$6k quote for head gaskets on 4.0 SOHC?

[JJMaine]

I guess it isn't critical since the motors coming out for head gaskets at the least anyway. Fwiw, I started it before work this morning and it ran great with no ticking.

 

[sgtsandman]

I guess it isn't critical since the motors coming out for head gaskets at the least anyway. Fwiw, I started it before work this morning and it ran great with no ticking.

Maybe it's just the tensioners that use oil pressure to operate are wearing out then.

Chain guides should be making noise whether it's warm or cold.

 

[JJMaine]

Yeah it caught me off guard because it's never made that sound. I guess if all goes to plan I should do the whole timing setup on this motor as well this winter. I'm not looking forward to it but what are you going to do?

And new tensioners at least on the donor motor?

 

[sgtsandman]

Yeah it caught me off guard because it's never made that sound. I guess if all goes to plan I should do the whole timing setup on this motor as well this winter. I'm not looking forward to it but what are you going to do?

And new tensioners at least on the donor motor?

I would. We recommend changing them every 70,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on who you talk to. I prefer every 70,000. You also don't have to prefill and pressurize them. Some instructions tell you to do that. It just makes it harder to install them if you do.

Also, check the oil passages that feed the tensioners. Some times they get clogged up. A pipe cleaner will fit in there.

 

[JJMaine]

Thanks guys for all your help and suggestions, I really appreciate it. I know I've been all over the place trying to figure this out. Currently having a go with the IRS over the money they owe me for my 2023 tax returns and then my truck starts taking a dump on me 12 days before winter so it had me a bit frazzled lol.

If my truck does have the timing chain rattle will that be fixable when I have the engine out or is that a "scrap the engine" type scenario?

Now I'm contemplating just pulling my own motor and put all of my effort into going right through it. I can grab that other Ranger for $1000 but I could also just put that $1000 into parts and cylinder head work on my motor.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It will be fixable... unless it comes jumps time and beats the hell out of things.

I don't pump up the tensioners when I rrplace them either. I just pull the fuel pump relay and crank the engine to fill the system with oil a few times. The plug the relay in and fire it up.

 

[JJMaine]

Awesome thanks. It won't jump time as I don't plan to drive it until it's fixed. If need be my boss said I can take a truck home until I get mine sorted.

 

[sgtsandman]

Thanks guys for all your help and suggestions, I really appreciate it. I know I've been all over the place trying to figure this out. Currently having a go with the IRS over the money they owe me for my 2023 tax returns and then my truck starts taking a dump on me 12 days before winter so it had me a bit frazzled lol.

If my truck does have the timing chain rattle will that be fixable when I have the engine out or is that a "scrap the engine" type scenario?

Now I'm contemplating just pulling my own motor and put all of my effort into going right through it. I can grab that other Ranger for $1000 but I could also just put that $1000 into parts and cylinder head work on my motor.

Fordtecmakuloco has a video series on replacing the guides, how to lock everything in time, and make sure they are still in time during installtion. Everything, start to finish. I can't remember if he gave torque spec though. So, you might want to pick up a service manual. Not a Haynes but an actual Ford Service Manual. Check ebay for them. Worse comes to worse, Helm incorporated sells them. They aren't cheap but they are worth every nickle spent on them.

 

[JJMaine]

Thanks sgtsandman, I remember using his videos on my Ford Edge as well they are helpful so I'll check them out for sure! Already have the service manual, I found it for a steal on eBay when I bought my truck. My biggest worry now is being able to drag the motor into my shop after getting it out of the truck but I'll figure that out when the time comes I can lay plywood down like someone suggested earlier.

 

[sgtsandman]

Engine puller or engine stand, neither wants to roll straight but and engine stand does tend to be the easier of the two. Mostly because the engine isn't swinging back and forth while you are trying to move it.