2 years later the rattle came back

[Robert Howell]

I had the timing chain rattle about 2 years ago in my 2001 ST. I removed the engine and replaced the cassettes, chains and tensioners. All has been well until today. The rattle started and I shut it down right away. The kit I got wasn't Ford OEM, it was a Rock Auto jobber. I removed the left tensioner tonight and found it was not smooth to depress, crunchy would be a better description so I suspect it is just a bad tensioner. Problem is I can't seem to find the correct TSB that give the correct Ford part number that contains the updated tensioner, crush washer and volume reduction plug.

Anyone have that TSB handy?



Thanks

 

[Yardsale]

I don't have the TSB, but I have these part numbers (for the spring-hydraulic tensioners):



Timing chain tensioner, right, spring-hydraulic, 7U3Z6K254A, $49.10

Timing chain tensioner, left, spring-hydraulic, 7U3Z6K254B, $62.21

Metal washer, Timing chain tensioner, left, XU2Z6M252AA, $7.20



For some things, you gotta bight the bullet and go with OEM (even then, there are no guarantees).

 

[Todd Z]

I also recommend putting it a cup of oil before installing and Pumping it a few times Just to be safe..



Todd Z

 

[Robert Howell]

What about the volume reducing plug?

 

[Todd Z]

I know nothing about that.... sorry.....



See the link below, IT probably will not help you.....



Todd Z

 

[Lloyd Ledford]

holleyman---i believe you need this kit--YL2Z-9E473-AA--comes with tensioner, intake gaskets and the plastic rod. your local dealer should have it in stock.

 

[Yardsale]

The following pertain to repair kit: YL-2Z-9E473-AA. The kit includes the volume-reducing plug ("plastic rod") and oil galley plug.



[Broken External Image]:



<a href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/645684-timing-chain-rattles.html" target="_blank">Timing Chain Rattles</a>

<a href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/654685-4-0-sohc-chain-rattle.html" target="_blank">4.0 SOHC Chain Rattle</a>

<a href="http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275507" target="_blank">Need Copy of TSB #00M12 Camshaft Chain Tensioner</a>

<a href="http://www.section525.com/xpage/00M12.pdf" target="_blank">00M12 Attachment III</a>

<a href="http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=487634&postcount=33" target=_blank">Tips</a>

<a href="http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2334474" target="_blank">Starting My 00M12 Installation</a>

 

[Robert Howell]

Thank you for the info

 

[Robert Howell]

Finally got around to putting the old girl back together today and the tensioner did the trick, no more rattle. Looks like it we are back in business again.

:supercool:

 

[Yardsale]

Nice!

 

[Robert Howell]

This Trac is getting on my nerves. The rattle came back AGAIN at 2500 RPM!



I removed the front timing cover, the left valve cover and inspected the primary chain, looks like new. The left front cassette is loose but also looks like new. Nothing broken. When I push down on the cassette with an extension through the tensioner hole the chain goes tight.

Has anyone experienced a failure of the tensioner after only 2 weeks?

The engine looks like new on the inside, only run synthetic 5W-30 since new and it is exceptionally clean inside as I know this tensioner issue is sensitive to contamination. I removed the plug and flow restrictor and checked for debris in the port.

Anyone have any insight or experience with this issue?

The right tensioner has way more spring tension than the left, why would they be different?