Timing Tensioner problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer

1997 Ford Explorer 4. 0 sohc, my engine is making a terrible rattle sound while running, I have been told by many that its the timing chain tensioners, and that Ford knows about the problem but is not doing anything to help owners to get this repaired.

Ford 4. 0l sohc timing chain issue. Currently my timing chains are still in one piece. The plastic tensioners break, leading to chain slack, and eventually, breakage. There has been nothing done to correct it as of yet, the only way to repair them is to buy $500-$600 worth of parts and tools, remove the engine from the car and repair and replace the timing chains and guides.

Cam tensioner broke. Metal piece from tensioner ran through engine and damaged it. There was a recall on vehicle's make/model; but, consumer's vehicle was not included because it exceeded 100000 mile warranty. Consumer bought vehicle and didn't know recall.

Cam chain tensioner failed, as described in technical service bulletins 00m12, 01m01, 12150, 6926. Ford customer relations refuses to cover the repair. They claim this is not a safety issue. I claim it is. When mine failed, I was nearly run over by a semi tractor trailer following behind me due to instantaneous loss of power without warning. Ford should be compelled to issue a general recall on all such engines with this known defect.

On 12/18/00-I had my car towed to romeo Ford,because my motor died sitting at a red light waiting to turn ,romeo Ford informed me that something in the upper half of the motor let go and that Ford motor company did not recomend the motor be repaired-that a factory rebuild is recomended-my cost would be 1,600. 00-and that Ford would pick up the rest-I thought great a new motor for 1,600. 00 dollars-I said fix it-I got the car back 01/18/01-runs great-on 01/24/01 I get in the mail a safty recall packet from Ford motor company-in this packet is a warranty extension on the camshaft chain tensioner-(thats what let go to kill my motor) I thought great my new motor is covered under warranty-I get my $1,600. 00 back! -nope- romeo Ford -Ford motor company-will not honor the warranty extension-can you help me?.

While driving the tensioner failed causing the engine to stall without warning or indication of trouble, consumer request reimbursement. Nlm.

Engine making ticking noise where time chain is. After disassembly by mechanic found tensioner with timing chain was defective. New tensioner and timing chain installed( dot number: ).

I have a big question conserning the 4. 0 sohc "plastic" cam tensioner. I have had my Explorer in a local shop for 4 weeks "diagnosing" me check engine light problem. Today I find out that I have a totally wrecked 48,000 mile engine due to the fact that Ford installs plastic cam tensioners from the factory only to replace them later with steel units. I also found out today that I am going to have to purchase a new engine for the low, bargain basement price of $5400. My god that makes me happy. There are 4 Explorers in my local dealership with the same problem. I am beginning to see a trend here! could somebody please tell me what's up with these engines. I was also told that the new engine, which is a 2000 model, "has been redesigned".

While driving about 25 mph and all of a sudden vehicle just died. This happened without any warning. Vehicle would not restart. This was due to a broken time chain tensioner. Entire engine was being replaced. Ford refused to help consumer with this matter. Manufacturer changed the design due to timing chain tensioner problem with this make of vehicles.

1-21-00 took car into magic Ford in santa clarita, CA. For warranty work, replace catalytic converter. I was informed by tim heming that the timing chain tensioners were bad. About $1500. 00 to fix. I asked if it was a warranty item. He said no, but I can call the Ford customer assistance guide to see if I can get finacial help. I did and they said no. 1-27-00 I had my own service tech. Pick up car and start the repairs. 2-1-00 my service tech. , ken wagner lic. #0706-121676 informed me that the timing chain tensioners were broken and sucked up in the engine and desstroyed the engine. He also informed me that the timing chain tensioners have been upgraded from some kind of plastic material to metal. He also informed me that the dealer he ordered the parts from has ordered 104 of them. The dealer is antelope valley Ford lancaster, CA. The cost to buy and install the new engine was $4000. 00 I had to pay to ken wagner. I think that do to the fact that the parts have been upgraded and so many are being ordered that Ford is aware of this problem and I should be reimbursed for my out of pocket expense.

The timing chain broke off and knocked a hole in the valve cover tensioner. Could smell oil burning prior to problem with timing chain. Vehicle was towed to dealership for repairs of timing chain.

Tensioner plastic piece wich supports the timing chain broke, caused the vehicle to stall while driving which may cause a crash. Please provide further information.

The timing chain tensioners do not support the guides as it was designed to do causing loud rattling. Nlm.

Engine- vehicle began making knocking/ticking noise from engine at 30000 miles, took into dealer to report it, and they said no problems. Noise was at start ups and after vehicle had set for brief time. Noise became louder and longer in duration, took back into dealer at 35000 miles, again, they said no problems-normal noise. At 41900 miles, vehicle became undriveable, noise was extremely loud and metallic in nature. Took to different dealer who stated that they had numerous problems with 1997/98 Explorers with 4. 0sohc engine timing chain tensioner failures. Most were under warranty and they sent entire engine back to manufacturer to repair. Now my vehicle was out of warranty and the reapai cost me $700. 00. The vehicle went back 3 days later with same problem, another $300. 00. I feel that I reported my problem while the vehicle was still in warranty and that Ford should cover the repairs. I also think thatford is fully aware of a widespread problem with these 4. 0 sohc engines and the timing chain/tensioner defects. I have talked with many dealers and individual owners who have stated the defect is not isolated. Had my family and I been traveling at high speed when this thing went bad and the engine quit,there could have been an accident. There needs to be a formal investigation into this issue, it is too widespread and Ford certainly is aware of the problem, but unwilling to address it and compensate consumers who are suffering with this. Fuel system- there is also a hesitation/stalling that occurs on same vehicle that has been into teh dealer on several occasions to fix, but can not be diagnosed or repaired. This is very dangerous especially when pulling into intersections or turning at traffice lights. My wife has had several near misses due to this. Again, this appears to be widespread with this 4. 0 sohc engine. Please let's have something done about this before someone is hurt. Ford's army of engineers surely are aware this exists. Mark ditto.

1997 Ford Explorer faulty timing chain tensioner started making a noise. Consumer believes Ford should fix the problem at no cost.

Have had a intermittent valve tap since a recall was done ,it's getting progressly worse. Dealer has replaced tappets once and the timing chain tensioner thinking it was that . Now I see two tsbs' NHTSA #sb051948 and #sb051128 and was wondering if they might apply and can I do anything to get the problem resolved ? thankyou for any help ,shannon.

The timing chain and tensioner failed due to design problems causing the vehicle to idle rough and make alot of noise upon startup and while stopped at a light. Nlm.

Chain tensioners have deteriorated and broken up. Engine now rattels and grinds. I have fear of major engine damage. After talking to Ford dealers in reno nv and one in susanville CA I have been told every thing from "your on your own " to " Ford is working on a permanant fix so be patient. Is Ford going to fix my problem . I understand this to be a major widespread problem.