Timing chains and camshafts on a 4.0 SOHC

[ckblum]

Hey guys, just bought an 01 Ranger real cheap with a rod through the block. Only reason I picked it up was my buddy has a motor for it already pulled and available for me. The motor he has needs the timing chains done and possibly gonna do a little top end work if needed (valve seals, pull heads). Just wondering what kind of tooling would all be needed for this? I'm thinking of buying the OTC 6488 set, will that have everything I need to tackle most of the top end work?

I'm new to these newer Rangers, I had an 87 and a 96 before, haven't been on the forum in a while as I've been a Toyota guy for the past 6 years... We'll see if this truck converts me back, or sends me off the deep end haha.

 

[adsm08]

The biggest thing you will need is the cam alignment tools. All else is basic stuff.

 

[RonD]

Yes to alignment tool

I would just do a leak down test on each cylinder before pulling the heads, a good sealed head gasket is a terrible thing to waste, lol.
Duct tape or otherwise seal the cooling system, except for 1 outlet, put a plastic bag or similar on that outlet.
When doing the leak down test watch the plastic bag, if it starts to fill with air then you have a blown head gasket, or cracked head, in the cylinder being tested.

 

[cp2295]

Also just check the plugs for any oil fouling... Maybe in the leak down test if its bad enough you will hear it (compressed air) in the bottom end (rings) or top end (valve seals) if it does indeed have an internal oil leak.

But yes the otc tool will be enough


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BillRod]

Did you find the Alignment tool yet?
I have one that I bought to use on my son's Explorer with the intent of selling once I finished the job.
I've been meaning to list these for sale on here one of these days.

It's the OTC 6488 Complete kit.
OTC 6488 Ford SOHC 4.0L V6 Cam Tool Kit

I also have the Jackshaft socket.
FORD ROTUNDA OTC KEYLESS REAR JACK SHAFT TOOL SOCKET SOHC 303-634

Let me know if you are interested.
Thanks
Bill

 

[ashleyroachclip]

I just swapped in a 2000 Ranger 4.0sohc , into a 2004 explorer,
Came from a trusted recycler with a warranty.
I was going to use the core , don't need to return it , to practice the procedure to change the timing components.

I have read from some, that this requires the removal of the heads, to change out the passenger side cassette.

Can some one that has done this confirm this for me please?
Many thanks.
Ashley.

 

[enjr44]

I am not the expert. However, I believe the heads stay on. Read through this thread again.

 

[BillRod]

Hi Ashley

You do not need to pull the head to replace the right cassette.
Since you already have the engine out it should be pretty easy from here.

Depending on how intact the cassette is will determine how easy it is to remove.
The cassette is made up of 2 halves that are connected at the bottom with a collar and a C clip.
If the composite material is in enough pieces then the cassette pieces and the Chain/Gear can be able to be pulled out the top.
If the Cassette is intact enough that it catches on the head and does not want to come out through the top then you will need to take the cassette apart at the bottom. To do that you simply need to pull the Jackshaft out which will give you enough room to remove the C clip and the small collar that holds the 2 halves together. Then you can take out each half through the top.
To remove the Jackshaft remove the 2 retaining screws on the front plate then pull the shaft out through the front.

Bill

 

[ashleyroachclip]

Bill you are a great compliment to a person's automotive library.
Thank you for taking the time to post this information.

Now let me ask if this can be done with the engine in the vehicle.

People know I work on Ford's, and seems people hate them.
So I have been asked to diagnose and repair a " LIFTER NOISE ON THE RIGHT SIDE".
From my experience, and hours of reading , it is most likely the timing cassettes.

I get paid for this work , but don't really want to do another engine removal real soon, need to let my old bones heal a bit.

Thank you again sir .
Ashley.

Bill you have a private message from me .
Let me know.

 

[BillRod]

I recently went through most of this with my Son's first Explorer.

Unfortunately the rear chain on the right side can Not be changed with the engine in the truck. There is no room for tools or anything (Barely even Fingers) between the engine and the firewall so it must be pulled.

Terrible design.

Bill

 

[ashleyroachclip]

Just getting the bellowing bolts in the top is a challenge .
Thank you sir.