98 Ford Explorer Timing Belt or Chain replacement Required?

Question

I have a 98 Ford Explorer 4 door, V6, 4 liter, AWD. In the service guide there doesn't seem to be a schedule for replacing the timing belt or timing chain. So do I have a timing chain or timing belt, and am I supposed to replace it even when there's nothing wrong with it?
Thanks.

Answer 1

You are not supposed to need to replace the timing chain(s) on a 4.0L SOHC V6. There are actually a total of FOUR, on this particular engine. This is a job that I would NOT recommend anyone even thinking of attempting to replace, if it's by anyone other than a FORD DEALER TECHNICIAN FAMILIAR WITH DIASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY OF 4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINES. The reason for this is because, this particular engine is an interference engine BIG TIME!!! There are NO timing marks on this particular engine. They require FIVE dedicated Ford/Rotunda tools to service.

Answer 2

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RE:
98 Ford Explorer Timing Belt or Chain replacement Required?
I have a 98 Ford Explorer 4 door, V6, 4 liter, AWD. In the service guide there doesn't seem to be a schedule for replacing the timing belt or timing chain. So do I have a timing chain or timing belt, and am I supposed to replace it even when there's nothing wrong with it?
Thanks.

Answer 3

98 Ford Explorer

Answer 4

Timing is computer controlled, but you can check to make sure that it is correct. There is a spout connector near the coil pack it looks like a plug that is grey and you remove it then check the timing then reinstall when done checking. I would suspect you either have a fuel concern or a Mass Air Flow sensor that has a problem. Are you sure that you have a EFI engine and not a SOHC engine. Visually easy to identify if you have a large Black plastic intake that says SOHC then you do not have the pushrod EFI engine. If its a SOHC engine that rattles especially cold then you may have bad tensioners and yes the cam timing can jump.

Answer 5

The vehicle use a timing chain, and typically does not require replacement unless you are hearing something that does not sound right. There is no standard replacement period.

Answer 6

If the owners manual maintenance schedule doesn't specify an interval for timing chain replacement, it's not a maintenance item. The 4.0 came in two different arrangements that year. A standard single cam engine and a overhead cam engine. Check 8th # in VIN E= overhead cam
x= standard engine.

Answer 7

you have a chain. which typically does not need to be replaced as part of your service plan.