SOHC V6 vs V8 Reliability

I have an '05 with the 4.6 V8 engine and have had absolutely no problems with it. It now has about 50,000 miles on it. There is no kind of unusual sound like that made by the V6. I had a '99 with the V6 SOHC and it was recalled for the chain tensioner, but I never had any other problem with it. However, it was noisy.

I have an early '02 with the 4.6L V-8. At 160,000 miles, it just had its first problem - one of the coil-on-plug assemblies gave out. Other than that, no problems - and some of those miles have been hard miles, pulling a 3500-pound camper across the country, into the US and Canadian Rockies, the high Sierras, etc.

Bill

By the way, Consumer Reports rates the expected reliability of Explorers with the V-6 as "poor". No report on the V-8 that I could find.

Bill

'97 E.B. SOHC V-6 bought new 174,542 miles on the odometer. Cam tensioners recalled twice and replaced when under warranty. No problems so far. I keep changing the oil every 3K and pay attention to the fluids and maintaince. The only problem the vehicle ever really had has the dreaded blend door problem. Replaced it with the upgraded heater box and everything has been fine since.

Gave my 98 SOHC V6 to my son, now has over 225,000 miles, with original water pump and alternator. Did I say for 5 years I pulled a bass boat all over Kansas and Missouri. Changed oil every 3000 to 4000 miles with Mobil 1, 10W30, and changed transmission fluid every year. Used a drill pump to get it out and replace it with Mercon 1V. Removed the cats and ran a Dyno Max exhaust system with MIL eliminators from a Mustang GT. My friends with Toyotas only wish they could do the same. At over 225K on the clock it does not leak or use oil, and yes I wish my son would trade it for something newer but he loves it because it still runs like new. Also from day one it has had a K&N air filter and EGR blocked off. Treat any thing you drive with respect and it should last a long time.

Ron

Similar experience here, my family has owned a '98 XLT with the 4.0 SOHC, and this engine seems indestructible. it has 250,000+ miles on it and still runs strong. I also personally own a '00 Sport with the

4.0 SOHC at around 80,000 miles, and i have had absolutely no problems at all with this engine. both engines, although perfectly operational still make the "valve clattering" noise at around 3,000 rpm, but this is simply a trademark characteristic of the 4.0 SOHC V6, it doesnt mean there is anything wrong with the engine, and there's not much you can do to stop it besides running premium fuel all the time. it's simply part of the engine's operation, nothing to be worried about. i bet even a brand new 4.0 SOHC would still make the valve noise at around 3000rpm.

There were some issues with the SOHC when it first came out in 97, but the bugs have long been cleared out. I have a 99 XLT SOHC, albeit only

67,000 miles, had the tensioner recall done about 6-7 years ago, even though there was no problem. The truck still runs great.