SOHC 4.0 thermostat housing upgrade

[morsetaper2]

The intake manifold is a real PIA! I have a Craftsman deep well socket for the tensioner and it hits the bottom of the manifold before getting to the "bolt" part of the tensioner. I was able to use a 27 mil combo wrench on it but can't get the room to crank it down.

That is why I took off my intake. I understand someone was able to modify a socket to get the tensioner out without having to remove the intake. I don't remember who it was or what Ranger site it was on. Probably TRS.

I was able to get the front tensioner off & I installed the new one this weekend. I'm in the middle of doing a thermostat housing replacement and with all that stuff out of the way I was able to get a deep 1-1/6 socket on it for removal. And a torque wrench on it for the install. Just needed a 3" and a 1" socket extension IIRC.

The Ford tensioners, which I purchased, already come with the sealing gasket in place BTW. I didn't know that when I ordered my tensioners and I ordered gaskets at same time. Was able to return gaskets though.

 

[DILLARD000]

I'm the one who modified the socket to get the Tensioner OUT+IN without removing the Manifold,
just used a grinder to narrow down the drive end of the socket; detailed pics on my SportTrac page
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Oil_Pressurized_TimingTensioners

Can't believe I'm still routinely driving this 25+ year old 2001 SportTrac
(same drivetrain\frame\wheelbase as that years ExtendedCab Ranger);;
it continues to be a reliable and practical vehicle, even with all its original design quirks.
It will happen sooner or later, but I truely dread the day I loose this "old friend".

 

[morsetaper2]

Helpful hints for parts when replacing thermostat housing on 4.0 sohc...

The sensor retaining clips from my local Ford dealer are listed at $27.00 each!
Whenever I ask for a discount, the parts guys will apply one. They sold me one for $17.55 - still very pricey for one - but grateful for the discount.

Then afterwards I uncover that Doorman offers a replacement. It is stocked at Rock Auto for $4.52, and at Advance Auto for $10.99 - picture shows two clips, so it may or may not be a pair? Don't know. Doorman p/n 800-019.

RockAuto | All The Parts Your Car Will Ever Need

Auto Parts for Your Vehicle at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

And for the sensor O-ring, over on Ford Tech Makuloco's youtube channel he states that the sensor o-ring (not sold separately by Ford (only comes on a new sensor) is a metric o-ring with dimensions of 9mm ID X 2.5mm thickness. I measured the sensor o-ring that came w/ my Simmonz replacement thermostat housing and it was a match.

You can buy 10 of those o-rings in viton (resists etylene glcol, petroleum products, and other chemicals, good to 400*F at Mcmaster-Carr for about $5+$10 shipping for 10 pcs.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Or I imagine call Simmonz up and they'd sell you one or two.

Also saw that size o-ring at Advance Auto (p/n 24628 or T24628) in some sort of green rubber used in the A/C system. No idea what the o-ring material is though. Don't know if it is suitable for use with ethylene glycol & petroleum products?

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance