What Problems Will A 2008 V-6 Have
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- Mar 7, 2002
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Listen VERY closely to that 4.0 for rattling noises at the back of the engine and check the engine for sludge. The 4.0s are pretty great if they're maintained, but if the oil isn't changed often enough it WILL sludge. If it even starts to sludge a tiny bit, it will lead to timing chain issues, and it will usually be the rear chain, which requires removing the engine for replacement.
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All 4.0s are prone to that problem if not properly maintained. When they are properly maintained they'll go 150,000+ miles before any hint of chain noise and another 20k or so before it's critical in most cases.
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Nope. No room between the back of the engine and the firewall to get to the plugs you need to remove to get to everything. I've done the rear chains in an Explorer and a Mustang, both times the engine had to come out.
Also, check the thermostat housing. If it is a platic unit, you may want to replace it. Yes the plastice unit can be had for as little as $45 if you look around, but you may want to look into getting an all aluminum housing. It's pretty pricey, and can be found on ebay and amazon, but I've had mine for about 3 years and never had an issue. The plastic housing failing was the very first issue I had with the car and it started right after I bought it. I couldn't find the leak, but lost coolant daily, and could always smell it. Finally found the split seam, and replaced it. End of story. No problems since. The original is prone to failure.
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- Mar 7, 2002
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All years of the 4.0 sohc are prone to thermostat housing failure. It's more common in the truck and SUV applications because they run hotter, but they show up in Mustangs from time-to-time as well.
Mine is a 2005 Convertible bought it used, 56k miles on it.
This is a very common problem on the S197 models, but easily prevented. Clean the cowl drains regularly. This is probably the #1 cause of water entering the cabin. And it can be an expensive one.
Also, (I think it was the very first reply), someone mentioned the rear timing chain, or timing chain noise in general. Although I have not personally experienced this in person, One thing that would probably be a good idea would be to replace the 2 timing chain tensioners. They are basically little spring loaded pistons that press against the timing chains (front and rear), and keep the chains from slaping and destroying the plastic chain guides. They are easily accessable without opening the engine, takes about 10 minutes to do the job. Of course this depends on milage on the engine, but I think Ford recommends replacing them every 75k miles. I replaced mine (because I thought they were failing but they weren't) at 105k. The pair cost about $150 bucks, but give me piece of mine when I pulled the old ones out and felt the difference in spring tension.
There are all kinds of theads on this, cowl leaks, and the thermostat housing failure if you need more confirmation. Hope this helps.
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Check out this video, it explains it all. There is also a drain on the drivers side you need to check.
Also notice the gromets where the cowl vent (covers) mount, they too deteriorate with wear and time. They too will cause leaks if not addressed.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PuSsGm5OYA
Also notice the gromets where the cowl vent (covers) mount, they too deteriorate with wear and time. They too will cause leaks if not addressed.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PuSsGm5OYA
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Really durable. I've never personally seen a failure on them in a Mustang, even on beat-to-hell trade-ins. I have heard of them failing on modded cars though.
I agree. At stock power levels they seem to hold up well. I have heard they do have their weak points, but so far I have no experience with them. If you go the turbo or super-charger route, you will definately be looking at improving the transmission and rear end. One of the most common mods is to swap out the stock 7.5" rear for the 8", positraction, model off of the GT's.