I have a now defunct 1997 Explorer 4WD V6 4.0L SOHC. A timing chain slipped and the vehicle is sitting at the shop waiting for me to OK an $1850 repair. I've read and heard a lot about tensioners and timing chains on this model engine. Is this anything FORD has admitted to with ragards to fixing it when the engine does blow? Also, my shop has been using 10W30 rather than FORD spec 5W30. I've gotten mixed reviews on whether or not this can cause this problem. One mechanic said the 10W30 is not able to lube the finer areas around the tensioners properly and can cause this problem. Any opinions? Thanks. -Joey

I ran into a very similar situation a few months ago. Instead of repairing the old engine (I was told $2k and no guarantee it would fix everything) I had a used engine installed for about $1500. Seems to be working fine.

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