timing chain

[Ed Fenwick]

Hi folks, I have a loose timing chain so I pump up the oil pressure before I let it fire. So far this seems to work well. However, I want to take a short trip (150 miles) and am wondering if that will put an undue stress on the chain or will things be ok. I realize this is impossiableto say for sure but could you give your best guess. There is no money to fix it.
thanks Ed

 

[EddieS'04]

Ed, I think there is a project on replacing the hydralic tensonors. I dont think it is too hard or expensive. That might be all you need. Cant' hurt to try that first.
Lord Bless you, that you can find the $$ for that.
Eddie

 

[Todd Z]

so you installed a cut off switch ??

 

[Ed Fenwick]

Thanks guys, Eddie, I have replaced both tensioners more than once. It seemed to maks a VERY small difference in the rattle but not much. Todd, is seems that if I hold the throttle to the floor the computer will shut off the fuel and the engine wil just crank. I crank for 5 seconds, am told that the starter is ok for 15 seconds before getting hot. The battery went dead Thursday (4 years on a 3 year warranty) No complaints there.
I am just concerned that running for 1.5 hours or so, the think will let go and die on top fo the mountain.
Thanks for the input, God bless Ed

 

[Ed Fenwick]

people tell me that this timing chain thing is a time bomb. It will go at any time. Cost $2500-$3000 to fix. I thought about putting in a used engine but he says that all 4.0 engines will get this problem. Do you guys think that all will get this? I may as well get rid of the truck!

 

[Todd Z]

ITs a tough call. Some places members get motors for 800 and get them installed for a case of beer..... Then others do themselves and others pay out the A$$....... Have to weigh the cost of a new car, used car, payments or the 3,500 one time chump out for a motor..... Its all about what else the truck needs, how old it is and what's next to blow up !!

The newer 4.0's are better, hell even the 4.6 at about 150-200 will need chains !! Fords designs SUCK !!!

 

[swshawaii]

Ed, apparently your rattle has been happening for YEARS. Is it getting noticeably louder? Have you checked where the noise is coming from, or removed the valve covers to check if the plastic tensioner guides are intact? I'd almost bet you have plastic bits in your oil pan, and if you're not careful they can clog the oil pick up and will grenade the engine if you lose oil pressure.

IIRC, your start up rattle was happening well before your 2017 post in the previous forum owned by Todd Z.

https://www.sporttrac.org/threads/third-timing-chain.119334/

 

[Ed Fenwick]

Hi SW, Yes it is louder and lasts maybe a second or two. What worries me is that it will give no warning before letting go. You are right I should drop the pan and clean it out! I just change the oil 50 miles ago.
Thanks for your help. Ed

 

[swshawaii]

Grab a piece of rubber hose or a wood stick to use as a stethoscope and touch the front of the driver side valve cover and rear of the passenger cover. Regardless of which guide failed, dropping the pan to check for plastic should be your first step as a precaution to prevent loss of oil pressure. You should be able to reuse your 50 mile oil by filtering it through a screened funnel. Keep us posted and good luck.
https://www.explorerforum.com/forum...ain-rattle-resolution-process-sohc-v6.278100/

Here's balance shaft info often referred to as the center "third chain". Is your 2002 4WD or RWD?
https://www.explorerforum.com/forum...t-bearings-in-my-oil-pan.287904/#post-2512773