Ford Explorer Ranger 4.0L SOHC Startup Rattle Fix: Timing Walkthrough Pt 1 of 4 Pulling the Engine

Come along as we walk you through the timing procedure for this overly complex engine.
Here are the Tools I recommend when removing the engine:
Lifting Sling-
amzn.to/2NEtFf3
Lifting Eye-
amzn.to/2PHsWf2
Cat Claw-
amzn.to/2PDarrN
Trim Tool-
amzn.to/2Co4SJY
Fuel Line Quick Disconnect-
amzn.to/2NKgwkH
My Company BSG Automotive offers Auto Repair services in the greater Chicagoland area.
Website:
www.bsgautomotive.com
Facebook:
/ bsgautomotive
Catch up with us on-
Facebook: / fordtechmakuloco
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Instagram: / fordtechmakuloco
My company KZbin Channel- BSG Automotive providing repair advice on makes and models other than Ford: / bsgautomotive1
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Here are the Tools I recommend when removing the engine: Lifting Sling- amzn.to/2NEtFf3 Lifting Eye- amzn.to/2PHsWf2 Cat Claw- amzn.to/2PDarrN Trim Tool- amzn.to/2Co4SJY Fuel Line Quick Disconnect- amzn.to/2NKgwkH

[@terrymo6929]

I terry I have Lincoln ls v8 05 I change out hose Reservoir took it to Ford twice all of my radiator fluid comes out by the driver side the motor and the transmission when driving

[@marianlee3233]

how hard is it to pull transmission? I don't have engine hoist, no garage too, living in the city.

[@scottpena9023]

Fordtechmakuloko how many bell housing bolts are there total?

[@Sig721Tau]

FordTech Of the three engines offered by Ford, [2.3L, 3.0L, and 4.0L] which one would you prefer?

[@AllAmericanDreamChaser]

I hate the design of this engine, but Thank You for making these videos they're extremely helpful!😀👍

[@beastlyendeavour9184]

The Ford Whisperer strikes again. Revealing his ninja tricks. Another master performance. 👏👏👏👏

[@mrgerman227]

My man, through you and only you I did this to my Ranger for hundreds of dollars instead of thousands of dollars. You are truly a great mechanic and KZbinr on top of that. Thank you!

[@jonnypineda1964]

Just completed this job on my 2001 Ranger 4x4. I am a motorcycle technician not an auto technician but with this video i was able to successfully and efficiently get the job done. This guy knows his stuff and goes step by step in every video. Awesome video series! Thank you!!

[@Joshuaauck]

I learned more in 4 minutes watching this guy than the past three weeks of KZbin surfing! Thanks for much needed wisdom, you have a another dedicated viewer.

[@thollingsworth4910]

The time spent in making these videos along with the all of tips and tricks to making these jobs easier is very much appreciated.

[@jeffgenchi5863]

I have a 4.0 in my ranger. I have been wanting a series from you in this for a while. Looking forward to the next 3

[@jkhoney29]

Found this channel 3 days ago and started watching the 5.4 L timing video. Got about 15 minutes in and stopped the video and immediately subscribed to this channel. Great tutorials man keep it up.

[@tradekingdistributing3586]

Glad to see some Ranger love going on here. Love those little trucks, so simple and easy to work on. My 95 Supercab 4x2 Lima 2.3L hangs out in the garage dreaming of a 302 swap. Thanks for the series, Brian.

[@boobalew]

It's good to watch the videos more than once. I pick up a tip that I missed, almost every time! Thanks, Brian! I'm in the process of doing the job on my 2004 Explorer. The job's not fun, but your video series is a major help.

[@ftffighter]

I know very little about auto work but I love watching your videos... I watch them just to watch them since you are so knowledgable and are so astonishingly good of an orator! You are an amazing teacher! You are the Bob Ross of Automobile Mechanics!

[@dougpocock9816]

I just turned 394K on my 4.0 Explorer Sport Trac. Full synthetic lubricants from day one in the engine, transmission, rear end. I'm doing an engine out refresh now along with the TractionLok which still had material on the clutch plates. Thanks for the excellent tutorial.

[@RicardoMartinez-kr5qk]

Dude ur so legit, ive always dabbled in ur videos here and there and I don't even own a Ford. It's cool to see you work on some of the older ones, can't wait for part deux.

[@anthonyzhang4918]

YES, so happy you are making this series. I just purchased the equipment to start my replacements!

[@TheUnlimited001]

I had a 4.0 Explorer. I drove it 100k miles with the rattle before I sold it. I changed the oil every 5k. The guy that bought it still drives it and has done nothing to it. In my opinion an excellent engine with nice that’s pretty peppy for its age. Very reliable if taken care of.

[@joeharris5851]

I had 03 ranger edge 270,000 miles on it was using alot of antifreeze so I decided to put remanufactured engine in. Only has 43,000 miles on it and hear rattling noise they tell me it's coming from timing chain.

[@matos_x_]

I have to thank you for all the knowledge you have shared. For without these tutorials and walkthroughs I would not have been able to replace the timing chains in my own ‘10 v6 explorer sport trac, by myself, without ever tackling a job as big as pulling an engine from anything else before. Even after going to my usual shop they said, “You’d be better off running it until it blows”. You saved me the loss of a long revered truck that’s always been around when I needed it. Through all 4 seasons, 260,000+miles strong! And sure to be many more, thank you very much for everything.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Looking forward to the series Brian! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@soldado141]

The video becomes 10x better when it's about a car you own. Thanks in advance; my car has 240k miles, and I might have to do this one day.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I know what you mean that is why I wanted to get this one out for viewers that own something besides the usual 5.4L 3v lol.

[@gijo5088]

Our Ranger hit 225,500 and stopped running at idle in backyard. I am sure its the timing chain and going to start pulling valve covers tomorrow :) I am glad he made this video too.

[@Texasknowhow]

Man, it’s like you were reading my mind. Long time subscriber and really appreciate the videos. I’m about to do this very job on a 03 Explorer. I’m videoing all the steps for my Chanel as well. Keep up the great work! Clay

[@casualgaming8513]

I rebuilt one of these engines on an 04 Explorer. I’d have to say, dropping the motor back in was the hardest part of the whole job!

[@beefstew5608]

A lot of ranger guys just end up replacing the engine at this point. Glad to see you can fix it up! You should also show us how to swap a 5.0 from an explorer into a ranger :)

[@frankschoen6987]

The 302 swap. Love it

[@ricochetey]

Shouldn't be too bad my worry would be the wiring harness and compatability with trans or maybe you can plug and play with the harness.... or just put a 302 carb engine and call it good

[@4lpower]

@@ricochetey 98-00 ranger use 99-01 explorer wiring is the same u splice nothing with the engine harness just the battery harness is the only messing around u have to do

[@theejoeylee]

Man...those only make 215 hp. the 4.0 makes 210! Those 302s need some massaging to make the swap worth it. I would just boost the 4.0

[@charleslove2319]

I got a 84 Ho 302 I’d love to put that motor in my 2010 sport trac

[@THETOPGLOCK]

Love watching your videos man even though some don’t even pretain to my vehicle. You are very good at what you do and I appreciate the time you take to show us. Your 3v 5.4 videos have saved my butt on many occasions.

[@johnstaif846]

Until now I haven't been able to find a video for pulling the engine. Great tips! Thanks.

[@zenjix77]

I’m from Bahrain and I’m one of followers to your channel and I learn a lot from you god bless you 😊

[@robe320]

Thank you so much for making the series on the Sohc

[@1Patient]

Thank you for posting this video. That is a lot of work, ripping an engine out, rebuilding, putting back together, and reinstalling.... Great Job, Great Work. Love the way you work. Very articulate and meticulous. Thanks for wearing the gloves. I use similar tools, and protect my hands the same way.

[@chieft3357]

Hi there, I just found this 4 part series and plan to watch all when you get the videos ready. You have helped me so much with my Ford F-150 with a 5.0L Coyote engine. Also, I found you have a way to contribute to your channel so I did. ;-) All the best

[@bikebuyerr1]

Great work, recommendation for beginners like myself are to show all the tools (shopping list) needed in the beginning (Sizes, types that make it easier), I ended up going to harbor freight a few times around $400 in tools I needed for this job, and around $400 in oil, shop supplies, parts. My timing parts exploded at 200k miles on a 06 Explorer 4.0 v6 4x4 Eddie Bower. I ended up doing this alone and took me about 5 days total having never done this type of work ever. First engine pull and first time doing a timing job. Thanks to you it’s back on the road good as new and saved some money. I used Amazon, Rock Auto, Harbor Freight, Walmart, Lowe’s Hardware for the timing parts/tools needed. Good Luck and patience is needed for this job.

[@Just2362]

I have been waiting for this thank you!

[@MustangNthusiest]

Same here, waiting for this one.

[@Johnny34PDX]

Thank you for making this video series and including the parts lists. I fixed my 2003 Explorer and it runs great :)

[@ultralarry13]

Excellent video. About to tackle this job on my newly acquired ranger. I'm a VW guy so American cars are foreign to me and this video had so many tips that will make this job a breeze! Appreciate the great content 👌

[@cliffperrino3015]

The absolute best on the web! your a real gentleman and a greathelp thanx

[@chrischiampo7647]

Excellent Job And Great Video My Friend 😀😎😊 Looking Forward To Part 2 😎👍🏼

[@Usmanthemecano]

Looking forward to the series!

[@maximorenteria3514]

Thanks for the video, I wish it was publish 2 years ago. I did rebuild my first engine for my 2002 ford explorer. Engine running strong now but it took me a while to fix.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice video Brian & the shop is looking good!

[@paydroya659]

Thank god i live in a free rust state, front timing guide failed on me this week, inspected the rear guides, they seem to be in great shape, going to sell it as soon as it’s fixed and running thanks for a great guide!

[@Waderbader1982]

Awesome content from the Ford jedi. Loving the channel.

[@calebrodriguez3748]

Thanks for all your videos. Did this job myself before I got to see your video, but still nice to get tips in case I have to do it again.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thank you!!! I have a 2006 Mustang with the same issue. I dropped in a different engine already but now maybe I'll be brave enough to attempt to repair the old one!! Blessings to you!

[@iamfives]

Did you fix it?

[@arthurfricchione8119]

You have one very immaculate shop. Nice to see and a good informative video. T hanks for your time and knowledge. 👍

[@scruffy6151]

Thank you. Been a long time since last motor pull ahh the good times. Nice series to watch.

[@frankjosephjr3722]

Need to live stream with a head cam! This is awesome information

[@boobalew]

I like the ability to replay it, so I can build up my confidence! LOL

[@dandiy4958]

After 5 year and 3500 miles on the Melling chain kit, I'm doing it again. This time I will be replacing the engine with a crate rebuild from Fraser. reason that it has shavings throughout the bearings from all the break-in metal from the chains and the slapping chains are back. Your videos are excellent help. Thank you.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

They won’t be no any better

[@myboy051]

The engine stand for this job is a MUST HAVE !!!!!!

[@frankm8533]

I've always had Rangers has back up rides or Daily drivers, I have 4.0 right now that's going to need this work soon! Thanks for God video

[@superduty4556]

Long live the 2.3 lol

[@brandonhallas82]

Ur the man stay killing it and enjoying yourself!!

[@rgebes222]

You hit the nail on the head, great torquey engine but it loves gas. My old ranger 5 speed only got 3mpg better than my 5.4 2v f150.

[@bruceb6262]

Great job again, I fix my own stuff but if you were in my area you would get my work.

[@BrianSmith-lo3mj]

I have literally been waiting for a how-to video like this for years. It's been my experience that the late 2004 4.0 SOHC engines and up in the Ford Ranger don't have this problem, but if you buy a 2001-early 2004 Ranger with the 4.0 SOHC there's a 75% chance that the timing chain cassettes have disintegrated into the engine and you have some big problems.

[@jrm163]

Sure?

[@jamesgoforth1606]

I know, right -- some people say that by the 2003 model year, the problems were known, and had been addressed -- greatly reducing the incidence of failure. Strange there's so much ambiguity on which years were problematic.

[@mikekerezsi9672]

Nice video man thanks for taking your time

[@boobalew]

Thanks, Brian. The shop manual reads like some kind of nightmare on removing the engine from my 2004! This was the one I mentioned that had Bank #1 too rich and Bank #2, too lean. Turned out the cam timing on #1 was about 15 cam Degrees late and Cam #2 was very close. Looks like new timing components with a poor timing setup as a finish. At least they got it close enough that it didn't destroy the engine. The motor mount bracket removal is a major time saver. Mine has now, started making noise, so it's coming out. I love the car, but not the engine.

[@jeffreyadams75]

Great video. Keep the videos coming!

[@brianfaultner7632]

YOU are the man ! I thank you very much,your videos and information are priceless.God bless you and your family. You are an outstanding American! I am proud to be your countrymen..thanks.

[@coyotekelly7143]

Awesome content bro!

[@HomieHektor]

FORD TECH MAKE YOU LOCO!!!!

[@billrimmer5596]

Looking forward to this. Interesting point u make about why to pull the engine and not just the trans. U mentioned construction in another answer. Working on your shop? It looks real nice. All the vids r great. But some of my favorite r when your pulling the dashes inside cars. Some great tricks. U really have us covered!

[@johneric3886]

Great video good luck in your career

[@dm7097]

Had the same issue with my '05 with almost 90k on it. Thankfully it was covered under extended dealership warranty! Only issue I had was a motor mount bolt that was left loose. Good idea to always check things over even if you don't do your own work.

[@truhntrz3408]

A True Master! Thank you Sir!

[@bikermikemotors]

Awesome video, thank you! Ive done a handful of engine swaps in the past, and am about to tackle a 4.0 engine in a 2001 ranger i got for free off craiglist. I have the engine just about ready to pull, and am watching the auctions for a good donor truck. On a side note, you look at lot like Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora) from power!

[@BV-nq7wd]

The old push rod 4 L made me a lot of money when I worked for Mazda. They had plenty of oil leaks. I had that down so well that I could pull it out reseal it and put it back in before lunch. It was a great money maker.

[@campermike8879]

Timing chains in the front and the rear of the engine. Well played Ford. Well played lol

[@speedandmarine9066]

Well played by the Germans, as it's a German designed engine used in "global" applications - not just Ford. This engine is found in many different brands, notably some Land Rovers.

[@user-zt4yk1sm8y]

If it was FWD it wouldn't be that bad right?

[@Sig721Tau]

@kwg2005 Elaborate on how it is "crappy"?

[@workingcountry1776]

@Mike Haggar well my 4.0l Ranger has 243k miles. No oil consumption and feels like power is about what it was new. I've driven s few Rangers from new to over 200k never any engine issues using synthetic oil and 820 Ford oil filter. I will say im not looking forward to this job... might 4.8l ls swap it at that point

[@jamesmcintire3800]

Remember, this motor did come from Germany. That explains everything...

[@BombsAwayMineCraft]

I'm doing this exact thing right now, thank God for these videos lol

[@cadwerks3277]

How did it Go?. I used swap/repair engines during my teenage years with my dad in the 80s. I miss doing but hate it at same time. Cheers.

[@rafirasuli8562]

Thank you so much for this amazing video

[@billlincoln6087]

EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES.

[@wireboy253]

Just did one of these last week. Not too bad to do once you get the motor out.

[@backyardburnouts8846]

I have a 97 ford ranger with a small oil leak and I used lucas stop leak and it works wonders. Highly recommend it

[@andretigiovaneti7587]

Great video.

[@Lucastrujillo59]

Great video thanks

[@bluecheesegrader]

Great videos, thank you. Doing a few hundred thousand mile monster now. Everything is super brittle. Lots of plastic breaking even with gentle care. Beware like he said. It's a bear but simple.

[@ak2112]

Had a 98 explorer with the sohc since brand new. Around 120k the timing rattle became noticible. I just let it be and I dove it to 170k and sold it for $1500 back in 2012.

[@trulyblessed8767]

It was probably your timing chain tensioner, did you replace them every 70k miles. When mine started rattling a replaced both and the noise went away

[@jacobluukko5880]

@@trulyblessed8767 did you have to pull the motor or could you get at them without pulling the motor

[@trulyblessed8767]

@@jacobluukko5880 one is on the passenger side and is real easy to get too. The other one is on the top of motor. Driver side next to valve cover

[@rrmech11]

Looking forward to the rest of the series. Thanks

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! Excited for the series!!

[@nomanjones4803]

First step is to find a friend with a lift.

[@haigthomasbabaian6241]

GREAT VIDEO! THANKS

[@jamiepolicky9546]

Tremendous content here dude. You are probably saving so many people with this quality content. I’m just about to attempt this fix myself (2005 Mustang). Anything a guy should know doing the same engine pull from a standard transmission? Anything extra to know reinstalling?

[@iamfives]

I’m in the same situation except I have a 2007.. any tips?

[@mikea-strong5020]

Awesome video, thank you. I have to pull the engine on my 2002 Ranger with the 3.0 Not sure if you can attach the lifting eyes to it the same way you do here. I have the manual from Alldata but it doesn't show or tell you where to attach them. Any help would be appreciated. Love your videos and they have taught me a lot. Semper Fi Brother.

[@eliezercruz1429]

hello < you are amazing, great teacher, and you just made my day. i have to do exactly what you did on this video on my ford explorer sport track 4x4. thank you, thank you thank you. BE BLESS.

[@rocksaftertheroll5548]

what bolt did you use to connect the sling to the engine... great series your help in this repair I'm doing is greatly appreciated.

[@skiphansen2270]

I have a 2006 mustang I bought brand new from ford with this engine. Changed oil with mobile 1 every 2k miles like clock work and at 90k the rear chain was rattling like crazy. Could not believe it!!! This car was well taken care of with all fluids whether it needed it or not. I always thought changing fluids more was a cheap insurance policy to extend life on my car. My machanic said it was better to get a new engine from jasper then repair it. I did that and it cost me 6k for the job!!! He did beautiful work and it was done right but no engine should have to b replaced with less than a 100k miles on it period!! I still have the car and nothing else has gone bad and it runs great. What a learning curve. Shame on ford!! By the way I went to ford they heard the rattling and gave me the same price for a new motor or he wanted to sell me a new car

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

The taking out the hood is a great idea :D

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Great video. I have an 2004 Ranger with this motor. Good too know what to expect down the road potentially. It is a torquey motor like you said and thirsty. I get 20mpg on the highway during the summer season, and around 16 or 17 on winter gas.

[@ricochetey]

20 really is not too bad its a v6

[@ricochetey]

My Dad's 2012 3.0 v6 escape gets 20 average he probably does 60% city 40% highway

[@240dreamteam]

Do u have a video of an engine pull for the 5.4 triton 2 valve ? Your work is flawless and I could use some tips for tht engine. I’m pulling it from my truck with the exact same engine picker

[@chrisjackson9102]

Thanks for this video...I have been meaning to ask where the Ranger love was lol. I have a 2010 with this engine, and the engine's pedigree I guess goes back to the sixties. This screwy timing chain in the back to make it a SOHC didn't sound like a very elegant solution, so I was hoping that at least it would be robust. Doesn't sound like it is lol.

[@everardocamacho5063]

Great video, where is part 2 ,3, and 4, and when is coming out? I'm still waiting for,thank you , cheers from Ontario ca.

[@roxiecujo]

Hi, love your channel and thanks for helping the Ford lovers in the world! I have a 2002 with 230k mi. Original tensioners and it only rattles for a second at startup, never while running. Should I replace the tensioners and if I do, do they need to be pre bled with oil prior to install or as they were purchased and let the engine pump them up? Thanks for your help! Frank

[@MrAcuta73]

Core support is just spot-welded in...getting ready to swap my engine for a fresh before I supercharge it. Thinking the front clip is going to come off and reinstall the core support with welded nuts or nutserts. Easier access for future mods. Good video, didn't think it would be too difficult but every time I look at that cramped engine bay I have a small anxiety attack. lol

[@michaelmurray121]

Brian great 👍🏽

[@TCS86]

SOB! My 2002 sport trac just started a sick rattle. Its the 5.4 all over again. F'n Ford!!

[@biancago1600]

What state are U in. And also considering your schedule n stuff will U consider doing this job on the side. My 2007 explorer 4.0 just blew head gasket and coolant was dripping from the gasket itself when I crank the crankshaft, Thanks n very informative repair guide for DIY who have the time to do it, just subscribe to your channel and I must say the amount of info you put out there for your viewer is very much appreciated n priceless. God Bless U n more power to your show Brian

[@vn1500g3]

Something else you can do to help on re-installation is to take lots and lots of pictures as you disassemble. It makes life so much easier especially if it takes more and than a few days to fix and re-install.

[@travelinalaskan]

My ford ranger requires a timing chain job. The passenger side cassette has gone out and the ranger rattle is getting bad. Do you recommend getting the Ford factory chain, sprocket and cassettes or is there an after market set that is better? Great series, I enjoyed it.

[@FloorItDuh]

Do you have a video on how to pull the cab on a 12th gen F150?

[@mikecunningham7621]

First, I cannot thank you enough for these videos! I will likely do this job myself now! I am wondering what is the best timing chain kit available right now. So many cheap sets (under $100) on Amazon but these are probably not a wise choice. So where is the best bang for the buck??

[@hawaiianf1504]

Aloha's Bruddah. I'm welded to my chair for the series. I even got some cold beer and Frito's.

[@JesusHernandez-kd3od]

Thank you very much... lot help

[@danman9017]

nice job.... it would a been nice to see how you separated the transmission from the block when there seize together by those pine .thank

[@oyefmm]

You rock!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Looking forward to this series, thanks for taking the time to film and post it. Are you headed to SEMA this year Brian?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

No not this year way too much going on back home with construction.

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@FordTechMakuloco 10-4