4.0 SOHC head gaskets/timing chains

[Uncle Gump]

You have a good or upgraded thermostat housing?

 

[JJMaine]

You have a good or upgraded thermostat housing?

It's new motorcraft as well as the thermostat. I contemplated the aluminum housing but was overwhelmed ordering parts already so I just went with OEM. When it fails I'll most likely upgrade.

Also all new OEM radiator hoses. I figure nows the time since they are going on 15 years old and they had to come off anyway. Was going to replace the radiator as well but I got lucky and it didn't look like the previous owner used any kind of stop leak in it

 

[Uncle Gump]

You're going about it the right way...

Ya know I have a saying...

 

[Uncle Gump]

If ya drive an old Ranger...

You should really just have two old Rangers.

 

[JJMaine]

I've been eyeballing marketplace believe me! Maybe next summer when I have a bit more money to spend.

I mean, now I've got all of the 4.0 SOHC cam tools and know-how, it would be foolish to buy a different vehicle now. I'm quickly learning how some people become lifers here

 

[JJMaine]

Almost ready, just gotta dig my old thermostat housing out and get the bolts off the cover and find some slightly bigger hose clamps (I have some somewhere for it), these ones are only on by a thread. Hopefully I can recruit some help next weekend to drop the engine in.

 

[JJMaine]

Oh I just remembered, studs, exhaust manifolds and EGR too. Minor details. It's nice to see the pile of junk shrinking finally

 

[Shran]

If ya drive an old Ranger...

You should really just have two old Rangers.

That's dangerous. You'll end up needing four because you needed a spare for each of the first two.

 

[JJMaine]

Hey guys, hoping to put my engine back in this weekend and the only thing I'm unsure about is how to make 100% certain that my torque converter is seated all the way?

Is there a foolproof way to tell on these auto trans like measuring how far it sits in from the bell housing or something? I did turn it while pushing in after I got the motor out and it turns freely but not sure if that means it's seated correctly?

 

[Uncle Gump]

When installing the converter... you should feel it engage one on the splines for the converter and again for the front pump.

You could take measurements from mounting face of engine to the flex plate and again from Trans mounting face to the converter. Then ensure there is room.

The biggest thing to remember... you can't use the Trans bolts to pull it together. If you do that... you will likely damage something.

Usually the Trans will slide right up tight with a little wiggling. Providing the angle is good.