Have YOU had 4.0 SOHC internal engine problem

[krikf]

I looking at buying a 2004 Ranger Edge with the 4.0 SOHC, 33,000 miles, and Automatic. I'm hearing very different opinions on problems with the internal chains (timing, cam, "cassettes", etc). A friend doing a test ride with me says he can hear a rattleing of BAD spark knock in the engine on this one when winding it hard above 3000 rpms.

How many of YOU readers have actually had problems in this area with your truck/Explorer or PERSONALLY know someone who has (not just HEARD of someone)? I'm trying to get an idea if it is 10% of 4.0 SOHC owners or just 0.01%.

I'm going to be pulling a small pop-up camper every 6 weeks and do a little fire wood hauling and need the power of the 4.0 but don't want to spend $10,000 for this truck and then $2000 on repairs in 6 months.

 

[CheapThrillB2]

i work in an independent repair facilty and have seen quite a few with broken chain guides/tensioners. They still run but they are quite noisy when they break.

 

[Big Jim M]

i work in an independent repair facilty and have seen quite a few with broken chain guides/tensioners. They still run but they are quite noisy when they break.

Cheapthrill only sees broken ones.. He didn't speak of all the ones that have driven past his shop and had no reason to stop in!
I do own a 4.0 and know many folks that own one or more.. I don't know of anyone having a terminal problem with the 4.0
The engine is in MANY European vehicles as well as lots and lots of American vehicles. It has meny millions of miles on it's record. I wouldn't hesitate to go for another 4.0.
Big JIm

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My parents have a 2002 Explorer with the 4.0 SOHC, 70k some odd miles and it still runs like a top. The engine has been flawless for the 3 years they have had it.

From what I understand the timing chain problems are mainly for the earlier engines (late 90-early 00's)

Spark knock may be a unrelated issue, I know my dad's GMC is really bad about it, mainly because he usually only drives it 5 miles per day and only above 25mph once or twice per week. When you do that they fill up with carbon, which increases compression.

 

[fixizin]

So I guess what krik needs to know, is how to diagnose the actual noise, and how involved/expen$ive to repair. Sorry krik, I don't know. OTOH, *any* engine noise means MAJOR NEGOTIATING LEVERAGE! Pound 'em on price... if you're calling them instead of them calling you, you're showing too much interest (I'm assuming dealership).

I know someone who knows someone who's a Ford dealership mechanic, but as Big Jim points out, he only sees the broken ones, not the fleet-wide statistics.

 

[fordwheelinman]

They were known at the shop where i work (FORD Dealer) for guides and tensioners breaking for a while. I personally put a motor in one for a guy who was driving down the road and it just shut off. Ended up being a broken guide (multiple pieces) which skipped time on the mainshaft, causing both head shafts to be out of time with the crank. It also lost a couple platelets off of the balance shaft chain. Called Fords techline and they advised the vehicle needed a motor, valves were possibly bent. Just my major encounter with them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

So I guess what krik needs to know, is how to diagnose the actual noise, and how involved/expen$ive to repair. Sorry krik, I don't know. OTOH, *any* engine noise means MAJOR NEGOTIATING LEVERAGE! Pound 'em on price... if you're calling them instead of them calling you, you're showing too much interest (I'm assuming dealership).

Honestly if I was looking at a truck and it had a bad engine noise I would plain and simple walk away. It isn't worth the hassle to deal with it on that new and expensive of a truck if you don't have to.

 

[Will]

Some searching will give you more info. This was a chronic SOHC problem with the 4.0 since it came out in 1997 to about 2001. It's so bad of a problem if it has it that I would never buy one that is making the noise.

 

[krikf]

Thanks of your input

Thanks for everyone's input. Will, as you noted, I had searched earlier posts and it seemed that the problem pretty much ended by 2002. That's why I was surprised to hear this noise on a 2004. I have a friend who works at a local Ford dealer who is going to get me in the back door tomorrow I hope and have their top 4.0 mechanic drive and listen to it. Guess I'll make a decision then.

 

[krikf]

Rattle answer

In case anyone is interested, my mechanic friends at the Ford dealer found that the rattle is a really bad spark knock. There is one tech bulletin dealing with this issues but they said it doesn't always fix the problem. Because it may take multiple parts replacements they suggested not buyiny this one until the dealer has it fixed if he will. Guess I'll pass on this one.

 

[sun417]

Here is ratings from consumer report

Reliability History
How are cars holding up? The reliability history charts give you the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on nearly 1.3 million vehicles in our latest subscriber survey, these charts give you a rundown on how 1998 through 2007 models are holding up in 17 areas, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. Find out more about how we calculate reliability.
Reliability History - Ford Ranger (4WD)Trouble spots by year 98 99 00 01 02

Hope the link works, here it is

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/models/used/ford/ranger/overview.htm

If it dosn't work let me know and I will try to e-mail the review to you.
Good Luck

 

[Big Jim M]

If it dosn't work let me know and I will try to e-mail the review to you.

Nope..It works but the site wants me to register.. I ain't gonna do that!
Big JIm

 

[Hamartia1]

I have the same problem you do. I have an 03 Ranger 4.0L SOHC, makes the same noise right past 3000RPM, its been doing it for at least 2 months now and nothings broken, so I dont think its much to worry about but if your really concerned, it probably wouldnt cost much to fix

 

[krikf]

TSB on spark knocking

The Ford mechanic friend I took the truck to found a TSB dated or numbered "05-05-09, 2004-2005 Ranger: Spark knock during acceleration - 4.0L engine" Basically it says to reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration using WDS release B35.9 and higher or B36.2 and higher. Effective date: 03/07/2005.

Since I don't own the truck yet, I have not had this done.