As of this 2020 writing, I am just dumb lucky, not having had any TimingChain component failure with this 20Year old V6-4.0L~SOHC engine; the only item noticed is momentary rattling with very cold morning starts. The recent removal of the lower oil pan & pumps screen was clean without any TimingGuide pieces or other surprises found in the Pan\Screen\Girdle. In 2010, on first becoming aware of the notorious Tensioners+Guides in this engine, I had a trusted mechanic install new Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners, followed by an Oil Flush+Change; I have since used lighter 0w30\0w20~FullSyn oil. Now the engine is 100kMiles+10Yrs older & is (or was) overdue for new OilPressurized Tensioners; both myself & vehicle have retired from daily commutes, & it's assigned to snow plow duty or occasional substitute for the car, thus wife assigned me this maintenance chore, as detailed below.
The IACValve SetScrew was also adjusted, lowering StartingFlare by approximately 500rpm, as part of an effort to generally reduce engine wear during StartUp, specificly to reduce wear on TimingChainGuide components.
TimingTensioner Tools
BASIC TOOLS
* 0i500 Drive Rachet
* 20i Extension
* 1i063 \ 0m027 12pt Wrench
* 0i500 Drive Rachet
* 20i Extension
* 1i063 \ 0m027 12pt Wrench
MODIFIED SOCKET
* 0m027Hex 12pt DeepSocket
* Depth Shortened To Fit Left Tensioner
* DriveEnd Narrowed To Clear Manifold
* Modified With BenchGrinder
* 0m027Hex 12pt DeepSocket
* Depth Shortened To Fit Left Tensioner
* DriveEnd Narrowed To Clear Manifold
* Modified With BenchGrinder
TORQ TOOLS
* 0i500 Drive TorqBeam \ TorqRachet
* With 20~70FtLb MinimumRange
* 0i500 Drive TorqBeam \ TorqRachet
* With 20~70FtLb MinimumRange
TimingTensioner At EngineLeftDriversSide
DIMENSIONS
* Click Image For Larger View
* Click Image For Larger View
COMPARISON
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Part Initially Crunchy + Gritty + Stiff
* CarbThrottleSpray & It Feels Like New
* 1stTry With New Washer wOut Teflon
* 2ndTry With Washer Wrapped In Teflon
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Part Initially Crunchy + Gritty + Stiff
* CarbThrottleSpray & It Feels Like New
* 1stTry With New Washer wOut Teflon
* 2ndTry With Washer Wrapped In Teflon
REMOVAL+INSTALL
* TStat UpperHoses+Sensors Removed
* Modified Socket Clears Intake Manifold
* TensionerOilPipeReducer @LowerLeft
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt = Oil Leaking @SeatScar
* 2ndTry 60LbFt + TeflonWrap = No Leak
* TStat UpperHoses+Sensors Removed
* Modified Socket Clears Intake Manifold
* TensionerOilPipeReducer @LowerLeft
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt = Oil Leaking @SeatScar
* 2ndTry 60LbFt + TeflonWrap = No Leak
OIL PIPE REDUCER \ RESTRICTOR
* Click Image For Larger View
* Remove PipePlug With 30Torx Ratchet
* Remove ReducerRod With Tweezers
* CarbThrottleSpray Clean & ReInstall
* ReSeal Plug With RTV Or TeflonTape
* Click Image For Larger View
* Remove PipePlug With 30Torx Ratchet
* Remove ReducerRod With Tweezers
* CarbThrottleSpray Clean & ReInstall
* ReSeal Plug With RTV Or TeflonTape
TimingTensioner At EngineRightPassengerSide
DIMENSIONS
* Click Image For Larger View
* Click Image For Larger View
COMPARISON
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Part Initially Crunchy + Gritty + Stiff
* CarbThrottleSpray & It Feels Like New
* 1stTry With New Washer wOut Teflon
* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
* Old Part Initially Crunchy + Gritty + Stiff
* CarbThrottleSpray & It Feels Like New
* 1stTry With New Washer wOut Teflon
REMOVAL+INSTALL
* Hole Drilled In Skirt For DriveExtension
* Ratchet Clears Skirt With 20i Extension
* TensionerOilPipeSupply @LowerRight
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt wOut Teflon = No Leak
* Hole Drilled In Skirt For DriveExtension
* Ratchet Clears Skirt With 20i Extension
* TensionerOilPipeSupply @LowerRight
* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
* 1stTry 49LbFt wOut Teflon = No Leak
EngineColdStart Procedure
When a V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine hasn't run for 12 hours or longer, this EngineColdStart routine is recommended
for general PreLubrication of the Engine critical 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
- Release GasPedal, Let Engine START, Then Allow Key To SpringReturn To RUN
- InstrumentCluster 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 below:
- 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://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-replace-rebuild-or-remanufactured.438266
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/04-oil-pan-removed-and-found-this.471051
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/look-what-i-found-in-my-oil-pan-what-is-it.472148
- 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/timing-chain-pn-for-replacement.486638
- 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-v6-timing-chain-related-pns.316665
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-parts-sources.317039
- 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/source-for-sohc-hydraulic-chain-tensioner-seal-solved.485606
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-kits.485735
- 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.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2001-ford-explorer-sporttrac-oilpressurized-timing-tensioners-replaced.488855
- 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/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/no-compression-in-4-0-sohc.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://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 LeftOilRestrictorBypass Mod
- https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/ford-timing-chain-tensioner-cutaway.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://youtu.be/gnHB1VA6C2M?t=12 Timing RghtGuide Hack
- https://youtu.be/9_3inbJoYyA?t=1 Timing RghtOilByPass Mod
- 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 CloyesParts Not FordParts
- https://youtu.be/GX1oMHwm1JQ?t=1 Timing ReBuild Left+RghtTensioners SwappedWrong
- https://youtu.be/pwUmIDTX0gs?t=9 Timing ReBuild WithEnginPull
- https://youtu.be/Da7SK6uCE8Y?t=3 Timing ReBuild EngineInStall
- 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
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