4.0 SOHC Oil Leak

[mjonesjr]

I think I have found the culprit of my oil leak, but I need some help identifying the part and a gasket/washer part number for it.

There is a good size bolt going into the head above the passenger rear spark plug. I think this is the source of the leak. I assume this is something for the cam chains.

Is there a gasket or copper washer that goes on this bolt?

 

[gw33gp]

That is the rear timing chain tensioner. I replaced both the front and rear tensioners a couple years ago. One had seal and the other one didn't. I think it was the rear one that had the seal. I don't remember if it was copper or not. I think it was not though. Unless the seal is broken, you can probably just use a good sealant on the seal after taking it apart and cleaning it good, to stop the oil leak. Make sure to torque it to spec when reinstalling.

 

[mjonesjr]

That is the rear timing chain tensioner. I replaced both the front and rear tensioners a couple years ago. One had seal and the other one didn't. I think it was the rear one that had the seal. I don't remember if it was copper or not. I think it was not though. Unless the seal is broken, you can probably just use a good sealant on the seal after taking it apart and cleaning it good, to stop the oil leak. Make sure to torque it to spec when reinstalling.

I ordered a new tensioner from Ford today. Hopefully it comes with the seal. If not, I will put a little bit of RTV on it and hope it doesn't clog the oil port up.

 

[Revtach]

Did RTV stop the leak?

I am doing this job now and lower tensioner is leaking. There was no washer supplied when I bought the tensioner from ford so I thought it didn't need one. I just ordered it (part number XU2Z-6M252-AA) and will let you all know if it stops the leak.

 

[Revtach]

Update: ordering that washer did stop the leak. Ford should include these washers when you buy the tensioners but they don't. So make sure you order them separately or else you are going to have leaking issues.

 

[DILLARD000]

Ford V6~4.0L~SOHC
RightRear+LeftFront OilPressurized TimngTensioners+Gaskets\Seals\Washers
PartNumbers noted in pics below. Without Washer oil will leak like a stuck pig.
If leak persists even with a Washer, try SpiralWrapping the Washer with TeflonTape.
Details of my adventure replacing these at

Engine Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners

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...

2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com

 

[gw33gp]

I recently replaced my tensioners because I was doing a complete timing chain rebuild. I ordered new washers and did not get them because they were on national backorder. I reused my front washer and used a silicone sealer on the back one again. The silicone worked the first time and also the second time. I was very careful to not put too much on the sealing area because an oil port is near that surface and did not want to get any silicone in that oil port.

I don't think my rear tensioner came from the factory with a washer. The front one did and is still in use there.

 

[DILLARD000]

Seems washers are sometimes included, sometimes not.
Some part houses are more thoughtful\courteous than others.

 

[gw33gp]

This may be true but I doubt you can find an OEM hydraulic tensioner with the washer unless it is a very generous parts house.