Timing Chain

David J 3 · Jun 20, 2006

Well it looks like I'm going to do the timing chain & tensioner replacement. My dealer quoted me around $750.00 parts and labor, which doesn't sound too bad. The worst part is that with 57k mi on a 2001. It's way out of warranty.

Any feedback?

Todd Z · Jun 20, 2006

It is not the "right thing" to do, But have you tried a slightly thicker oil???

Todd Z

Deleted deleted · Jun 20, 2006

On my old Trac, I just turned up the radio a bit louder and ignored it.

Jeff C · Jun 20, 2006

David, I switched to 10W-30 and the noise went away. Did that, oh, 30k ago, no problems.

Brian Curry · Jun 20, 2006

I've tried 0w30, 10w30, 5w30, 10w40 . What happened with mine was that the hydraulic chain adjuster was hammering against the chain guide, eventually breaking the guide. When that happened the chain guide moved up and the tensioner reached it's limit,what a horrrrrible noise. Had the update installed, but when the temp. drops to 0c the noise returns. So plug it in do I ... gonna try to modify it to a manual adjust. I think that being the last item in line to get oil is the root of all evil........funny the v8 has a oneway ratchet on its hydraulic adjuster.

David J 3 · Jun 20, 2006

I am nervous about having the engine torn apart for this, but I just don't want to regret it later. If the chain breaks or what happened to Brian. When it's idling or just driving on a level road (no Load) I can hear a metalic rattling sound in the engine, it's not as loud as when it's under acceleration. But something is going on in there. I will try different oil and see what happens first. Todd Z. What oil should I use? and please elaborate on the right thing to do. David.