97 Explorer timing chain issue.... please help?

[budrose]

HI .. Im a proud Aussie owner of 2 Explorers... My xl model (sohc) has a timing chain noise it has only been happening for a few weeks.. ive been to mechanics but keep getting the same answer...and that they dont know anything about them and dont want too and also keep getting told theyre called EXPLODERS which to be frank is pissing me off... I love my Explorers!!
Im a female and do alot of work on my own cars... i have just gone out and bought timing chain tentioners ..but ive read a few forums and they said if i put new tentioners on it could make the timing chains jump off... WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE AND WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE A REPLY ... THANX Cazz

 

[Rick]

I moved your thread into our Stock 1995-2001 subforum.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379881

 

[Rick]

Use the Google Search box near the top of every forum page and search for SOHC Timing Chain, that box only searches our site. You'll find a load of info. Here's a good thread to get you started:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316471

 

[2000StreetRod]

timing chain tensioners

. . . My xl model (sohc) has a timing chain noise it has only been happening for a few weeks. . . I have just gone out and bought timing chain tensioners ..but ive read a few forums and they said if i put new tensioners on it could make the timing chains jump off... WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE AND WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE A REPLY ... THANX Cazz

There are multiple timing chain tensioners in the SOHC V6. I assume that the ones you purchased are the spring/hydraulic cylinder/piston units that tension the left and right cassette. Ford suggests replacing them as the first step in eliminating timing chain rattle. Doing so on a high mileage engine rarely solves the problem. I suggest replacing them every 75,000 miles as a preventive action to avoid timing chain rattle.

Replacing the cassette tensioners with quality/fully functional units will not "make the timing chains jump off". Some low quality aftermarket units may have the pistons seized or sticking in the cylinder bore. If the piston sticks in the retracted position the chain will be loose and could slip on camshaft sprocket. If the piston sticks in the extended position the plastic guide assembly of the cassette could break. Before installing your new tensioners make sure they are oiled and the pistons retract smoothly when pressed in with your thumb and extend smoothly when released.

Your rattle could be due to a broken cassette, a broken primary (crankshaft to jackshaft) chain tensioner, or (if you have 4WD) a broken balance shaft chain tensioner. If the rattle occurs at cold engine start its probably one of the cassettes. If the rattle occurs at mid range engine speed its probably the primary chain tensioner or the balance shaft chain tensioner. The following threads may be helpful:

Timing chain rattle resolution process - SOHC V6

Rear Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement