Engine swap?

[bigjerm]

How much could I expect to pay at the shop to have a donor engine swapped out for mine? Just trying to plan it out, as I'm getting some pretty loud lifter noise, and don't have the skill to mess with either. Unless the ATf treatment I'm about to try might work(make it worse maybe?). Any input would be appreciated. thanks.

 

[Angie]

What makes you think that swapping out a noisey motor for a donour motor will make the problem go away? The 4.0L motor has roller lifters attatched to solid pushrods that drive the rail mounted rockers. My guess is what you are hearing is actually rocker play ticking and not lifters. These motors will clack for ever as long as you check your oil level every week to maintain proper levels. My guess is it is cheaper to pull the valve covers off and inspect the rockers and replace them if the noise bothers you to no end. My next guess is that the motor in question is still running strong and will continue to run strong till the rings or main bearings blow. Ford had these motors made in Germany and they are a strong motor, only bad design is the oiling system, however, even with this small problem it can be over looked and forgotten about. Do a survey of other 4.0L around your town and listen to see if they also have the same noise and ask other owners near you to lift the hood and take a better listen. I bet you will find that many trucks with this motor will have the same noise.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Are you referring to an OHV or SOHC engine, because your info says 2001 Ranger, which would be the SOHC engine. The most common valvetrain noise from these is the timing chain/tensioner.

 

[Angie]

Are you referring to an OHV or SOHC engine, because your info says 2001 Ranger, which would be the SOHC engine. The most common valvetrain noise from these is the timing chain/tensioner.

ahhh good catch, i never noticed newer engine. if so, heehee ignore the pushrods....

 

[bigjerm]

Thanks you guys.It is the Sohc model. It seems to coming from around the valve cover on the drivers side. It's weird, it only makes the clacking noise after having driving a while, and then restarting after a short stop, and then only at idle. seems to idle a bit rough and low while i hear it. I can make it go away by just revving a bit. Never does it right in the morning either. Not sure what to do about it, if anything. I've had a friend try to get me to do the atf for a couple minutes, but am pretty skeptical. This thing has 115k, but the previous owner didn't change the oil much.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Well, the SOHC has a semi-complicated "camshaft drive system". The crankshaft drives a chain to a jack shaft (a shaft placed where the cam would sit in an OHV engine). From there, a sprocket runs up to the driver's side cylinder head to turn the driver's side camshaft. The chain that drives the passenger side camshaft is in the rear of the engine. It is driven from the jackshaft. The most common issue with early SOHC engines is the driver's side timing chain tensioner. It's located at the front of the engine (by the driver's side cylinder head). Is this where your noise is coming from?

 

[bigjerm]

That's where it sounds like it is coming from. Mostly does it mid-day after driving and restarting after being parked shortly. I can make it go away by just revving slightly. I'm going to get a sound clip i can post soon hopefully. Are the timing chain tensioners replaceble? I;m guessing if it's the timing chain going that im worse off. Any idea how much a rebuild should or could cost at the shop? thanks.

 

[bigjerm]

would the timing chain tensioner noise only be at idle?

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I've never personally experienced this, but from what others say the noise fades as rpm increases. You need to replace the tensioner. Someone with personal experience should step in.

I would hate for you to take on (or pay for) this project if it isn't the problem. Search the site so that you are SURE this is the cause of your issue.

 

[bigjerm]

What I'm hearing is only at idle and pretty much disappears with a just little revving, but I can hear the tapping with the windows up. Seems to be coming from the drivers side valve cover. I've taken to a few people but the noise is never on cue, and I'm mostly told to try an additive or put some atf in the oil. I think if somebody actually heard it would be a different story.lol

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I would strongly advise against adding foreign substances to your oil. Even ATF sounds iffy. Some might say it won't hurt, but you'll never see me put anything in my engine accept for 5w30 synthetic oil.

 

[bigjerm]

i finally managed to get a clip of my elusive motor noise.... this is as loud as it gets right at idle late in the day.....Please listen and help me diagnose this, will be greatly appreciated.....




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXLpdgMvn00

 

[bigjerm]

Here's another clip with it from under the hood, but it was dying down a bit..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_JNOHSrqAA


...take it out back and shoot it?