98 Explorer 4.0 SOHC Automatic

I stopped at the store and made my purchase. I had a few to many bags to lug across the parking lot so I pulled my explorer to the curb of the store, turned it off loaded up and tried to start and it sounded like the starter was not engaging the flywheel. I towed to my house checked on some prices to repair and then had it towed to a local Pepboys. They replaced the starter and said the truck still wouldn't start. From what they said it is now turning the engine but getting no fuel. I suggested they hit the reset switch for the emergency fuel shut off under the right side dash. (Don't know if they did or not) Called the shop and asked what the status is and was told that the ASE certified tech thinks it is the timing. Isn't the timing controlled by the onboard computer? Any ideas why?

Time to find a good repair shop.
Not getting fuel can be spotted by a good tech/mechanic and a good scanner very easy.
Yes the timming is pcm controlled.
But timming is a long way from a not getting fuel problem.
First thing is check for spark and if you have spark check the fuel pump system.
You might take a quick check on the check fuses?
MT :lol2: :lol:

Thanks! I am waiting for these guys to call me back. It seems that they are trying to make work and bill me. When I told the guy that I thought the timing was computer controlled he stammered a bit and said well the ASE tech will be in at 10 am to check it out and your like 2nd or 3rd on the list.
:sly:

Do not let them jack you around on it.
Also ask them about the anti theft light is it on or off when they try to start it?
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
MT

Hi MT,
I just spoke with the shop. He said that the truck has no compression and it is a timing issue. (ie. The timing belt slipped, busted ,etc...) He said they can't do it there and it would be a dealer fix. He was saying somehting about a tensioner that has to be installed from Ford , I guess part of a recall??? I have no Idea. I am lost now. It's funny how it jst went like that. The truck has 159,000 miles on it. It has ran great and with few problems. I am about to call a dealer and see if I can have it towed to a ford dealer I guess.

Does not sound good.
It has a chain instead of a belt.
The timming chain tensioners give a lot of problems.
But big bucks fix.
Good luck
MT

Hi MT,

The tech is saying a recall has been made on the tensioner or chain itself. Do you know anything about this? If so this will be a good thing for me. It would not cost me anything to fix.
Thanks for all the support MT!

You need to have the dealer run your vin no for recalls.
But with that many miles they may not do much.
But it is worth a worth a try.
A recall they pay a tsb you pay.
Good luck
MT

Just checked the recalls after reading this and they are extended warranties on the cam shaft chain tensioner problem up to 100,000 miles.

Do not let them jack you around on it.
Also ask them about the anti theft light is it on or off when they try to start it?
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
MT


If anti theft light is on will it not fire? I have a 2003 that has spark and fuel but will not fire. Let me know if you are still out there. THANKS

If the anti-theft light is on or blinking when you try to start the vehicle it will not start. Fords will typically still crank over, and there will be fuel in the fuel rail, but the fuel injectors will not pulse. In that situation a person could try a different programmed transponder key to see if a different key works.

-Rod

If it is a timing chain problem then it will be expensive to fix. There are 4 chains that will need to be checked/changed and each has a tensioner and guide. 3 of them are on the front of the engine and can be serviced with the engine in the vehicle, and the 4th one is on the rear of the engine and the engine needs to be pulled to get to it. None of these have any markings to set timing so you need a set of tools specific to this engine that run about $200. You can get a complete timing chain set for around $500 off of the internet. So if you fix it yourself the parts would be around $700.00, but I'd plan alittle more so you can change plugs, wires, thermostat, and you will need a complete gasket set. If you have ford fix the problem then you be looking at about a $3000 bill to change it all. I'm not trying to scare you but if it's the timing chains then this is what your looking at. I have had my engine out twice to fix this type of problem, once at 160000 miles and once at 195000 miles (just got it back together yesterday). Luckily I didn't have to change everything, I just had to do tensioners and guides.