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 pieces or other surprises being 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 with an Oil Flush+Change & I switched to lighter 0w30\0w20.FullSyn. Since then the engine is 100kMiles+10Yrs older, is\was overdue for new Oil Pressurized Tensioners; plus both myself & vehicle have retired from daily commutes. It's assigned to snow plowing 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 ~500rpm, as part of an effort to generally minimize wear during cold starts, specificly to minimize wear on 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, this left Tensioner is harder to access with little working space between Manifold & TStat; a TempSensor on the TStat was moved to improve clearance; click here for details.
Use only the OEM Tensioner noted below; cheap NoBrand Tensioners often fail & damage Guides+Engine.
How to PrePrime new Tensioners: dip in fresh oil & pump pin several times, then press 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.
How to PrePrime new Tensioners: dip in fresh oil & pump pin several times, then press 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
- 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:
- 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
- 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/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://youtu.be/MHHzXUtmErg?t=1 Timing JackTensioner+LeftGuide+RghtGuide Fail
- https://youtu.be/LB1UNBeaWJQ?t=15 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
