Ford 4.0L SOHC V6 Head Gasket and Timing Chain Replacement (COMPLETE GUIDE)

Join my facebook group! Ford 4.0L SOHC owners club.
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How to replace the head gasket and timing kit on your Ford 4.0L SOHC engine. Parts listed below.
Head Gasket Kit -
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Timing Chain Kit - www.1aauto.com...
OR USE THIS CHEAP ONE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION
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Timing Tools - amzn.to/3RSpuPZ
Ford Special TTY Bolt -
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Gasket Set - amzn.to/3DGac8j
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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.
owo what’s this? You’ve made it to the end. What are you still doing here? Go now, the description has ended.

[@sarasaites2134]

So this video has been my saving grace! I’m literally doing everything you did minus the balance shaft cuz I drive a mustang. My guides were obliterated, plastic everywhere! It was awful! I have successfully (this is my first time removing an engine from any of my cars) removed my engine. Just finished pressure washing the whole thing and waiting for my parts to arrive to reassemble! Just wanted to tell you I’ve watched this video probably close to 50 times. And I just want to say thank you for putting in all the time and effort in making it. Like I said after watching it as many times as I have, I feel really confident on putting my engine back together! I’ll post once I’m done and let you know how it turns out!

[@robertmoran6899]

How'd it turn out?

[@Lordskeep]

@@robertmoran6899 I heard that his engine basically exploded a few minutes after start up. ( Sorry I could not resist, just joking)

[@stevenpowell8053]

At 36 years in the I.T. industry and NEVER being this deep as a mechanic on my vehicles in the past, I am doing it now for this man has excellent communications skills. He loves what he does and he does it well. Just wrote all my notes to the video and already down in the engine by following his directions on my 1999 ford explorer 4.0 SOHO limited. Rear timing chain is fine, have my kit and the 6088? from amazone and taking my time like 2 times a day for the last month. Out of the 5 people on KZbin I chose this man. Tomorrow I pick up where I left off and excited. Will let you know in a 3 week period if the car if fine and working well or if it is a junker cause I screwed up or if you don't ever here from me again the car blew up.

[@iamdjnam]

Thank you very much. Good luck with your project, I’m sure everything will turn out perfect.

[@zn_361]

how did it go?

[@stevenpowell8053]

@@zn_361 i had a bolt that was already stripped on where the valve cover goes over that screws in block. 1 of 2 to the right of timing chain. So junkyard n get one n then start setting everything back up. By weekend should be all back together

[@EATSLEEPFARM]

@@stevenpowell8053 hows it holding up?

[@nickd1978]

Did you bring your engine back to life?

[@robertsutton1964]

It's good to see a young man into being a mechanic, and one who takes pride in what he does. I also believe that I will have to tear my engine down as well but I just don't have a spot to do it.

[@iamdjnam]

Much appreciated thanks for the kind words!

[@fleetwin1]

I agree, it is great to see a bright young man interested in the automotive field...

[@budlake5577]

I've watch this vid like 20 times just so I know everything is right and I've been turning a wrench now for over 15yrs with my own shop for 5yrs (Lake Auto &Tractor repair) u have got it sir, keep it up

[@franklinbennett4443]

Well you should know as a mechanic that you don't do shit like this this is shatre stuff and you use the proper tools to do the job you don't have ass and this is what this guy is doing he's a Shay tree mechanic he don't have the proper tools and I don't know if you ever been to school but it doesn't sound like it.

[@jessewilliams4270]

Ok.OK.. hands down... this video is boss!! I've never rebuilt a 4.0 before and this video made the timing soooo easy. Being an Interference engine I was terrified of not getting it right and winding up with another bent valve.. thank you so much for this video!!!

[@brendanleung4968]

I wish this video was out sooner! I rebuilt my 4.0 SOHC a few years back and had no clue what I was doing. This video would have been my life saver! Awesome video

[@imonaroll9502]

I don’t usually Subscribe, but when I do, it’s from great people like you. 👍

[@franklinbennett4443]

Well I beg your pardon I'm a dealer certified master mechanic and would never follow directions from this guy this is a shade tree time mechanic he doesn't have the proper tools he probably watched a Google video I can tell you he's not a quality dealer certified or school trained mechanic.

[@iamdjnam]

Nobody cares what you are

[@Chillpeel13]

I have been searching and reading up forums trying to find some COMPLETE guide to do timing chains and heads. Best video I ever found. Thank you!

[@iamdjnam]

Heck yeah! Always love reading comments like that :3

[@Capable-opinions]

I have an 05, had the balancer weight issue, too. I inherited mine after pop's passed, currently has 151,000 and definitely a noisy engine now. I want to do exactly this to keep her going as long as possible. Mechanically inclined, but no garage and have never pulled a motor myself. You breeze through these things and have every detail, nice work dude.

[@iamdjnam]

Much appreciated. Thanks for watching!

[@teddycollier964]

Well, the video is great. I never worked on a Ford motor before. I have a 2002 ford truck that needs a timming chain do you know anyone in Sumter sc

[@DIYJeff]

Got to give you props for putting together succinct, step-by-step tutorials on this engine that I can't find anywhere else. Used your affiliate links to buy some of the tools and parts to help support your channel. Keep it up brother! Your videos rock.

[@SirErp]

Hands down, the best video I've ever seen on an engine teardown. Excellent work here, sir. Pulling the engine today and starting the tear down once the last parts come, in a few days. I'll be using this guide along with my manual. Can't thank you enough for making it seem less impossible. I may need to bother you with a question here or on the forum you mentioned, since it appears there is fluid at the top of #6 valve (looks like coolant). Doing this because the rear chain bolt came loose (!?!) while driving, got it to limping, but oil pressure is all over the place. Really hoping the engine is salvageable.

[@iamdjnam]

Heck yeah! So happy to hear that. Definitely consider joining that Facebook group. I answer any questions immediately.

[@CJBRAZY24]

What’s the Facebook group called

[@iamdjnam]

@@CJBRAZY24 it’s in the description

[@mikewilson8594]

You're definitely the 4.0 Master. Thank you for all of your time, hard work and effort to help us!

[@richardprice7107]

I cannot thank you enough. I replaced the timing tensioner and driver side cassette. The rear one was fine. You saved me thousands!!!!!

[@russells.rollins5369]

I just had my tensioner fail and chewed up the cassette, I'm gonna be doing mine next week, did you pull the engine or were you able to do it without taking out?

[@richardprice7107]

I only replaced the driver's side (front one) not the passenger's side (rear one).

[@richardprice7107]

​@@russells.rollins5369 only the driver side...front one is what I replaced.

[@russells.rollins5369]

@@richardprice7107 so you did it without pulling the engine...? Yeah mine is just the drivers side too..

[@sergstakh3549]

Ник, огромное спасибо за твои видео, с помощью твоих видео я достал мотор, полностью его разобрал, заменил цепи, звезды, сальники коленвала, прокладки под головками блока, восстановил головки блока, собрал, поставил мотор в машину, и два дня назад завел, все работает идиально, ОГРОМНОЕ ТЕБЕ СПАСИБО!!!!

[@allenwebster6329]

Man you are amazing, I have the same engine in my explorer sport trac it has 223k on it however it runs like a dream I think when it comes time to rebuild I'm going to save this video you are great at what you do ,you seem to know the specs on everything as far torque of bolts and the steps to take for rebuild very very good video, take care and be safe

[@94SexyStang]

Just bought one with 200k, it's smooth as silk so far.....It seems like most people in the 200k club usually make it to 250 or 300k before having a problem.......if the chains were gonna fail, they would have failed a Long time ago....because 99% of the Chain failures I'm seeing are on Lower Mileage explorers. I think it's also a combination of people NOT doing oil changes enough, or have a bad driving styles, and causing lots of jerking and chain slap, thus beating up the Chain guide.....or chain tensioner gets loose, and people don't hear the Tapping noises or ignore it, and keep driving.

[@allenwebster6329]

@@94SexyStang yeah i have a 98 Explorer and a Sport trac the 98 engine im putting in my Sport trac it has about 300k in it and like yours it runs great the engine in my Sport trac im going to rebuild put new bearings and also new chains ,ill do alittle at a time then when its done ill put it back in my Sport trac but the chains and guides look good even After abunch of miles on it i also think when you do the chains are you not supposed to use the same Bolts because they say its bad but ive Used the same Bolts and everything seems to fine so far

[@mikecunningham7621]

Nick... Thanks so much for this video! You have gone above and beyond! I have to do this job this fall. You have taken all the guesswork out of it and I now feel confident to proceed!

[@reinhardvandermerwe6585]

When my timing kit was due, not even the dealers wanted to touch it! Thanks to videos like these I did it myself. Had to wait 3 weeks for parts from the US though..

[@itscxrdonx]

Props to you!

[@franklinbennett4443]

I am ADMC dealer certified master mechanic and I'm telling you I've done this all the time they're one of the worst and you do it properly at this shade tree type shit that I see going on here you use the proper tools a proper linement kit and everything.

[@iamdjnam]

@franklinbennett4443 what part of my last comment did you not read or understand??????

[@mikeallmon1]

you're very well spoken about these for a young dude!

[@jhunn061]

great video! thanks! I think I'm still weak to do this myself...don't have the tools ready still. My driver side cylinder head is leaking oil and I have to add oil every once in a while but it still runs ok at 55k miles.

[@iamdjnam]

Might just be a valve cover gasket, not too bad of a replacement.

[@jhunn061]

@@iamdjnam I can see the leak coming out between the engine block and the cylinder head. Around the valve cover, is clean. Oil drops blown and fall onto the exhaust manifold and smells awful.

[@iamdjnam]

@@jhunn061 wow. I’ve never seen that in my life.

[@jhunn061]

@@iamdjnam the leak is due to an overheating case when the radiator leaked. Replaced with a new radiator and condemned the heating system. Now it can sit in traffic without overheating problem but only the little drops of oil. Im in a tropical country (Philippines).

[@franklinbennett4443]

Well you would be a shade tree mechanic like that guy that guy obviously watched a video instead of being properly trained at a mechanic shop or dealership and I can tell you that's nothing but problems you need the proper tools in the proper knowledge and this guy doesn't have either one of them.

[@LANCERROBBINS-hb4pc]

I chose the young man for the same reason you did. He I very smart, and explains everything so I can understand what the heck he I doing . And above all he gave the confidence to do my 2006 4.0 Mustang, where before I was very scared to do so . I thank you for the great videos. You made me proud of myself for fixing my Mustang. Thank To You.

[@MrAloha999]

By far the best video I seen rebuilding motors, good steady recording, speech is loud and clear...PERFECT

[@iamdjnam]

Thank you!!

[@MrAloha999]

@@iamdjnam you deserve it brother, I've seen your videos like 100 times, I'm currently rebuilding a 4.0 right now and I was getting discouraged until I seen your videos

[@RobertGardiner-v9v]

Great video. I'm building a 4.0 sohc right now and with your video I don't need a manual. Thanks Nick

[@SpecialAgentDepak]

I’ve seen tons of videos and I was truly impressed by the editing and well put together full guide. I’m gonna fix my little mustang that’s been down for years! Thank you!!

[@reinhardtrippmacher8776]

I wished i had your knowledge about this engine at your age! Life would have been different by today. i have been rebuilding many inline diesel engines but never this V6 4.0l Ford EXPLODER! Yes a customers Ford EXPLORER exploded and we are going now thorugh that whole procedure. I usually do my engine rebuilds according to the best video i can find, wearing headphones during the job and have the video running on a big screen in my workshop. This time its yours which will run several times up and down! Thanks young man for all the hints and tricks as they are essential. Your video makes it safe to rebuild even as a beginner (i am not)!

[@michaelmascolino4962]

Any suggestions I'm having a hard time getting the head bolts out of the old heads I have to put new gaskets in they won't break any suggestions anybody at all

[@chetburnell4432]

Fantastic video(s); Your videos helped me rebuild 2007 4.0 engine for a Sport Trac. I found a used engine (119k) and started the rebuild. The engine was almost finished when the transmission literally broke on the truck. The casing cracked near the over-drive servo. Unrepairable. Long story short, I was told by the transmission shop the frame was rusted through and they refused to work on it. I now have a "E", "K" engine sitting around. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the rebuild. I've done 5 Subaru 2.5 engines, a Mazda 2.0 and a Ford 302. This one was the strangest due to the timing mechanics. Couldn't have done it without your videos. Cheers!!! Keep it up. You have a gift.

[@iamdjnam]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! All I can say is if you put that much time into the 4.0, put it up for sale! Someone will definitely buy that engine.

[@chetburnell4432]

@@iamdjnam - Not so funny story, after I closed up the engine I was putting all my tools away. One missing socket... E-20 socket. Do you think it possible for it to fit under the timing chain cover if, I left it on the timing gear? Unless someone "borrowed" it, and that is a possibility, that's the only other place I can think it would be. wouldn't think of selling it without confirmation it's not still on the bolt. I call that, a pizzmeoff.

[@iamdjnam]

@@chetburnell4432 no way, it won’t fit unless it’s sitting upright against the balance shaft or something.

[@chetburnell4432]

@@iamdjnam You seem to have a great deal of knowledge about the 4.0. I'm getting ready to sell it and I was wondering if you know of a good list of compatible trucks/SUVs it would fit? I've searched and found lists only to see them contradicted by another list. It's a 2006 "E".

[@iamdjnam]

The longblock will fit any explorer, mustang, ranger or mountaineer with the 4.0 sohc from 1997-2010. 8th digit of the VIN makes no difference.

[@ClutchCobraKID1]

Great vid, used this vid as a reference for retiming after complete disassembly. I have the tool kit and have done this before quite a few times but i always like to look at workshop manuals when it comes to timing drives. Everything was done pretty much perfectly especially bolt removal and installation sequences, removing and installing bolts that way is a really good idea for this motor. The only advice I could give would be to def use official Ford timing guides and tensioners and instead of hooking a chain up to the foward sprocket on the jackshaft and bolting the chain down you could put the harmonic balancer back on and use a chained vice grip to hold the harmonic balancer in place when you wanna tighten or loosen the jackshaft sprocket bolts but I think the crank to jackshaft chain tensioner and guide may need to be installed for this. But you could also do this for the rear jackshaft bolt too as long as the front jackshaft bolt is tightened up. Your just using the crank pulley to put reverse forces on the chain so it doesn't move the timing drive when loosening or tightening the front or rear jackshaft bolts, dont push on it just hold it in place. You might also be able to use the cam sprocket holder and the harmonic balancer tdc bracket from the timing kit instead of putting a chain on the forward jackshaft sprocket.

[@iamdjnam]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the awesome advice!

[@kickashin8607]

this is the very best repair video I have seen on any automotive subject congrades

[@Elkysium]

FYI: PB Blaster is a miracle for anything that is rusted. The best part is that it contains no harmful chemicals and literally travels up an object. 30 year mechanic... I also sold parts too. One day, a customer came in looking for something to help get his old rotor off. He said he had beat on it for hours and it wouldn't move. I sold him some PB Blaster and he came back in thanking me. He said he sprayed it all down and waited for about 20 minutes. He went to hit it and it flew off, lol. PB Blaster and MAP gas, rust has no chance!

[@NN-cw9rb]

There's a lot of info saying this engine is a non interference engine. So I get all excited taking it apart that I won't have much damage outside the timing chain. Well I have 2 bent valves on the left and one on the right so that is, in fact, b.s. Thank you so much for this video. Your stuff helped me so much otherwise I don't think I could've done it.

[@CtRacerX]

My man, this is one of the greatest walkthrough videos on this site!! Thank you for uploading this

[@CtRacerX]

Question, can you change the cam chains/ guides WITHOUT removing the heads? ALSO, I have a 05 exploder, in doing an engine replacement, I want to ensure the chains and cassettes are swapped out, I bought the chain/ water pump kit (it includes new tensioners as well), what other failure points are you aware are present in these motors that I should consider changing out?

[@iamdjnam]

@CtRacerX yes you can replace without removing heads. There are no other failure points. Replace the rear main seal

[@tystreit3458]

I'm getting ready to have all the timing components replaced in my 2002 Explorer Sport Trac. This definitely gave me a good idea as to what will be done to my truck. You explained it well my friend. Thank you

[@iamdjnam]

Much appreciated

[@Catalyst512]

thanks a ton for this video. my mustang blew up a cassette last week and thankfully after u opened the valve cover it is the one in the front. this video has definetly given me peace of mind to be able to fix my car

[@OfficialXotics]

doing my first car job with my dad tomorrow, amd we are working on this so thanks a lot.

[@ELO1978KING]

Wussup nick at night i just finished my 2005 mustang 4.0 man it was a headache but thanks to your videos i overcame this piece of work i love u broham from TURLOCK,CA.

[@norcal715]

I am doing this right now on my 1999 Mountaineer 4.0 SOHC with 170K, getting ready for a 10000 mile trip around the USA!. Thank you for the tips, especially the shackle on the jackshaft gear, I will be doing that to prevent stress on the chains!

[@justsnuggle]

Just amazing you have this level of knowledge and are not a professional, just crazy.

[@iamdjnam]

Awh thank you! Much appreciated! I’m trying to figure out if your profile picture is Angel from Lilo & Stitch.

[@justsnuggle]

@@iamdjnam wow yeah you got that one it is Angel. How did you get so good on breaking down the 4.0 to the point where you have it memorized? And what's really amazing is you don't just know the steps but you know the WHY you need to do certain things a certain way, and that is usually institutional knowledge that would come from a trained mechanic.

[@iamdjnam]

@@justsnuggle I’ve repaired probably 50 of these engines during my time on KZbin. Every time you remove or repair, you learn something new. A lot of reading and a lot of interest bought me to where I am today. I’m glad you can appreciate it, makes me feel special. I heckin loved that show as a kid. Huge part of my childhood!

[@justsnuggle]

@@iamdjnam I would concur that you are. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Kyunjo]

I'm riding Landeover LR3(same engine) in South Korea, so I'm always watching. Thank you for the good video today. :)

[@iamdjnam]

Greetings from across the globe! Thank you for watching :)

[@westhavenor9513]

I really admire your work. I think I smoked way too much weed in my day to try this and not screw it up!

[@johnbenson6231]

thank you for this vid. i learned alot about this model motor. i'm doing a timing chain replacement on 05 sport trac. alot more involved in timing than there used to be with old motors. i'll be following this video for my repair on this motor. thank you again for your time!

[@fleetwin1]

For sure!

[@timothycox3855]

Bravo! Bravo!, By far the most informative and easily digestible video I've had the pleasure to watch. Thanks for taking the time to make this, and other videos. it certainly has helped me build the confidence needed to take on a timing chain and head gasket DIY project in my Mustang. Job well done Sir.

[@iamdjnam]

Much appreciated glad I could help!!

[@thefigtree4693]

Thank you for these videos! My 2006 Ford Ranger's 4.0 sohc blew a head gasket, and your videos were instrumental in rebuilding this engine. **SPECIAL NOTE: Be sure to oil charge your tensioners before installing them. Submerge them in oil and pump them with your thumb until they stiffen up.

[@iamdjnam]

I don’t typically prime the tensioners. Once you install them it just squeezes the oil back out. I leave the plugs out and free spin the engine to prime the system.

[@thefigtree4693]

Unfortunately, I neither primed nor rotated the engine to prime the tensioners. When I started the engine, it ran fine for a couple of minutes but then jumped time and died. Upon teardown, I found the rear cassette was shattered. I removed the heads and flipped them upside down to water test the seating of the valves. There was no seep-through, so I believed the valves to be okay then reassembled the engine. It now runs, but it's got a tap that makes me think something else in that head was damaged. I'm going to replace that head because I want this engine to be as perfect as the ones you build. It's been a learning process and I couldn't have made it this far without you. Thanks again!

[@thefigtree4693]

Also, can you recommend a supplier where I can buy a new valve body for this engine?

[@sergstakh3549]

Это потрясающе!!!! Все доходчиво и понятно! Супер! Ты крутой мастер! Спасибо за инструкцию и объяснения, работаю над своим двигателем с твоей помощью!

[@ronaldtober9443]

best video on the 4.0 ,, wish I had this when I did mine, few years back, I put a cloyes complete timing chain kit in, and thermostat housing, new water pump , heads redone , and installed the stainless steal exhaust manifold studs. only thing i wish i would of added is a high volume oil pump since i had it all tore down. still running strong with 45,000 miles on it. One other thing is I bought the tools to align all the cams and timing chain for 200 then sold it for 150 when I was done , all in $1300

[@sergio0711077]

thank God for this video and to you for making it! you just save my day! after 3 weeks of struggle with my engine

[@russellmccarty4287]

I loved your video bro! Most complete, concise and entertaining one I’ve seen on here. I have a question for you. I recently replaced my timing chains and head gaskets using your guide, everything went smoothly. When I was checking the engine that everything rotated and nothing was binding etc. I noticed the passenger side chain near the cam sprocket would get slack periodically as I rotated the engine by hand. Like the tensioner didn’t have enough spring force to keep it taut. This is concerning to me because it means it’s going to slap around at cold start up. Is that normal or do I have a defective tensioner? I would rotate it and get the slack and I was able to use a screwdriver and push the guide tight but the tensioner wasn’t able to on its own. Was just wondering if you have witnessed this? Thanks again for the awesome job!

[@strwbrryswisher420]

So doing my first ever timing work on my 07 explorer. I can only hope and pray that my front cassette comes out as easy as yours did. But i have a feeling I'm going to have to fight it until the bitter end. Because so far this motor has fought me at every turn.

[@jonathanmcmurray7961]

I used the stainless 5.4L exhaust bolt kit as well. Good choice

[@allenramirez2778]

Best video on youtube for these engines, I'm on the second one I've done with a completely bounced timing chain that didn't bend the valves. All the service info I have on Alldata and Mitchell suggests they are interference engines. I'm assuming that if the chain comes off completely you could get lucky, the one I'm currently doing broke all the guides front chain and rear (cassettes) as ford calls them and the chain went so violently that it broke a hole in the valve cover on driver side (LH/front chain), the shrapnel took out the DPFE sensor and broke pressure switch clean off of the A/C line right at the back of the compressor. On the other hand, all the ones I've done where the chain jumped time and continued to run before completely shutting down had every single valve bent. I've seen this on multiple different interference engines where if the chain completely breaks or slips off it doesn't allow the piston/valve collision to happen, the first time I thought it was a real lucky day but now I've seen it a few times

[@sef2273]

How did you figure it didn’t bend the valves? Did you take the heads off and look? My front driver side cassette also popped thru the valve cover. I redid the timing 8 years ago. I have yet to take the valve cover off and look at it, a bolt head is stripped on the cover..

[@jeffwalter4808]

Great stuff bud! My 4.0 is leaking oil from back side of block. Guess I'll be following your instructions...

[@jamesleiter4222]

Thanks for making this video. My 2007 Ford explorer has 70k on the clock and will doing this in a few years from now...oh joy.

[@iamdjnam]

Usually the head gaskets are strong so just expect a simple timing chain job

[@gwsmit45]

Many thanks to you Nick, your detailed procedure is guiding me for my first motor rebuild ! I'm 59. One hiccup if anyone can help is my right chain eat into the upper positioning bolt for the cassette. Need to order a new one but haven't sourced it yet. Happy new year everyone !

[@iamdjnam]

Depends how chewed down it is but you can reuse it. I have a few in surplus I can mail you.

[@gwsmit45]

@@iamdjnam the washer and shaft are worn down 1/16 to 1/8" and seem loose in the cassette. i need 2 because i'm rebuilding another one after this whats best way to give my address here? 02 and 03 model explorers

[@iamdjnam]

They’re typically loose in the cassette. I’ve used them almost half worn before.

[@gwsmit45]

just watched your rattle fix vid again as i remembered the screw to prevent guide dropping down - great problem solving !

[@iamdjnam]

Was gonna recommend that!!

[@jayosiris8944]

It’s best to check timing by rotating it before putting all that stuff on

[@franklinbennett4443]

Thank you you're exactly correct but here you see a way not to do it because this is shatre you're not using proper tools and this only causes problems

[@CrotchetRocket]

Bro, just, bro, you are on a different level. I have an 2008 4.0. Just had a new transmission put in, now she’s rattling in the engine and sometimes shuts off on me while driving!!!

[@iamdjnam]

You need some timing chains dawg

[@CrotchetRocket]

@@iamdjnam You got like a website or something? Every time I think about trading out my 08 explorer I end up making a repair and learning that I need a new one. Also where you at in the states? I’d have to get u some whiskey and pic ur brain at some time.

[@iamdjnam]

I’m in NJ bro - no website at the moment but that’s a damn good idea

[@CrotchetRocket]

@@iamdjnam Ok cool I’m in TX. U still driving the same explorer? Had mine sense 2014, had a 2000 Ford Explorer before this one when I was younger

[@iamdjnam]

@@CrotchetRocket absolutely. I will never get rid of my 2003.

[@TheHellights]

I have a 2002 4.0 SOHC Explorer XLS, it had a timing chain rattle for years. I broke down one day and later found out after taking it apart that the jack-shaft to crank chain had broke. This is after trying to restart it many time as well. I inspected the pistons with a bore scope and they all looked fine. I bought a timing kit on Amazon and installed it, it ran great and quite for 160 miles. I broke down again, only this time it would run only very poorly, like limp mode. The plastic on the brand new jack-shaft tensioner snapped and the engine jumped time and was driven that way for about 10 miles. After taking it apart again I also discovered that the front jack-shaft joint had spun and both heads were out of time with each other and the crank. I timed it all over again, I did not remove the cam followers to rotate the cam into time, just loosened the cam sprocket. I replaced the jack-shaft tensioner with a Ford one and it runs great again. No piston/valve strike because Ford changed it to a non-interference engine sometime in 2002.

[@iamdjnam]

This engine was a 2008 💀

[@invisibletrailglow836]

Smart ,practical,in-depth.

[@rosejordan9858]

Great video Nick! As a new owner of 07 v6 mustang this video will be great addition to my tool box. Thanks man!

[@jcataclisma]

Great video, nice work! Your stuff always helps me A LOT with my old 94 Explorer down here in Brazil.

[@iamdjnam]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support :)

[@Thisdillonisking]

Excellent job, you're such a life saver with this video I'm working on a 2010 Ford Mustang

[@troy3631]

@Platinum Garage Currently rebuilding my 4.0 from my 05 mustang it's got 343,000 miles actually still ran just rebuilding because it's starting to fail Love your videos actually working on removing my engine and followed your removal one helped me tons!!

[@iamdjnam]

That’s an incredible amount of miles. Excellent maintenance, great job.

[@troy3631]

@@iamdjnam I actually pulled it out of a field it was abandoned

[@bbft2-7]

Wow! Nicely done! Great video and editing. Very informative and you are very knowledgable.

[@basketofdeplorables4253]

tip for loosening head bolts on stand, by hand, rotate engine over so bolts are sideways, and you can pull up or down on wrench.

[@dennisnewby1641]

It's a very Good Job you are doing nick like it keep it up God Bless

[@MXguy95]

Appreciate the video man! Love the Loona shirt even more 😅

[@eduardoreyes5060]

Es el video mejor explicado que he visto, no sabia por que me quedaba mal el árbol de levas, hasta que tu explicaste que se tenía que girar para abrir las válvulas, ya el ultimo paso para dejar todo en sincronizacion

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

I like to consider myself capable Mechanic, but this 4.0 timing chain shouldn't be this complicated. with was ford thinking, your video has given some confidence that, either I pull my 4.0 hope I didn't damage anything, because I killed it, or just get Used one and rebuild it, because they all most likely have worn timing chain parts. your video was very well done. I will see what the budget is maybe I'll rebuild one.

[@gregggeissler7441]

Man I just found your channel and this is exactly what I need. Good videos dude... appreciate the info.

[@iamdjnam]

Heck yeah! Happy to help!

[@kevindockham6361]

Hi Nick - my '11 Ranger 4.0 SOHC xlt v-6 has been in a shop for over a week now. First, the water pump was leaking so they replaced that. Still smelled antifreeze in the cabin, then the thermostat housing was replaced along with an elbow hose in the back (towards the cab) of the intake. When they did the housing they said they had to pop off the intake because they couldn't get to that third bolt, even with the throttle body off. When they did that I brought it to them running fine at idle, then picked it up and all of the sudden rough idle. They "said" there was antifreeze in a cylinder (No 4 I think they said). However, I think since they said they popped off the manifold to get to that third housing bolt they caused the leak. Now, my truck's been in their shop for a week because the head gasket blew (white smoke all over the place from under the hood/engine - there's nothing else it could be). Two questions: First, did they CAUSE this by popping the manifold to get that housing bolt? Second, should it be taking this long?

[@iamdjnam]

Removing the intake manifold has nothing to do with antifreeze in the cylinder. If it needs a head gasket, it would be cheaper to get a used engine and have it installed. Head work is very pricey.

[@scrivyscriv]

That chair in the corner at 49:00 looks super comfortable

[@iamdjnam]

LMAO it’s so comfortable my grandma would just sit there all day

[@christophermichael5256]

Hey i want to start off by saying I appreciate your videos, I couldn’t do remotely half of what i did on my Mercury Mountaineer without your help, but right now I’m at a snag, So i rebuilt the engine mostly and after i put the engine back in and fired it up, the car shakes violently when i start it, it will smooth with some gas but it will go right back to shaking and i believe it’s bcuz of the Harmonic balancer not being pushed back far enough, i have a “2008 Mercury Mountaineer 4.0L V6” and the tools i could only find don’t fit the harmonic balancer correctly, my harmonic balancer is the Long cone shaped one and i can’t hold the nut in order to ratchet further in properly so the belt doesn’t stress itself when turned on, idk what tool to use or if i could upgrade the harmonic balancer to the shorter more open ones that I usually see that would help but idk honestly, autozone or anywhere else only recommends that same harmonic balancer and it’s just too long to get it installed correctly, Please Help Thank You!

[@iamdjnam]

If your harmonic balancer isn’t pushing on all the way, sometimes it’s because the wrong crank gear was used from the timing set. They don’t tell you there’s 2 thicknesses and I’ve made that mistake it the past. Also sounds like you have a vacuum leak. No matter what harmonic balancer you use, 2002-2010 it will work.

[@noahschneider7395]

Wow, this guy knows a lot about Ford vehicles, I wonder if he has a best friend named Garth.

[@iamdjnam]

It’s possible…..

[@christophermawbey1820]

Thanks for all the videos they are a huge help with my current v6 rebuild. Also thanks for mentioning DNJ components and partsology. No one in Australia supplies parts for these including Ford. Have you ever posted a complete list of Torque to yeild bolts? Do you know where I can get new ring gear (Fly wheel) to crank shaft bolts? Thanks in advance, Chris Mawbey, Australia,

[@iamdjnam]

Hey Chris. In the description of my video you will find some links. The flywheel bolts do not need to be replaced.

[@PLUR-y2s]

looking to buy a 2005 mustang v6 in the neighborhood... timing toast just looking what im getting into. thanks for the video. very informative. earned a new sub for sure.

[@davidenglert2799]

great video Nick!! I appreciate all your hard work and attention to detail. Thanks Dave

[@iamdjnam]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@andrewlegrand7594]

Great tutorial! There is a beautiful 2004 Ford Explorer next town over, blown engine but walnut dash and black leather seats. May have a project!

[@JorgeLopez-ii5co]

Thank you so much for your video. It was very helpful in helping me understand the composition. Hopefully I can get this engine put back together when I get my parts in a few days. Thanks again

[@achtunpanzerkrauskrieg]

The best video about this hard task. Tanxs Nick.

[@chriscadman5715]

Nice presentation! So tell me why you don't need the balance shaft...

[@sgomez3047]

Amazing job Kid!! Amazing job and extremely knowledgeable! Now...correct me if I'm wrong...but isn't the balance shaft only present on the 4x4 vehicles? Thabks

[@iamdjnam]

Supposed to be, but sometimes they find their way into 2WD models.

[@Ariesstubbornbutt]

All the mechanics in the family have passed. I do small things like struts and other stuff at 64 I find i have to start paying to have stuff done since my husband passed. That is great youre doing this. Im in Connecticut and I have a v8 GT Mustang. I put plugs in. 2 are stuck. Took it to a mechanic. I know he doesnt want to mess with it and I know why! Are you anywhere near Connecticut? I proably will have to buy a new head for it. Im asking because i have to find someone else for the head.

[@iamdjnam]

Don’t listen to those mechanics they are full of shit. What year is your mustang?

[@benzo9568]

Wow this is the best out of u thanks u very much..

[@jstephan03]

Well done, many thanks. I just started tearing my engine down last night. I'm stuck at the head removal as my T55 snapped. Go figure.

[@iamdjnam]

Yup yup those head bolts do a number on those t55s. Crazy torque to snap a socket like that.

[@tylerrumberger6865]

Thankyou so much you are the goat and very entertaining

[@nickdelong9744]

Everything I have found on this video is right up until the torque spec on rear cassette pivot bolt. In the video he says 15 foot pounds and I broke the bolt off in the block. He made another video of just replacing timing components and he said 89 inch pounds in it. The bolt alone on Amazon is around $45 luckily there was enough of bolt sticking out I was able to get a screwdriver on it.

[@adb140275]

i love your attitude and how you show the process, and how to overcome the special tooling in your cassette replacement video. obviously, common sense is involved in avoiding special tooling, i've only done ford's belt engines, but when special tools aren't pretty cheap like these ones, it is incredibly frustrating. i'm probably about your age, 27, and i own a shop in pennsylvania doing mostly powertrain repair on japanese vehicles. I came into an 07 explorer cheap, and im watching your video just to learn and become familiar with the platform. What tri-state area are you in? I was always unsure about that phrase. Keep it up! Thanks!

[@iamdjnam]

Located in NJ :3

[@fleetwin1]

@@iamdjnam Cool. I'm in RI... Will contact you if I ever decide to buy a used explorer...

[@dwh9623]

Great video watched it over and over when doing a timing job on an explorer, got it all back together and back into the truck and now I suddenly have no spark, really confused because it was driven into my shop before tearing it down any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@iamdjnam]

Check your grounds check 12v to the coil pack

[@cmkeelDIM]

Balance Shaft is only needed if you have an AWD/4WD. RWD dont have them. Im really thinking about dropping a 385 block in my exploder when the 4.0 dies... It is WAY easier to work on.

[@sudanusnet]

Where I can buy the original spare parts?

[@PatrickTibai]

What an amazing video with such incredibly rich detail. You can tell you know the ins and outs of this engine and its super refreshing to see. I say you know your stuff. I have a question if I may, how do know engine compatibility? I have a vin-k engine and a lot of ebay engines list the vin-k only working with 2002-2003 explorers, is this a junkyards oversight or are there issues with it going into a 2004 vin k? Also is there a master list of compatibilities that I can review? I want to do what you did to a purchased used engine and drop it in my explorer (current engine has about 300K on it and just started to rattle)

[@iamdjnam]

VIN K and E is in relation to flex fuel. The difference will be in the ECU and injectors. Any 4.0 longblock from 97-2010 is interchangeable. Just reuse your accessories.

[@PatrickTibai]

@@iamdjnam Thanks a ton! I think I need a few more tools to get it done but with your video they are easy to know!

[@wilmergalviz6833]

saludos Nick, desde Caracas Venezuela excelente video muy bien explicado, voy a repara mi motor de mi explorer 98 4.0

[@NefariousMotorworks]

Love the video. Just have quick question. Is it normal for the timing gear to be totally loose on the right camshaft while the left is resistance fit?

[@simonalvarado7250]

This is done so well in explanation. Thks

[@chuckharris1746]

Very well explained!!! Thank you

[@marmack59]

Thank you for this. I hope i NEVER have to work on this type of engine again.

[@curtisgore1611]

Great video dude. How much did that cost vs buying a long block

[@deadpossum100]

The factory service manual for my 04 ford explorer doesn't seem to indicate that the jackshaft sprocket bots should be discarded. Is this just a common practice or does Ford "require" those bolts not be reused. Thanks for the great videos!

[@iamdjnam]

They insist u discard but I reuse everything

[@fleetwin1]

Very interesting and informative for sure, thanks Nick! Boy o boy, that is one complex system with all those chains and shafts. They couldn't put both cam gears on the front of the engine? I was wondering why I kept hearing the term "cassette" until I saw you installing those chain/guide units into the block. That is a strange torque method for sure. A low foot pound spec, then another 90 degrees afterwards, I suppose it works though. What are those crazy looking tubes over top of the cams? Oilers? Am guessing they spray oil down on top of the cams, etc. I know you mentioned that lack of maintenance probably caused this failure, but it seems like all those plastic tensioners/guides would have a definite service life before they should be replaced. Looking at all this would scare me away from buying a used Ford 4.0L with high miles, unless this service had been performed. I guess it seems kind of like the old engine with timing belts that had a definite service interval. It seems like the heads have to come off to do this job, correct? Well, I would never attempt a job like this, wouldn't trust myself to get all the details right. Wouldn't trust most shops dealers to do the job either, unless they convinced me the tech had plenty of experience doing this operation. Extremely interesting and informative just the same, enjoyed watching buddy. Don

[@fleetwin1]

PS: What is so wrong with tapping the balancer on with a rubber mallet/dead blow? Are they worried the rubber will be dislodged/damaged? I'm old, but was paying attention. Why did you pull that engine out of what looks to be a perfectly good explorer? In a wreck? If not, why not reinstall the engine and have a great vehicle to use?

[@iamdjnam]

@fleetwin1 1) it screws up the thrust bearing 2) engine was blown 3) I put it back in and the truck is mint now.

[@strwbrryswisher420]

What is the purpose of the balance shaft. If you can delete it and the engine still run fine, what is the point in having it in the first place?

[@sef2273]

Good question.

[@USCPuma]

This Video has been a life saver. Unfortunately I stripped the head on one of the E11 Balance shaft bolts. I've read these are TTY and a dealer only part. You wouldn't have a Part number for these would you. I have looked everywhere and the only thing that comes up is the Jack Shaft Bolts.

[@iamdjnam]

The balance shaft bolts are not TTY. I don’t have a part number.

[@USCPuma]

@@iamdjnam Thanks for the clarification I appreciate it.

[@obxguy1]

Bro! You need to rebuild my 4.0 in my 04 explorer when it’s time!