Co-worker just picked up a 1997 Explorer with 238K on the clock. He bought it for a work vehicle. Hows the 4.0 hold up with high miles? TIA!
How's the Ford 4.0?
- Thread starter renegade_987
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If it's the 4.0 iron block V6 that's in the Mustangs,they're indestructible.
Yep, that one in an Exploder is a great smooth little V6.
I bet it turns out to be pretty good if it's made it that far. My son's friend has one with almost 300k miles on it that is still smooth as silk.
I bet it turns out to be pretty good if it's made it that far. My son's friend has one with almost 300k miles on it that is still smooth as silk.
If it's the OHV, I've heard zero bad about that engine. If it's the 4.0SOHC, some of the exploders had issues with those engines, timing chain/tensioner issues on some of them iirc on the passenger cam. I could be wrong though.
Its the SOHC.
My 2005 Mountaineer has a 4.0 SOHC and it is way too powerful for my needs and not that great on gas mileage, about 16.5 mpg for my use.
I heard that if you ever had to replace the cam shafts, the one comes out the back side requiring the engine be pulled.
I heard that if you ever had to replace the cam shafts, the one comes out the back side requiring the engine be pulled.
Originally Posted By: Nick R
If it's the OHV, I've heard zero bad about that engine. If it's the 4.0SOHC, some of the exploders had issues with those engines, timing chain/tensioner issues on some of them iirc on the passenger cam. I could be wrong though.
You're right. Had an '00 Explorer with the SOHC that had the issue. Although if it made it to 230k I'd say someone fixed it along the way.
If it's the OHV, I've heard zero bad about that engine. If it's the 4.0SOHC, some of the exploders had issues with those engines, timing chain/tensioner issues on some of them iirc on the passenger cam. I could be wrong though.
You're right. Had an '00 Explorer with the SOHC that had the issue. Although if it made it to 230k I'd say someone fixed it along the way.
It's the motor that made me never want an OHC engine again.
The SOHC is prone to the timing chain rattle issue from 1997-2003. If it's not making noise now, it probably won't, and may have already had the revised parts installed. Other than that, these engines are pretty solid and will go a long time. 200K-300K miles isn't uncommon, though I have seen more OHV 4.0s beyond 300K (up to 600K).
I would be more concerned about the 5R55E it probably has. It's a good trans, but many are neglected. 1997 would be prime time for the 1-2 shift flare/missed shift that can occur due to a leak in the valve body gaskets. Again, if it's not doing it, no worries, but if RPM jumps on the 1-2 shift or it seems to miss second and hunt for 3rd, time for valve body gaskets or a reman valve body. Not a major repair, but if it's ignored I would imagine it would eventually damage the clutches.
I would also inspect the rocker panels for rust. It can hide behind the plastic rocker covers for years before becoming very noticeable.
I would be more concerned about the 5R55E it probably has. It's a good trans, but many are neglected. 1997 would be prime time for the 1-2 shift flare/missed shift that can occur due to a leak in the valve body gaskets. Again, if it's not doing it, no worries, but if RPM jumps on the 1-2 shift or it seems to miss second and hunt for 3rd, time for valve body gaskets or a reman valve body. Not a major repair, but if it's ignored I would imagine it would eventually damage the clutches.
I would also inspect the rocker panels for rust. It can hide behind the plastic rocker covers for years before becoming very noticeable.
The timing tensioner issues were on the 2001-2002 models. I had a 2004 FX4 Ranger for a short period of time. Great running engine, smooth and made plenty of power.
I have that engine in my Ranger. It's kind of a gas hog but it has sooo much power
. I'm confident I can get at least 250k out of it.
I had a rwd XLT Aerostar with the ohv 4.0 but can't remember exactly what year. The engine was still strong when the transmission eventually gave out. Our family of six really put her to the test over the years and the interior was well worn when we put her out to pasture. The sliding door looked like it was about to fall out of the track from all the usage as well. I wasn't looking forward to fixing that.
My first experience with plugs and wires was a little frustrating. Once I realized to just go through the wheel well and remove the cover inside the passenger compartment, it wasn't so bad. Tire size was always an issue though. It had an oddball 14" wheel that limited my choices if I wanted something right away.
I still have some control arm bushings that I never got around to replacing if anybody wants them. They're Autodrive p/n K8219 and I have two boxes of two pieces each for a total of four. I bought them pretty cheap from Rockauto and they would be free to any regs here.
My first experience with plugs and wires was a little frustrating. Once I realized to just go through the wheel well and remove the cover inside the passenger compartment, it wasn't so bad. Tire size was always an issue though. It had an oddball 14" wheel that limited my choices if I wanted something right away.
I still have some control arm bushings that I never got around to replacing if anybody wants them. They're Autodrive p/n K8219 and I have two boxes of two pieces each for a total of four. I bought them pretty cheap from Rockauto and they would be free to any regs here.
Originally Posted By: MuzzleFlash40
The timing tensioner issues were on the 2001-2002 models. I had a 2004 FX4 Ranger for a short period of time. Great running engine, smooth and made plenty of power.
I wish our old 99 Mountaineer OHC 4.0 would have received that memo! Went tango uniform at 139k miles.
The timing tensioner issues were on the 2001-2002 models. I had a 2004 FX4 Ranger for a short period of time. Great running engine, smooth and made plenty of power.
I wish our old 99 Mountaineer OHC 4.0 would have received that memo! Went tango uniform at 139k miles.
Surprised the transmission made it. True what others say, the OHV was much more reliable than the SOHC.
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