Timing Chain tensioner

[Sundance]

Hi,

I just purchased a 2005 Ford Explorer and have a couple a questions.

First, I think I have read the timing chain tensioners should be replaced around 70k miles, my Explorer has 71k on it. Should I think about doing that soon? What kind of cost are we (ME) looking at?

Also I'm only getting around 13 MPG. What can I do to improve that?

Thanks for the input.

 

[Number4]

Do you have the V6? It likes to get 13 MPGs.
My wife gets 13 while I get 17MPGs in our '05.
If you gas it until you have to brake, you'll get crappy mileage.

Also, the timing doesn't need touched until it starts to rattle. Though some claim its failed with no warning.

 

[fordbluefamily]

I have heard that replacing the screw in tensioners should probably be done every 100k due to the spring weakening. I can see where this might be a good idea although I haven't done that on a time schedule to any of mine. The spring is what holds the tension until the oil pressure builds. Comparing a 100k mile tensioner spring to a new one is quite a difference. They cost around 70 bucks each for motorcraft ones. I wouldn't use cheap ones. When you are in the drive through and start to hear a faint rattle coming off idle reflecting off the building next to you, these might cure that as they did for me. I get 17-21 MPG in the 2010 and a solid 15 in the AWD 04.