Engine Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners

As of this 2020 writing, I'm just dumb lucky, not having had any TimingChain component failure with this

20yr old V6-4.0L~SOHC engine; only issue noticed is momentary rattling during very cold morning starts.

The recent removal of the lower Oil Pan & Pump Screen was clean, without any TimingGuide shrapnel nor
 other surprises being found in the Pan\Screen\Girdle. After first becoming aware in 2010 of the notorious

Tensioners & Guides in this engine, I had a trusted mechanic install new Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners,

followed with an Oil Change, then I switched to lighter 0w30\0w20.FullSyn. Since that time, the engine is

100kMiles+10Yrs older & is or was overdue for new Oil Pressurized Tensioners. Both myself & vehicle have

since retired from daily commutes; it's assigned to snow plowing or occasional substitute for another car,

thus the wife assigned me the maintenance task of replacing these 2 TimingTensioners as detailed below.

The IACValve SetScrew was also adjusted, lowering StartingFlare ~500rpms; part of an effort to generally
 minimize engine wear during cold starts, specificly to minimize wear on engine TimingGuide components.

While the Tensioners are removed, recommend CarbThrottleSpray to clean HeadThreads+Seats & a small

amount down the OilPassages to break up any sludge; after this job is done, Oil+Filter should be renewed.

## TimingTensioner Tools

BASIC TOOLS
\* 0i500 Drive Rachet
\* 20i Extension
\* 1i063 \ 0m027 12pt WrenchMODIFIED SOCKET
\* 0m027Hex 12pt DeepSocket
\* Depth Shortened For Left Tensioner
\* DriveEnd Narrowed To Clear Manifold
\* Modified With BenchGrinderTORQ TOOLS
\* 0i500 Drive TorqBeam \ TorqRachet
\* With 20~70LbFt MinimumRange

## TimingTensioner At EngineLeftDriversSide

Compared to the right rear Tensioner, the left Tensioner is difficult to access with little room between the
Manifold & the TStat; a TempSensor on the TStat was moved to improve clearances; click here for details.

Use only the OEM Tensioner noted below; cheap NoBrand Tensioners often fail & damage Guides+Engine.

To PrePrime a new Tensioner, dip in fresh oil, pump pin several times, press out most of the oil using a vice.

DIMENSIONS
\* Tensioner = Ford# xu2z-6k254-aa
\* Washer = Ford# xu2z-6m252-aa
COMPARISON
\* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
\* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
\* Old Came Out Crunchy+Gritty+Stiff
\* ThrottleCleaner Makes It Feels New
\* 1stTry With New Washer No Teflon
\* 2ndTry With Washer Teflon Wrap
REMOVAL+INSTALL
\* Stat UpperHoses+Sensors Removed
\* Mod Socket Clears Intake Manifold
\* Tensioner OilWayPlug @LowerLeft
\* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
\* 1stTry 49LbFt = Oil Leak @SeatScar
\* 2ndTry 60LbFt+TeflonWrap = No Leak

OIL REDUCER+PLUG DIMENSIONS
\* ServiceKit = Ford# yL2z-9e473-aa
\* Remove Plug With 30Torx Ratchet
\* Remove ReducerRod With Tweezers
\* CarbThrottleSpray Clean & ReInstall
\* ReSeal Plug With RTV Or TeflonTape
\* Torq Plug To 11LbFt

## TimingTensioner At EngineRightPassengerSide

Compared to the left Tensioner, this right rear Tensioner is much easier to access: remove the right front
 Wheel & lower MudSkirt & drill a hole in the plastic upper MudSkirt for a straight angle with 20i Extension.

Use only the OEM Tensioner noted below; cheap NoBrand Tensioners often fail & damage Guides+Engine.

To PrePrime a new Tensioner, dip in fresh oil, pump pin several times, press out most of the oil using a vice.

DIMENSIONS
\* Tensioner = Ford# xu3z-6k254-ba
\* Washer = Ford# xu2z-6m252-aa
COMPARISON
\* Old Tensioner @Left Installed 2010
\* New Tensioner @Right Installed 2020
\* Old Came Out Crunchy+Gritty+Stiff
\* ThrottleCleaner Makes It Feel New
\* 1stTry With New Washer wOut TeflonREMOVAL+INSTALL
\* Hole Drilled In Skirt For Extension
\* 20i Extension Clears Skirt
\* TensionerOilSupply @LowerRight
\* TensionerOilInlet Landed @UpperLeft
\* 1stTry 49LbFt wOut Teflon = No Leak

## EngineColdStart Procedure

If a V6~4.0L~SOHC Engine hasn't run in 12hours or longer, this EngineColdStart routine is recommended

to generally PreLubricate critical Engine components & specificly to PrePressurize the TimingTensioners.

* Turn Key To RUN Not START, Let InstrumentCluster Lamp+BuzzerTest Complete
* Push+Hold GasPedal To Floor, InstrumentCluster OilPressureNeedle Should Be At Zero
* Turn Key To START, Let Engine CRANK Without Starting Until OilPressureNeedle Moves Or ~10secs
* Let Key SpringReturn To RUN, Engine CRANK Should Stop
* Release GasPedal, Turn Key To START; When Engine STARTS, Let Key SpringReturn To RUN
* OilPressureNeedle Should Quickly Rise+Hold At MidGage Position

## Links To Related Info

Thanks go to the brave souls who've preceded me in similar adventures & freely shared their experience:

https://web.archive.org/web/20200710121000if\_/http://www.underhoodservice.com/exploring-service-needs-on-the-ford-4-0l-v6-engine
https://web.archive.org/web/20200527100537if\_/http://workshop-manuals.com/ford/explorer\_2wd/v6-245\_4.0l\_sohc\_vin\_e\_efi/engine\_cooling\_and\_exhaust/engine/timing\_components/timing\_chain\_tensioner/component\_information/technical\_service\_bulletins/all\_other\_service\_bulletins\_for\_timing\_chain\_tensioner/99-26-5/dec/99/engine\_knocking\_noise\_from\_left\_side\_at\_start\_up#page=0
https://web.archive.org/web/20210515142216if\_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-replace-rebuild-or-remanufactured.438266

https://web.archive.org/web/20211014182255if\_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-related-pns.316665 Timing Parts
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-parts-sources.317039 Timing Parts
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-pn-for-replacement.486638 Timing Parts
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/source-for-sohc-hydraulic-chain-tensioner-seal-solved.485606 Timing Parts
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-kits.485735 Timing Parts
https://www.google.ca/search?q=%2B%22Fel-Pro+TCS-45986%22&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwj9mavChd70AhWDY60KHU5iADoQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=%2B%22Fel-Pro+TCS-45986%22&gs\_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CpDVipDWCbFWgAcAB4AIABYogBvgGSAQEymAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=ls21Yf32MoPHtQXOxIHQAw Timing FrntCover Gaskets

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/starting-my-00m12-installation.261439
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/98-sohc-cold-start-idle-problem.61152
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-rear-timing-chain-tensioner-oil-leak.395421
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-rattle-resolution-process-sohc-v6.278100
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-v6-timing-chain-parts-removal-procedure.316471
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/retitled-sohc-engine-removal-rebuild.479104
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-pictures.161701
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/high-mileage-sport-trac-250k-and-counting.478260
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/sohc-4-0-no-oil-pressure-at-upper-tensioner.402152
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-noise.473831
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/install-manual-polaris-rzr-tensioners-in-4-0-sohc.483728
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/rzr-manual-tensioner.482886

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/disable-balance-shaft-by-removing-chain.483243
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/balance-shaft-myth-debunked.255402
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/explorer-balance-shaft.221345
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2003-4-0l-timing-chain-balance-shaft-question.485319
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/timing-chain-replacement-and-balance-shaft-delete.437135
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/balance-shaft-tensoner-parts-found-in-pan.451801
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/balance-shaft-chain.376001
https://www.explorertalk.com/threads/99-4-0-sohc-timing-chain-repairs.45084
https://sohcreplace.blogspot.com/2008/06/1997-2005-4.html
https://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40715
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/surprises-when-doing-tensioner-and-guide-replacement.189696/page-2
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/tensioners-replacement-fail.156055
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/aftermarket-sohc-timing-chain-guides.185509
https://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/101016-yeller-2002-4-0-sohc-engine-rebuild.html
https://www.v6mustang.com/threads/4-0-sohc-rebuild.277619
https://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/engine/1707-jasper-engines-remanufactured-crate-engine-and-transmission-in-an-01-ford-ranger
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/replace-all-4l-timing-chain-guides-without-removing-engine-or-special-tools.485343
https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-ohv-sohc-v6-tech-33/2001-4-0-v6-timing-chain-possible-fixes-157991
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1631166-sohc-tensioners-question.html

https://youtu.be/z2x6EI47HeU?t=1 Timing Guide Fail Rattle

https://youtu.be/HZwjpvwOZ6I?t=1 Timing Guide Fail Rattle

https://youtu.be/nM\_Tt2hjbj0?t=358 Timing Guide Fail Rattle

https://youtu.be/bRQiFIPTric?t=141 Timing Guide Fail Rattle

https://web.archive.org/web/20210903072702if\_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/stuff-in-the-oil-pan.494927 Timing Guide Fail OilPanSchrapnel

https://web.archive.org/web/20210515142600if\_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/04-oil-pan-removed-and-found-this.471051 Timing Guide Fail OilPanSchrapnel

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/look-what-i-found-in-my-oil-pan-what-is-it.472148 Timing Guide Fail OilPanSchrapnel

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/191436 Timing Valve Fail

https://youtu.be/MHHzXUtmErg?t=1 Timing JackTensioner+LeftGuide+RghtGuide Fail
https://youtu.be/LB1UNBeaWJQ?t=15 Timing JackTensioner Fail
https://web.archive.org/web/20210930050540if\_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/4-0-sohc-timing-cassette-pieces-in-oil-pan.495414 Timing JackTensioner Fail
https://web.archive.org/web/20210718014430if\_/https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/plastic-pieces-found-in-oil-pan.494310 Timing JackTensioner Fail
https://youtu.be/b2NvDAShANE?t=136 Timing JackLowerGear wOut\With BalaShaft
https://youtu.be/eCKOHVdv98c?t=1 Timing JackUpperGear+Chain+Guide+Tensioner ReMoval
https://youtu.be/HVROVcmLpQU?t=1 Timing JackUpperGear+Chain+Guide+Tensioner InStall

https://youtu.be/PAv6oCDXAV0?t=1 Timing Left+RghtTensioner
https://youtu.be/ARiWMRnrYTg?t=34 Timing Left+RghtTensioner Fail
https://youtu.be/q\_hzBq11HWQ?t=1 Timing Left+RghtTensioner Primed=HardInStall Oiled=EasyInStall
https://youtu.be/-5mI-ah4qRQ?t=1 Timing LeftTensioner RePlace
https://youtu.be/j5fno9JdZaA?t=3 Timing Left+RghtTensioner RePlace
https://youtu.be/92e5Qh42ULI?t=93 Timing LeftTensioner Fail
https://youtu.be/DfVPrSAd3Og?t=1 Timing LeftTensioner HackFix
https://youtu.be/9\_3inbJoYyA?t=0 Timing LeftTensioner OilRestrictorBypassMod
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/bad-drive-to-work.198382 Timing LeftGuide Fail
https://www.ranger-forums.com/general-ford-ranger-discussion-15/front-engine-noise-171029 Timing LeftGuide+ValveCover Fail
https://youtu.be/YSxAxQFZ0AA?t=1 Timing LeftGuide RePlace

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/490702 Timing RghtTensioner CutAway
https://youtu.be/D9QfX4SO7DM?t=0 Timing RghtTensioner CutAway
https://youtu.be/P4N5E\_RfYpE?t=1 Timing RghtTensioner RePlace
https://youtu.be/u3WyE4nOmHs?t=1 Timing RghtGuide Fail
https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-ohv-sohc-v6-tech-33/2003-sohc-passenger-side-rear-oil-leak-169401 Timing RghtGuide Fail CoverBroken

https://youtu.be/61zwdA5qldg?t=1 Timing RghtGuide Diagnos+RePlace wOut SpecTools
https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/493838 Timing RghtGuide RePlace
https://youtu.be/gnHB1VA6C2M?t=12 Timing RghtGuide FixHack

https://youtu.be/\_PpVvGpO0tg?t=1 Timing BalaTensioner Fail
https://youtu.be/LyGQsHZEpXM?t=1 Timing BalaShaft
https://youtu.be/52\_ehMNpDps?t=1 Timing BalaShaft
https://youtu.be/LyGQsHZEpXM?t=0 Timing BalaShaft
https://youtu.be/52\_ehMNpDps?t=0 Timing BalaShaft
https://youtu.be/6\_u6Me2WooA?t=1 Timing BalaShaft Delete

https://youtu.be/xKTZMl35-hw?t=1 Timing ReBuild
https://youtu.be/C3EIC2g2nkI?t=13 Timing ReBuild
https://youtu.be/oh-RueWyX\_Y?t=1 Timing ReBuild
https://youtu.be/LVnG10Rpi4M?t=54 Timing ReBuild
https://youtu.be/wMQx-RRF0Wk?t=1 Timing ReBuild
https://youtu.be/xAEA4y8bnIA?t=14 Timing ReBuild
https://youtu.be/WJax1KPtRB8?t=17 Timing ReBuild With NonFord Cloyes Parts
https://youtu.be/GX1oMHwm1JQ?t=1 Timing ReBuild Left+RghtTensioner SwapErr
https://youtu.be/pwUmIDTX0gs?t=9 Timing ReBuild With EnginPull
https://youtu.be/Da7SK6uCE8Y?t=3 Timing ReBuild With EnginPull
https://youtu.be/-6LC3pkw6z8?t=0 Timing ReBuild wOut EnginPull 1of4
https://youtu.be/5HjgWJyte2Y?t=0 Timing ReBuild wOut EnginPull 2of4
https://youtu.be/F5wNbgxvd7g?t=0 Timing ReBuild wOut EnginPull 3of4
https://youtu.be/x27E49pM11Y?t=0 Timing ReBuild wOut EnginPull 4of4