Explorer 2WD V6-245 4.0L SOHC VIN E EFI (1997)
NOTE:
This flow chart applies if engine is making timing chain noise (engine will run) or valves are mistimed (engine will not run).
This program involves 1997 and 1998 Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines that have excessive and constant cam
chain noise caused by the front cam chain guide assembly (cassette).
The repair procedure requires the technician to measure and record engine oil pressure on all vehicles before replacing the cassette. This is a check to
make sure that there are no problems with the engine bearings before replacing the cassette.
Also, in some cases, a broken cassette may have affected the cam timing and caused mechanical damage to the engine valve(s). This would cause the
engine to run rough (similar to a fouled spark plug or an open ignition wire). Therefore, on engines that have a rough idle, the technician will perform a
cylinder leak down test on the left cylinder bank to verify that the valves are functioning correctly.
Finally, some vehicles may have cassettes that are broken into small enough pieces to cause potential problems with the oil pick-up and lubrication
system. On these vehicles, the technician must replace the oil pick-up and filter assembly when a new cassette is installed. This will ensure that the
engine repair will be long lasting.
