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 Tools
MODIFIED SOCKET
* 0m027Hex 12pt DeepSocket
* Depth Shortened For Left Tensioner
* DriveEnd Narrowed To Clear Manifold
* Modified With BenchGrinder
* 0m027Hex 12pt DeepSocket
* Depth Shortened For Left Tensioner
* DriveEnd Narrowed To Clear Manifold
* Modified With BenchGrinder
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.
COMPARISON
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Came Out Crunchy+Gritty+Stiff
* ThrottleCleaner Makes It Feels New
* 1stTry With New Washer No Teflon
* 2ndTry With Washer Teflon Wrap
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Came Out Crunchy+Gritty+Stiff
* ThrottleCleaner Makes It Feels New
* 1stTry With New Washer No Teflon
* 2ndTry With Washer Teflon Wrap
REMOVAL+INSTALL
* Stat UpperHoses+Sensors Removed
* Mod Socket Clears Intake Manifold
* Tensioner OilWayPlug @LowerLeft
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt = Oil Leak @SeatScar
* 2ndTry 60LbFt+TeflonWrap = No Leak
* Stat UpperHoses+Sensors Removed
* Mod Socket Clears Intake Manifold
* Tensioner OilWayPlug @LowerLeft
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt = Oil Leak @SeatScar
* 2ndTry 60LbFt+TeflonWrap = No Leak
OIL REDUCER+PLUG DIMENSIONS
* ServiceKit = Ford# yL2z-9e473-aa
* Remove Plug With 30Torx Ratchet
* Remove ReducerRod With Tweezers
* CarbThrottleSpray Clean & ReInstall
* ReSeal Plug With RTV Or TeflonTape
* ServiceKit = Ford# yL2z-9e473-aa
* Remove Plug With 30Torx Ratchet
* Remove ReducerRod With Tweezers
* CarbThrottleSpray Clean & ReInstall
* ReSeal Plug With RTV Or TeflonTape
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.
COMPARISON
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Came Out Crunchy+Gritty+Stiff
* ThrottleCleaner Makes It Feel New
* 1stTry With New Washer wOut Teflon
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Came Out Crunchy+Gritty+Stiff
* ThrottleCleaner Makes It Feel New
* 1stTry With New Washer wOut Teflon
REMOVAL+INSTALL
* Hole Drilled In Skirt For Extension
* 20i Extension Clears Skirt
* TensionerOilSupply @LowerRight
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt wOut Teflon = No Leak
* Hole Drilled In Skirt For Extension
* 20i Extension Clears Skirt
* TensionerOilSupply @LowerRight
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt wOut Teflon = No Leak
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/20210515142600if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/04-oil-pan-removed-and-found-this.471051 Timing Brokens In OilPan
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/look-what-i-found-in-my-oil-pan-what-is-it.472148 Timing Brokens In OilPan
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211014182255if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-related-pns.316665 Timing Parts List
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-parts-sources.317039 Timing Parts List
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-pn-for-replacement.486638 Timing Parts List
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/source-for-sohc-hydraulic-chain-tensioner-seal-solved.485606 Timing Parts List
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-kits.485735 Timing Parts List
- 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://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/191436 Timing Fail ValveDamage
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210903072702if_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/stuff-in-the-oil-pan.494927 Timing Fail Shrapnel
- 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 BalanceShaft
- 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 Prime=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 BalanceTensioner Fail
- https://youtu.be/LyGQsHZEpXM?t=1 Timing BalanceShaft
- https://youtu.be/52_ehMNpDps?t=1 Timing BalanceShaft
- https://youtu.be/LyGQsHZEpXM?t=0 Timing BalanceShaft
- https://youtu.be/52_ehMNpDps?t=0 Timing BalanceShaft
- https://youtu.be/6_u6Me2WooA?t=1 Timing BalanceShaft 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 Cloyes Not Ford Parts
- https://youtu.be/GX1oMHwm1JQ?t=1 Timing ReBuild Left+RghtTensioners SwapErr
- https://youtu.be/pwUmIDTX0gs?t=9 Timing ReBuild WithEnginPull
- https://youtu.be/Da7SK6uCE8Y?t=3 Timing ReBuild EnginInStall
- https://youtu.be/-6LC3pkw6z8?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOutEnginPull 1of4
- https://youtu.be/5HjgWJyte2Y?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOutEnginPull 2of4
- https://youtu.be/F5wNbgxvd7g?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOutEnginPull 3of4
- https://youtu.be/x27E49pM11Y?t=0 Timing Rebuild wOutEnginPull 4of4
