SOHC 4.0 thermostat housing upgrade

[morsetaper2]

My thermostat housing leak is not that big. As some days it leaks a little, other days it doesn't. But the way I understand it is only going to get worse.

 

[sgtsandman]

Simmons alum thermo hsg arrived yesterday. I need to get the tensioners, and some other parts in before I get started on all of this.

Kinda looks like w/ thermo hsg removed, as it needs replaced, the frt/driver side tensioner really isn't bad to do? Do I have that right?

It gives you a good deal more room. The intake manifold is the biggest obsticle, if you still have it on the engine when you go to install the tensioners.

 

[morsetaper2]

So reading about tensioners and ordering up parts, I see that some tensioners come w/ a white nylon rod. An "Oil Pressure Restrictor Rod".

Digging into this Cloyes video about rebuilding the entire timing & tensioning system it is mentioned and shown shortly after they install the front tensioner. FF the youtube to 10: 45 in, the rod is pulled out shortly thereafter.

Haven't heard or read any talk about this piece? What does it actually do? And can you get it out to clean it and its port with the intake manifold still in place?

 

[sgtsandman]

I do not remember anything about a rod. Cleaning out the port in the head that feeds the tensioner, yes. But nothing about a plastic rod. I'm not saying there isn't one, I just don't remember seeing one.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I have a question about changing the one on the passenger side, behind the wheel wll cover. When you take out the old one, does a lot of oil drain out?

 

[01WHTRNGR]

So reading about tensioners and ordering up parts, I see that some tensioners come w/ a white nylon rod. An "Oil Pressure Restrictor Rod".

Digging into this Cloyes video about rebuilding the entire timing & tensioning system it is mentioned and shown shortly after they install the front tensioner. FF the youtube to 10: 45 in, the rod is pulled out shortly thereafter.

Haven't heard or read any talk about this piece? What does it actually do? And can you get it out to clean it and its port with the intake manifold still in place?

I just noticed my kit also comes with that rod. Haven’t seen anything about it anywhere else.

 

[sgtsandman]

I have a question about changing the one on the passenger side, behind the wheel wll cover. When you take out the old one, does a lot of oil drain out?

I don't remember ther being much oil coming out at all. Most of the oil drains back into the oil pan after the engine has been shut down and been allowed to sit for a while. There is a little trapped in the tensioner, but not much.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Nice!

 

[Saddle Tramp]

The intake manifold is a real PIA! I have a Craftsman deep well socket for the tensioner and it hits the bottom of the manifold before getting to the "bolt" part of the tensioner. I was able to use a 27 mil combo wrench on it but can't get the room to crank it down.

 

[gw33gp]

That is why I took off my intake. I understand someone was able to modify a socket to get the tensioner out without having to remove the intake. I don't remember who it was or what Ranger site it was on. Probably TRS.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I was able to tighten it with an medium sized adjustable wrench. Had to use it backwards, but it fit and held tight. Just wanted to pass that along.

Back to the thermostat housing.

The back bolts holding it on to the engine are on tight! I don't know the PSI the mechanic used to torque it down, but I had to use a mini breaker bar to crack them. It might be the differences in metal that caused this. Something to note for later on down the line.

 

[JJMaine]

That rod goes under the screw that is next to the front tensioner. From what I have read it never goes bad and no need to replace. I can take a photo of where it goes since my engine is on a stand if you guys want. I believe it is there to restrict oil flow and maybe increase pressure? Anyway, I'm just leaving mine alone.

 

[sgtsandman]

That rod goes under the screw that is next to the front tensioner. From what I have read it never goes bad and no need to replace. I can take a photo of where it goes since my engine is on a stand if you guys want. I believe it is there to restrict oil flow and maybe increase pressure? Anyway, I'm just leaving mine alone.

I have read that some have taken that out to clean it and put it back in and that some have experienced clogging there.

No history was given as far as what kind of oil change intervals were used and what kind of oil.

To me, as long as it is a reputable oil and it is changed at least every 7,500 miles, there shouldn't be a problem. I can't remember of Ford had a time limit on oil changes then or not but generally, it is every 6 months or the mileage, whichever comes first being the standard until they came up with these extended oil change intervals to reduce realized maintenance costs while the vehicle is still under warranty.

I've not had this engine apart but with other engines I have had apart, as long as the 6 month or mileage interval is met with a quality oil, they look pretty good inside. Varnish levels will depend on the oil used, but never any sludge or clumps that could block oil passages up.

 

[JJMaine]

It just occurred to me, I don't have my cylinder heads so I won't be able to share a photo but it's easy to find when you have the tensioner out you can look inside and see the rod.

Maybe I should clean mine out because my oil pan was FULL of sludge (rest of the motor and heads looked fine thankfully). Apparently the previous owner/owners weren't too keen on changing the oil frequently and using good oil. I change mine at least every 5k with motor craft oil and filter.