94 explorer timing chain

[H munster]

This is for any one who has done it, is it possible to change the timing chain without pulling the engine?

 

[natenkiki2004]

My only concern would be having enough room to get a puller on the harmonic balancer. If you can do that, the rest should be easy.

You're technically supposed to replace the oil pan gasket at the same time you do the timing cover. Can't really do that easily with the engine in the vehicle. Just clean the oil pan & timing cover surfaces as much as you can and goop on some RTV, preferably Permatex Black or The Right Stuff.

 

[Mtn_Man]

It's a tight space, but I don't see why you couldn't. I rebuilt the motor in my 94 so it was on a stand. The timing chain cover shares the front portion of the oil pan. The oil pan on the 94 uses the gland gasket instead of the flat gasket. The tricky part is getting the front cover to lined up with the harmonic balancer when reinstalling. I made a tool on the lathe, but you could use the balancer itself. Yanking the balancer might be an issue unless you take out the A/C condenser as well when you remove the radiator. I had to use a gear puller to get mine off.

 

[H munster]

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to give it a shot.

 

[natenkiki2004]

Before you do... why are you doing it? I think I've only heard of one case where a timing chain needed to be replaced and that one snapped when the engine sucked water in. Mine was neglected and at 230,000 miles, it could have lasted another 100,000 easily.

 

[H munster]

Good to know. I have a coolant leak behind the timing chain cover and was just going to change the chain while I was in there. I read somewhere that the chains should be changed every 120,000 I got 185,000

 

[natenkiki2004]

Browse through my engine removal gallery:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f7zxl41v0lah8bn/AAC9nPt9rBKFjC5mFZubhIxea?dl=0

There's pictures of my timing chain which was factory as far as I know. Some wear on the guides but nothing at all to indicate that it needed replacement. Up to you if it's worth $60-$70 for the peace of mind. Pretty fool-proof to do, you don't have to do any TDC or careful aligning stuff. Look how it comes off, put the new one on, not complicated. If you do end up doing it, the Cloyes kit is recommended.

 

[FR-425]

Just

 

[Jason94sport]

Having had the front apart when I replaced my condenser & water pump. I would think you can do it in the truck.
Tons of room once the grill, rad, fan, belt & condenser were out.