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what things should be done to a 4.0 while it’s out of the vehicle and has been sitting


stamina

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2021
Messages
227
City
Wilmington, NC
Vehicle Year
1990
Engine
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
Total Lift
4” suspension
Tire Size
265/75/r16
My credo
built her in a storage unit
4.0 ohv has been sitting for a few years in the garage and i would like to know what i should do to it before it goes in the truck, besides oil change and regasketing the whole thing what else should i do for it? that is within reason cost wise. no problems with it are known as of now.
 
Regasket everything, replace timing chains, water pump, oil pump. Couple hundred bucks wont be to bad.
dude that’s crazy those are the exact things i was gonna do glad we’re on the same page, i think everything else besides bottom end work can be done in the truck, thanks for the input💪🏼💯 anything you recommend doing before i start it 4 the first time? besides new oil, filter, coolanl, plugs and wires.
 
Before you start it for the first time, crank it for 30 seconds with the pedal on the floor, it won't start since that's "clear flood mode" so it turns off the injectors but that will give it a chance to prime the oil system.
 
If the heads are off, have the valve guides and valve seats inspected by a reputable machinist. A quality multi-angle valve job and new valve guides now could restore the level of performance to OEM/new.

This is also a great opportunity to determine if your pushrods and rockers are serviceable ..)
 
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I was holding off getting into this thread. How many miles on the engine? how did it run before it was pulled out of a truck? and why pulled?

The 2 major things I would look into doing are, oil pan gaskets and possible rear seal .... everything else can be accessed from inside the engine bay ... if there are/were no issues with a strong 4L why rip it apart?

I have turned over sitting engines that were sitting in cars/trucks for years and never needed to rip them apart before re-starting them. (unless for a reason)

Just my $0.02 ... as I have followed your other threads about engine problems.... cheers
 
I was holding off getting into this thread. How many miles on the engine? how did it run before it was pulled out of a truck? and why pulled?

The 2 major things I would look into doing are, oil pan gaskets and possible rear seal .... everything else can be accessed from inside the engine bay ... if there are/were no issues with a strong 4L why rip it apart?

I have turned over sitting engines that were sitting in cars/trucks for years and never needed to rip them apart before re-starting them. (unless for a reason)

Just my $0.02 ... as I have followed your other threads about engine problems.... cheers
yea no i’m no ripping it apart i’m going to reseal the whole thing oil and water pump + valve job i just need that damn wiring harness!
 
In all honesty depending on what you're goal is for the truck if its just a beater. Who cares..... If you are attached to the truck and want to do a restoration over time or have the mindset of this is the last truck I'm gonna have. Getting machine work done on the bottom end maybe 30 over and turn the crank 10/10 is an option with the valve job etc. Congratulations you have basically a brand new motor.... thats ready for another 150k plus in mileage
 
I’ve always wanted to go through and fix everything to make it like new or better but never seem to be able to pull it off. Always short money or a place to work or need the vehicle sooner and things get thrown together. Good on you for wanting to head off problems
 
dude that’s crazy those are the exact things i was gonna do glad we’re on the same page, i think everything else besides bottom end work can be done in the truck, thanks for the input💪🏼💯 anything you recommend doing before i start it 4 the first time? besides new oil, filter, coolanl, plugs and wires.

I would replace the valve stem seals too. Also take a look under the exhaust manifold to make sure there aren't any signs of coolant leaking from the head gasket.
 
If I may, How is the drivers side Valve cover. Mine rusted out terribly and I had to purchase another one. I got mine from an ebay junkyard seller. They are very hard to find.
 
If I may, How is the drivers side Valve cover. Mine rusted out terribly and I had to purchase another one. I got mine from an ebay junkyard seller. They are very hard to find.
both are in great condition, here’s a picture of the motor i’m gonna paint it too 😃
 

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I'd tear it down and go through it because it would piss me off to have to take it back out if something went wrong. Like Dirty Harry said "do you feel lucky?"
 
I'd tear it down and go through it because it would piss me off to have to take it back out if something went wrong. Like Dirty Harry said "do you feel lucky?"
I usually end up with a problem even when I do that sort of thing, but at least the bolts come out easier because it’s already been apart, lol
 
both are in great condition, here’s a picture of the motor i’m gonna paint it too 😃

I'd take both valve covers off, sand, prime and paint them.
 

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