Timing Chain Tensioner

My son is looking at a 1998 Explorer which has the 4.0L OHV
V6 engine (not the SOHC). It looks and runs great except for one
thing. When the engine starts there is a squeal that lasts about
a second. I've heard this noise on other Fords but have never
know the cause. I asked the owner and he said it was the the
timing chain tensioner and the noise was common on Explorers.
From what I have read in this newsgroup the the timing chain
tensioner has been a problem on the SOHC but I have not seen this
with the OHC.
I'm looking for information on this squealing when the
engine starts, how serious it could be, and what it would take
to fix it.
Thanks,
Mark

Hi Mark,

I am not familiar with the timing chain on an OHV 4.0. A good way to
check(if the owner is willing) is to remove the drive belt and start the
engine. If the noise dissapears, it's not the tensioner. If it is there, it
may be that tensioner. I don't know if it's a common problem or something to
be concerned about. A google search on 'Ford 4.0 timing tensioner' may
reveal more information. I would lean more toward the engine accessory drive
belt's tensioner or idler pulley being the culprit.

Please note that Rangers and Explorers of that vintage share the same
automatic transmission, model 5R55E. It is a smooth-shifting 5 Speed
transmission known for a lot of failures. A rebuilt unit runs about $12-1500
before installation. Do a google search on '5R55E Problems'. If the Explorer
has over 100,000 miles or has been used to tow, I would be very leery. Look
for maintenance records showing the fluid and filter changes every 20-30k,
check for a transmission cooler, and make sure it's got Mercon V.

HTH,

Carl


Carl


"Mark Barrett" > wrote in message
...
> My son is looking at a 1998 Explorer which has the 4.0L OHV
> V6 engine (not the SOHC). It looks and runs great except for one
> thing. When the engine starts there is a squeal that lasts about
> a second. I've heard this noise on other Fords but have never
> know the cause. I asked the owner and he said it was the the
> timing chain tensioner and the noise was common on Explorers.
> From what I have read in this newsgroup the the timing chain
> tensioner has been a problem on the SOHC but I have not seen this
> with the OHC.
> I'm looking for information on this squealing when the
> engine starts, how serious it could be, and what it would take
> to fix it.
> Thanks,
> Mark

Mark Barrett wrote:
> My son is looking at a 1998 Explorer which has the 4.0L OHV
> V6 engine (not the SOHC). It looks and runs great except for one
> thing. > Thanks,
> Mark

Information on this can be had on

www.explorerforum.com

Dick

Carl > wrote:
> Hi Mark,

> I am not familiar with the timing chain on an OHV 4.0. A good way to
> check(if the owner is willing) is to remove the drive belt and start the
> engine. If the noise dissapears, it's not the tensioner. If it is there, it

Carl, thanks for the response. I will try tempoerily removing
the drive belt to diagnose the problem.
Thanks,
Mark

PS: The 98 we are looking at has a manual transmission.

Bigusdickus > wrote:
> Information on this can be had on

> www.explorerforum.com

Dick, thanks for the response. I'll do some reading.
Thanks,
Mark

Mark,

Glad to see it has the manual transmission, though I have no information
about how relaible it is. Check out www.carsurvey.org

Carl



"Mark Barrett" > wrote in message
...
> Carl > wrote:
>> Hi Mark,
>
>> I am not familiar with the timing chain on an OHV 4.0. A good way to
>> check(if the owner is willing) is to remove the drive belt and start the
>> engine. If the noise dissapears, it's not the tensioner. If it is there,
>> it
>
> Carl, thanks for the response. I will try tempoerily removing
> the drive belt to diagnose the problem.
> Thanks,
> Mark
>
> PS: The 98 we are looking at has a manual transmission.
>

I just had to replace my harmonic balancer of my 2004 Explorer. I
remember that it started squealing about a month before it went bad. I
found the balancer has a middle part that is made of non-metal type.
More like a hard rubber type that keep the balancer aligned with the
rest of the belts... The service explained that it went bad & it got
off alignment & cut into my A/C manifold line. Also, my A/C stopped
working. Costed me 1300 to replace both parts... Hope this help you
locate the squealing.. could be something else.


Mark Barrett wrote:
> My son is looking at a 1998 Explorer which has the 4.0L OHV
> V6 engine (not the SOHC). It looks and runs great except for one
> thing. When the engine starts there is a squeal that lasts about
> a second. I've heard this noise on other Fords but have never
> know the cause. I asked the owner and he said it was the the
> timing chain tensioner and the noise was common on Explorers.
> From what I have read in this newsgroup the the timing chain
> tensioner has been a problem on the SOHC but I have not seen this
> with the OHC.
> I'm looking for information on this squealing when the
> engine starts, how serious it could be, and what it would take
> to fix it.
> Thanks,
> Mark