08 ranger with 4.0, have a timing chain issue?

[croatankid]

I've found what I think is a pretty good deal on an 08 ranger with the 4.0 liter engine with 133k miles. The owner says he has not changed the timing chain and that it isn't making any noise. I'm concerned that there might be a big problem waiting just round the corner for this engine. Was the timing chain problem fixed before 2008?

 

[Uncle Gump]

2003 forward should have upgraded components.

Still need to replace the tensioners though.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^

The timing chains were not the issue, the tensioners were, if a tensioner failed it allowed the chain to break its guide and damage done, engine needed to be pulled out to fix the guides

Ford redesigned the 2 long chain tensioners, so 2003/4 and up have the new design

But they should be changed every 100k miles or so just to be on the safe side, or when ever you buy a vehicle with a 4.0l SOHC, because you don't have a history

Takes about an hour to 2 hours to change both, not hard to do at all
Only use Motorcraft tensioners, and soak them in oil for an hour before installing

 

[DILLARD000]

Yep, assume the two OilPressurized TimingTensioners were not replaced at 100kMiles as they should have been.
So do that, then an Oil+Filter change every 6mth\5kMiles.
Also, change all other fluids+filters; do NOT believe any "LifeTime" claim\recommendation for fluids.
May also need to renew the Plugs+Wires+OxSensors, if they were not changed at 100kMiles.

 

[sgtsandman]

Make sure the oil ports going to the tensioners aren’t plugged up either. Run a pipe cleaner in them to make sure they are clear. They will be a hole in the side of the hole the tensioners thread into.

Since the seller is saying the chains aren’t making any noise, they are probably fine but pipe cleaners are cheap and doesn’t take that much effort to use them.

I would also ask to start the engine with the hood open to make sure. Trust but verify. The seller may be honest, lying, or doesn’t know what to listen for.

Get any maintenance records you can and if the seller says “all they ever had to do was change the oil”, expect a lot of ignored or problems that may be hidden or haven’t shown up yet but might be evident with a visual inspection.

Like mentioned above. Be prepared to be doing a bunch of fluid changes if they can show they have kept on the maintenance. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, axle fluid, and transfer case fluid if it is a 4X4 come to mind off the top of my head.

 

[DILLARD000]

The Pipe\GunCleanerBrush is a good idea; for the last few Tensioners, I've sprayed CarbThrottleCleaner
into the OilFeedPassages for the two OilPressurized TimingTensioners,
to clean any sludge buildup, then changed the Oil+Filter when done working on the Tensioners.
Doesn't seem to be a need to open up or change the OilFeedRestrictor (Plastic Stick, Nylon\Teflon?) for the LeftFront Tensioner,
as it's really not a mechanical wear item.

 

[croatankid]

this truck looks good, in the pictures. Assuming the truck is as good as it looks, would it be worth $11,000? Seems pretty high to me.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I did move this thread over to the 4.0L forum... just tidying up a bit.

I paid 13K in 2017 for my 06 Sport 4x4 with 75K easy... well maintained miles.

For a 2 wheel drive with close to twice the miles... I think it's to much. Blame the market I suppose.