• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Balance shaft or not??


Marty'70

New Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
77
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
West-central PA.
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.5
Transmission
Manual
Ok, so I have an 04 with a 4.0 that had over 160,000 on it. The timing chains rattled then and still do so it's time to do the nasty. My question is as I was looking for parts , some places (Rock Auto) has an option for with balance shaft or without. Do I have one or not? I have never dove into a 4.0 other than simple things like hoses belts and thermostat. Also was wondering if someone had a step by step instructions so I could look at before doing the old " well shit I didn't have to do that!" Like most other jobs you do for the first time as a learning curve. Any suggestions for other things to do while the engine is out would be cool as well. Thanks guys. This place is awesome for info.

Sent from my ASUS_P00J using Tapatalk
 


adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
Ford Technician
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
34,623
Reaction score
3,614
Points
113
Location
Dillsburg PA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15
Buy the kit for the one with a balance shaft. The price difference is usually insignificant, but the only sure way I have found to know is to pull the front cover off.

Also be aware of several other things.

1) The engine pretty much has to come out to do the rear chain, which is probably the one giving you trouble.

2) You will need external torx sockets.

3) Some of the bolts, particularly the ones at the rear of the engine, are left-handed thread.

4) The cams are not keyed. You will need special holding and alignment tools to do the job correctly.
 

fastpakr

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
U.S. Military - Veteran
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
8,031
Reaction score
2,849
Points
113
Location
Roanoke, VA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
285/75-16
For what it's worth, there's an active thread over at Explorer Forum where users are testing out manual chain tensioners on the SOHC. Might be worth a look.
 

Marty'70

New Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
77
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
West-central PA.
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.5
Transmission
Manual
4) The cams are not keyed. You will need special holding and alignment tools to do the job correctly.[/QUOTE]

Wasn't aware of the tools required. I do have torx sockets both internal and external, but where do I get the timing tools?


Sent from my ASUS_P00J using Tapatalk
 

RonD

Official TRS AI
TRS Technical Advisor
Joined
Jun 2, 2012
Messages
25,363
Reaction score
8,374
Points
113
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Ford OTC 6488

Is the 4.0l SOHC timing chain tool kit, look on craigslist or ebay for "used" kits, people buy and sell these because they are a use once type item unless you are a full time shop mechanic

You can also check local tool rental places, there is a larger kit that has the alignment tools for multiple Ford engines, I think its the OTC 6690
 

Marty'70

New Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
77
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
West-central PA.
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.5
Transmission
Manual
Thanks Ron!

Sent from my ASUS_P00J using Tapatalk
 

Marty'70

New Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
77
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
West-central PA.
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.5
Transmission
Manual
Ford OTC 6488

Is the 4.0l SOHC timing chain tool kit, look on craigslist or ebay for "used" kits, people buy and sell these because they are a use once type item unless you are a full time shop mechanic

You can also check local tool rental places, there is a larger kit that has the alignment tools for multiple Ford engines, I think its the OTC 6690
The description of this says for 97-02? Is this the right one? I don't think they changed anything.

https://www.ebay.com/p/OTC-6488-Ford-SOHC-4-0l-V6-Cam-Service-Kit/17017016410?iid=382557283606&rt=nc&opts=opick

Sent from my ASUS_P00J using Tapatalk
 

adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
Ford Technician
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
34,623
Reaction score
3,614
Points
113
Location
Dillsburg PA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15
That looks like the kit.
 

Marty'70

New Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2016
Messages
77
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
West-central PA.
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.5
Transmission
Manual
Ok guys thanks again

Sent from my ASUS_P00J using Tapatalk
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Mudtruggy
May Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top