Everyones Opinion on the 4.0L

[slimchriz]

problems:
OHV Engine.
-cracked heads
-intake gaskets split fill oil with coolant takes out bottom end
-rocker arms and push rods wear into each other and rattle bad
-rear of intake gaskets leak oil
OHC Engine
-timing chain issues (all 3) cassettes brake, primary gets sloppy, tentioners go bad,
-vacuum leaks at intake all years, and at egr tube.
-heater shut offs go bad overheat happens engine usually junk.
-vibration dampers break engine vibrates bad takes out main bearings
-just a few examples.
-pain in but to work on.

poor design when went to ohc engine. when it was a ohv engine it was based off 2.9l engine. when went to ohc it was a completely redesigned engine, instead of going to the modular engine (4.6, 5.4, 6.8) design, they design the pos we are stuck with today. could have had a 6.8 v10, take off 2 cyls have a 5.4 take off 2 more have a 4.0 all intechangeable parts (pistons, rods, front cover, basic engine design but they went a different more expensive route, the modular engines by then were developed and good. they had to recast the block to accodate timing chains front and rear with a jack shaft and some a balance shaft, the modulars have 2 chains both up front much better design and easier to work on. plus now with the 4.0 to time it properly you have to spend $500 in special tools for all the holders and aligners and it is quite a project if you dont do it all the timme and it is too easy for something to slip. modulars mark the chain the way in the book telss and line up the marks no special tools need. i think it was a poor shot at a redesign engine
just my 2 cent

I think you have to realize that the people whos trucks run fine don't generally go to the mechanic "hey hun trucks running great but I'm gonna go to the dealer and pay a mechanic to tell me its still running"... So even if your the best ford mechanic in America your opinion will always be biased as you get the broken ones

 

[07-FX4]

I love my 4.0 no problems so far (knock on wood) altho I have only had since last summer. For V6 its got some decent balls too.

 

[2old4this]

I can't complain...

I've owned my Ranger about 10 yrs. It's got 170,000+ miles on it. In that time it's left me stranded twice.
1) dead battery. (you'd think a OEM battery would last more then 8yrs)
2) a flat tire. (you'd think the truck would know enough to avoid that nail!)
It's also rusted through 3 of the 4 rear spring mounts but was considerate enough to have 2 of them fail 1/4 mi from the house, the other went in the driveway. Oh I almost forgot the time the brake line went, rust again, turning it to my driveway. Fortunately the driveway is up-hill.
I did replace the clutch last year @ 160,000mi for the first time. But that's a wear idem, like brakes, plugs & wires...
Hold on none of this has anything to do with the motor so... no other then the fact that it's starting to leak oil I have have no motor problems.
No complaints!

 

[Tee Rev]

I think you have to realize that the people whos trucks run fine don't generally go to the mechanic "hey hun trucks running great but I'm gonna go to the dealer and pay a mechanic to tell me its still running"... So even if your the best ford mechanic in America your opinion will always be biased as you get the broken ones

 

[Otto]

Love my 4.0 most of the time...

Tend to geta little frustrated with it in the cold when the engine's makin all sorts of weird noises and the lack of torque/general response.

Was definatly surprised to look under the hood of my dad's 02' MDX, the other day to find out it's only a 3.5! Sheesh that thing is solid, though.

I'd give the 4.0 a 8.5/10 for power, 6/10 for responce/acceleration, 8/10 for sound(with a decent muffler), and a 7.5 for overall solidity and reliance.

 

[rednck21]

i have an 02 3.0 now and im looking at a 03+ (id like to have an 04-05) 4.0 and possibly 4wd. any particular year to get or to avoid? this 3.0 is a great engine, but i need a little more power to pull a small utility trailer now.

 

[nitrofan1]

The 4.0 push rod is outstanding. Reliable and tough. It's all in the details. TAKE CARE OF IT!! Use only the best fluids, parts etc.... My 94 gets only the best of everything. 185,000 miles, OE clutch still in the tranny and pulls like new. Only parts on the engine replaced is the water pump & tune ups. When the engine gives up the ghost I may put a 5.0 in or rebuild this one and put an iron lung on it!

 

[rednck21]

what was the first year of the SOHC 4.0?

 

[slimchriz]

2001 I thinks

 

[Ozwynn]

2001 I thinks

for the Ranger. Explorer had them b4 that.