# Ford ohc 4.0 engine

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-ohc-4-0-engine/14976>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [June 7, 2008, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-ohc-4-0-engine/14976 "2008-06-07T15:45:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Michael\_C](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7cd45c/32.png) [@Michael\_C](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Michael_C)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2008, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-ohc-4-0-engine/14976/1 "2008-06-07T15:45:17Z")

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I have a 2001 ranger. 4.0 ohc engine. 82,000 mi. the rear timing chain broke. Repair cost est. @$3000. Is this a common failure, or a fluke? I hate to spend $3000 if this thing is the modern incarnation of the Vega.

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2008, 4:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-ohc-4-0-engine/14976/2 "2008-06-07T16:07:47Z")

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You might check with the Ford dealer on this because there was a Technical Service Bulletin issued back in August of 2004 about a timing chain rattle. I have no idea as to whether this bulletin would be applicable to your problem or not.

Normally, a timing chain may break for one of several reasons. Either there is a problem with a chain tensioner/guide or the chain is excessively worn due to lack of regular oil changes.  
Just offhand, I would say a fluke but without knowing the oil change history or examination of the chain tensioners/guides it’s difficult to say for sure. Hope that helps anyway.

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2008, 4:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-ohc-4-0-engine/14976/3 "2008-06-07T16:13:18Z")

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Rear timing chain? That implies there is also a front timing chain…These Ford Modular engines usually have only one chain…Were the valves/pistons damaged? A salvage yard engine might be a better bet than rebuilding yours…

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**Author:** ![FoDaddy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/fodaddy/32/717_2.png) [@FoDaddy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FoDaddy)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2008, 7:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-ohc-4-0-engine/14976/4 "2008-06-07T19:02:08Z")

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The 4 liter OHC is not a mod motor. I would say it is a fluke given the low mileage. $3000 is pretty high, I would get a 2nd and 3rd estimate. Uusually these engines are pretty reliable.