Timing Chain Advice

shop deals on amazon
Advertise with us
Shop deals on ebay
Ford SportTrac Forum

Help Support Ford SportTrac Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
D

Dre L

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
1,856
Reaction score
0
Location
Orlando, FL
Feels like I just got kicked pretty hard and looking for a vote of advice.



Mechanic took the car in for a rear main seal leak and dropped the oil pan; found some parts in it from the timing chain. Says they're surprised it hasn't blown on me yet; I'm surprised too since the engine's been pretty smooth so far.



$3700 for a used 150K mile engine

$5900 for a new engine.



2001 Job 2 with 162,000 miles.



Repair, sell, or trade?
 
That's what the shop was able to source while we were on the phone chatting. Just feels like as much as I love this truck, it's getting to be more than it's worth.



In reading through some of the timing chain issues here, I thought it was a repairable item, but the shop seems to be leaning towards "you might as well drop in a new engine".

 
I'd ask for a second opinion on that. Obviously they will make more money off a new engine replacement then just fixing the timing chain. But then again there may be too much damage that can't be properly fixed and a new engine is the only way to go.
 
If they just found pieces of the guides, I'd imagine they can do a repair. Unfortunately, the engine still has to come out to do that and it's still not going to be much less money. You wouldn't be getting a 150k mile engine that will possibly have the same issue at an unknown time frame, though, assuming the guides haven't already been replaced on the used replacement. It's only a matter of time on these poorly designed engines.



A few grand repair is still cheaper than a new vehicle or used with unknown problems. If you are serious about wanting to keep the truck, I'd say repair it.

 
I guarantee what they found in the oil pan was pieces of the timing chain guide. 99.9% of "techs" out there are scared of the timing chains on these engines. These REALLY are easy to do once the engine is out and I can't see any reason to put a new or a used engine in just because it needs timing chains. These engines typically do not have any other issues internally.
 
If you decide on repair, have all the timing chains and related parts replaced while the engine is out (including the spring-hydraulic tensioners). Not much more in parts or labor.



My '01 has 235,000 miles with no problems (yet). I'd suspect that the rest of your engine is in fair condition.
 
I should note that I really only meant the timing components were poorly designed; not necessarily the engine as a whole.
 
Dumb question here. :banghead:



Any reason why plastic is used instead of metal? Noise, friction?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I guarantee what they found in the oil pan was pieces of the timing chain guide. 99.9% of "techs" out there are scared of the timing chains on these engines. These REALLY are easy to do once the engine is out and I can't see any reason to put a new or a used engine in just because it needs timing chains. These engines typically do not have any other issues internally.
Click to expand...



This is not only what I thought about timing chains, but affirms the lack of confidence I felt from the shop. They have always been good, but I think I need to find a specialist to look at this and get a second opinion. I'm even leaning towards going to Ford and having them do it.



 
Since I double posted, I may as well ask. Why are they so scared of this engine? The guy was saying that it might have this really sophisticated engine that ford may need to do the work on; meanwhile I always thought that it was an old standby of fords.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I guess that's why I'll ask Ford for an estimate... hard to say you don't know when it is your engine.
 
Many shadetree mechanics have successfully completed this project and documented it on the web. I think it's pulling the engine out that prevents most owners from attempting it. I don't understand why a shop with the proper tools and nothing better to do than work on vehicles wouldn't do it. Better an overly cautious shop than overconfident, though, imo.
 
Nobleman, if there is only plastic guide parts in the pan, maybe your chains are ok. Unless I drive 5 miles or more, my chains rattle for a second on start up. I have 133k and put 20K miles on it since I bought it. the local Ford dealer said that he has never heard oh a chain letting go. I think (just me now) that a chain will make a lot of noise before letting go.

Ed
 
noblemanMember Profile ,1/27/2015 09:57 ET



I guess that's why I'll ask Ford for an estimate... hard to say you don't know when it is your engine.
Click to expand...



One thing you have to remember is that the "techs" that work at Ford are pretty much the same "techs" that work at any other place, sort of. A loooong time ago dealership techs were very good when it came to their respective car line but those days are long gone. The really good techs that know what they are doing can make ALOT more money working for independent shops and that typically leaves the dealership staffed with lesser experienced techs...it's all about the all mighty dollar anymore.
 
Repair, sell, or trade?...



...Just feels like as much as I love this truck, it's getting to be more than it's worth.
Click to expand...



Only you can answer this question. You should think about the overall condition of the truck, what you like, what you can afford, what does the $ future look like with the truck, etc.



Anything can be repaired and rebuilt nearly forever.

Some folks like newer vehicles.

We cannot answer this one. You will have to. You know this anyway.



I sure as hell would not spend $4000 to put a well-used unknown engine in mine.



Good luck!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I love my '04, so. If it came to the whole motor swap. I would have to spend the $$ for a rebuilt long block.

Most of these used motors are going to be high millage. Dont want to get back to the same problem.

If you plan on driving the wheels off as I do. At 162K miles. I might look @ the new long block. My reason is I drive my Trac hard.
 
Thanks everyone; been putting a lot of thought into everything after having a baggie of the plastic "guides" handed to me. The shop is a good one and we're still on good terms, but the shop owner isn't touching it. I appreciated them being up front about it, and he says he was able to feel some slack in the chain. The engine sounds / runs very smoothly and I have no way of really knowing how long it's even been like this, so we're looking at all options, but I'm leaning towards finding a good engine shop.
 

Latest posts

Top