2002 Mercury Mountaineer

[Steeler fan]

is it necessary to pull the engine to change the timing chain and all the guides?

 

[Mrobs146]

is it necessary to pull the engine to change the timing chain and all the guides?

 

[Steeler fan]

[QUOTE="Mrobs146, post: 3831644, me
[QUOTE="Mrobs146, post: 3831644, member: 330295"

 

[Steeler fan]

[QUOTE="Mrobs146, post: 3831644, me
[QUOTE="Mrobs146, post: 3831644, member: 330295"

If you don’t mind me asking what is the secret?

 

[MrQ]

Small hands, the right tools, and lotsa patience.

Front timing chain replacement without removing engine

Hi Guys, The timing chain rattle on my '97 SOHC 4.0L (112000 miles) is getting louder and making me increasingly nervous, but it seems that the rattle is coming from the front of the engine so I'm hoping to only replace the front chains without removing the engine from the vehicle. Is this...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Steeler fan]

Let guess pull everything out of the front of the vehicle (fan, radiator etc) and dig in.

 

[shane10]

I just did my timing chains (among other things) a few weeks ago, the front guides would be possible by removing all drive accessories and front cover. The balance shaft in 4x4 (or weird non 4x4 models with balance shaft) might be a little tricky without dropping the upper pan cradle, but still possible. Although I've read people have replaced the rear cassette without pulling the engine, personally I would not try it nor see how it was possible. Keep in mind this was my first engine pull so I am not the most experienced on this job by far, maybe someone has some invaluable tips on making it happen.
Again while it might be possible, after completing the job I would imagine it would be easier/less work to just pull the engine vs doing the job with engine in the truck.
Good luck!
I assume you've confirmed at least one guide is broken?