Reading this newsgroup as well as an Explorer forum makes it seem that the
SOHC V6 has real problems with cam chain tensioners and noise that are
expensive to repair. I am thinking of a newer Explorer or a Toyota 4Runner
(2004-2007). But the cam chain issue has me scared. Am I being overly
concerned? Does the 4.6 V8 SOHC also have the same issues? Thanks for any
advice.
Big Shoe - 25 Dec 2007 13:47 GMT
>Reading this newsgroup as well as an Explorer forum makes it seem that the
>SOHC V6 has real problems with cam chain tensioners and noise that are
>expensive to repair. I am thinking of a newer Explorer or a Toyota 4Runner
>(2004-2007). But the cam chain issue has me scared. Am I being overly
>concerned? Does the 4.6 V8 SOHC also have the same issues? Thanks for any
>advice.
I have an '05 with the 4.6 V8 engine and have had absolutely no
problems with it. It now has about 50,000 miles on it. There is no
kind of unusual sound like that made by the V6. I had a '99 with the
V6 SOHC and it was recalled for the chain tensioner, but I never had
any other problem with it. However, it was noisy.
Bill Jeffrey - 25 Dec 2007 16:35 GMT
>> Reading this newsgroup as well as an Explorer forum makes it seem that the
>> SOHC V6 has real problems with cam chain tensioners and noise that are
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> V6 SOHC and it was recalled for the chain tensioner, but I never had
> any other problem with it. However, it was noisy.
I have an early '02 with the 4.6L V-8. At 160,000 miles, it just had its
first problem - one of the coil-on-plug assemblies gave out. Other than
that, no problems - and some of those miles have been hard miles,
pulling a 3500-pound camper across the country, into the US and Canadian
Rockies, the high Sierras, etc.
Bill
Bill Jeffrey - 25 Dec 2007 16:36 GMT
By the way, Consumer Reports rates the expected reliability of Explorers
with the V-6 as "poor". No report on the V-8 that I could find.
Bill
Stephen Gluck - 25 Dec 2007 17:32 GMT
>Reading this newsgroup as well as an Explorer forum makes it seem that the
>SOHC V6 has real problems with cam chain tensioners and noise that are
>expensive to repair. I am thinking of a newer Explorer or a Toyota 4Runner
>(2004-2007). But the cam chain issue has me scared. Am I being overly
>concerned? Does the 4.6 V8 SOHC also have the same issues? Thanks for any
>advice.
'97 E.B. SOHC V-6 bought new 174,542 miles on the odometer. Cam
tensioners recalled twice and replaced when under warranty. No
problems so far. I keep changing the oil every 3K and pay attention to
the fluids and maintaince. The only problem the vehicle ever really
had has the dreaded blend door problem. Replaced it with the upgraded
heater box and everything has been fine since.
Ron & Maggie - 25 Dec 2007 20:10 GMT
> Reading this newsgroup as well as an Explorer forum makes it seem that the
> SOHC V6 has real problems with cam chain tensioners and noise that are
> expensive to repair. I am thinking of a newer Explorer or a Toyota 4Runner
> (2004-2007). But the cam chain issue has me scared. Am I being overly
> concerned? Does the 4.6 V8 SOHC also have the same issues? Thanks for any
> advice.
Gave my 98 SOHC V6 to my son, now has over 225,000 miles, with original
water pump and alternator. Did I say for 5 years I pulled a bass boat
all over Kansas and Missouri. Changed oil every 3000 to 4000 miles with
Mobil 1, 10W30, and changed transmission fluid every year. Used a drill
pump to get it out and replace it with Mercon 1V. Removed the cats and
ran a Dyno Max exhaust system with MIL eliminators from a Mustang GT. My
friends with Toyotas only wish they could do the same. At over 225K on
the clock it does not leak or use oil, and yes I wish my son would trade
it for something newer but he loves it because it still runs like new.
Also from day one it has had a K&N air filter and EGR blocked off. Treat
any thing you drive with respect and it should last a long time.
Ron
almfreak@hiwaay.net - 26 Dec 2007 06:13 GMT
Similar experience here, my family has owned a '98 XLT with the 4.0
SOHC, and this engine seems indestructible. it has 250,000+ miles on
it and still runs strong. I also personally own a '00 Sport with the
4.0 SOHC at around 80,000 miles, and i have had absolutely no problems
at all with this engine. both engines, although perfectly operational
still make the "valve clattering" noise at around 3,000 rpm, but this
is simply a trademark characteristic of the 4.0 SOHC V6, it doesnt
mean there is anything wrong with the engine, and there's not much you
can do to stop it besides running premium fuel all the time. it's
simply part of the engine's operation, nothing to be worried about. i
bet even a brand new 4.0 SOHC would still make the valve noise at
around 3000rpm.
Mikepier - 26 Dec 2007 13:15 GMT
There were some issues with the SOHC when it first came out in 97, but
the bugs have long been cleared out. I have a 99 XLT SOHC, albeit only
67,000 miles, had the tensioner recall done about 6-7 years ago, even
though there was no problem. The truck still runs great.