail OilPanBrokens
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/look-what-i-found-in-my-oil-pan-what-is-it.472148 Timing Fail OilPanBrokens
 * https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/191436 Timing Fail ValveDamage
 * https://youtu.be/MHHzXUtmErg?t=1 Timing JackTensioner+LeftGuide+RghtGuide Fail
 * https://youtu.be/LB1UNBeaWJQ?t=15 Timing JackTensioner Fail
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20210930050540if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-cassette-pieces-in-oil-pan.495414 Timing JackTensioner Fail
 * https://web.archive.org/web/20210718014430if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/plastic-pieces-found-in-oil-pan.494310 Timing JackTensioner Fail
 * https://youtu.be/b2NvDAShANE?t=136 Timing JackLowerGear wOut\With BalancShaft
 * https://youtu.be/eCKOHVdv98c?t=1 Timing JackUpperGear+Chain+Guide+Tensioner ReMoval
 * https://youtu.be/HVROVcmLpQU?t=1 Timing JackUpperGear+Chain+Guide+Tensioner InStall
 * https://youtu.be/PAv6oCDXAV0?t=1 Timing Left+RghtTensioner
 * https://youtu.be/ARiWMRnrYTg?t=34 Timing Left+RghtTensioner Fail
 * https://youtu.be/q_hzBq11HWQ?t=1 Timing Left+RghtTensioner Primed=HardInStall Oiled=EasyInStall
 * https://youtu.be/-5mI-ah4qRQ?t=1 Timing LeftTensioner RePlace
 * https://youtu.be/j5fno9JdZaA?t=3 Timing Left+RghtTensioner RePlace
 * https://youtu.be/92e5Qh42ULI?t=93 Timing LeftTensioner Fail
 * https://youtu.be/DfVPrSAd3Og?t=1 Timing LeftTensioner Hack
 * https://youtu.be/YSxAxQFZ0AA?t=1 Timing LeftGuide Replace
 * https://youtu.be/9_3inbJoYyA?t=0 Timing LeftTensioner OilRestrictorBypassMod
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/490702 Timing RghtTensioner CutAway
 * https://youtu.be/D9QfX4SO7DM?t=0 Timing RghtTensioner CutAway
 * https://youtu.be/P4N5E_RfYpE?t=1 Timing RghtTensioner RePlace
 * https://youtu.be/u3WyE4nOmHs?t=1 Timing RghtGuide Fail
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/493838 Timing RghtGuide RePlace
 * https://youtu.be/gnHB1VA6C2M?t=12 Timing RghtGuide Hack
 * https://youtu.be/_PpVvGpO0tg?t=1 Timing BalancTensioner Fail
 * https://youtu.be/LyGQsHZEpXM?t=1 Timing BalancShaft
 * https://youtu.be/52_ehMNpDps?t=1 Timing BalancShaft
 * https://youtu.be/LyGQsHZEpXM?t=0 Timing BalancShaft
 * https://youtu.be/52_ehMNpDps?t=0 Timing BalancShaft
 * https://youtu.be/6_u6Me2WooA?t=1 Timing BalancShaft Delete
 * https://youtu.be/xKTZMl35-hw?t=1 Timing ReBuild
 * https://youtu.be/C3EIC2g2nkI?t=13 Timing ReBuild
 * https://youtu.be/oh-RueWyX_Y?t=1 Timing ReBuild
 * https://youtu.be/LVnG10Rpi4M?t=54 Timing ReBuild
 * https://youtu.be/wMQx-RRF0Wk?t=1 Timing ReBuild
 * https://youtu.be/xAEA4y8bnIA?t=14 Timing ReBuild
 * https://youtu.be/WJax1KPtRB8?t=17 Timing ReBuild With NonFord Cloyes Parts
 * https://youtu.be/GX1oMHwm1JQ?t=1 Timing ReBuild Left+RghtTensioners SwapErr
 * https://youtu.be/pwUmIDTX0gs?t=9 Timing ReBuild With EnginPull
 * https://youtu.be/Da7SK6uCE8Y?t=3 Timing ReBuild Engin InStall
 * https://youtu.be/-6LC3pkw6z8?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 1of4
 * https://youtu.be/5HjgWJyte2Y?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 2of4
 * https://youtu.be/F5wNbgxvd7g?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 3of4
 * https://youtu.be/x27E49pM11Y?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 4of4
 * https://youtu.be/xAEA4y8bnIA?t=14 Timing ReBuild
 * https://youtu.be/WJax1KPtRB8?t=17 Timing ReBuild With NonFord Cloyes Parts
 * https://youtu.be/GX1oMHwm1JQ?t=1 Timing ReBuild Left+RghtTensioners SwapErr
 * https://youtu.be/pwUmIDTX0gs?t=9 Timing ReBuild With EnginPull
 * https://youtu.be/Da7SK6uCE8Y?t=3 Timing ReBuild Engin InStall
 * https://youtu.be/-6LC3pkw6z8?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 1of4
 * https://youtu.be/5HjgWJyte2Y?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 2of4
 * https://youtu.be/F5wNbgxvd7g?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 3of4
 * https://youtu.be/x27E49pM11Y?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOut EnginPull 4of4