Engine swap help

[Eaves]

I recently bought a 2003 B4000 that had jumped timing. I have a line on a 2010 b4000 engine. Can these two years be swapped? I was told that I would have to change out a lot of parts to make it work. Is this true? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Just trying to see what I'd be getting myself into.

 

[Colin]

They're both sohc 4.0s there might be a couple changed sensors but for the most part they should be the same.

 

[Guanfy]

To add on to what Colin said the block itself might be compatible but sensor locations or number of wires may have changed over that span of time. That would necessitate some soldering or replacing chunks of the wire harness. My suggestion would be to check a website like partshotline.com and see what comes up when you look for a compatible engine block. I ran a search right quick and only saw results for 2001-2003 4.0 blocks. That tells me the 2010 block you are looking out would probably drop in but it won't be a 1 for 1 direct bolt in.

 

[Eaves]

Alright. Im asking because I also found a 2003, but it has double the Km's for the same price(220,000) Im not sure how many Km's is a lot for these engines and also if in 2003 the timing chain problem was still a problem.

 

[RonD]

Go with the 2010

Swap intake manifolds, thats where most wiring and vacuum lines are

You also want to replace the Knock Sensor, or check its 2 wires carefully, they crack and break and it is hard to get at being under the intake manifold
Also check the thermostat housing, its plastic and cracks, put in new thermostat for sure, 2003 wiring may need 2 temp units on thermostat housing so use that housing or that year replacement to match 2003 wiring

Always replace rear main seal when an engine is out, its a cheap part but hard to get to if it leaks

I would replace both timing chain tensioners, just because, only use Motorcraft replacements, but this is a judgement call, I would recommend it as a service swap every 100k miles, because the down side of a failed tensioner is something you already know about
That was the timing chain issue with the 4.0l SOHC, failing tensioners, chains and guides were fine, tensioners are the parts that failed, which caused the guides to break
Not a chicken or egg thing, tensioners were the failure point

 

[Eaves]

Thanks a lot everyone.
You sounded so confident that I ordered the 2010, should be here tomorrow.

 

[Guanfy]

Good for you! Understand though an engine swap is alot like painting. It's all in the prep. Make sure you have everything you need and plenty of time before you get started.