Another Timing Chain Rattle: But can't stomach it

[BootyDo]

Hello,

My car's prone to the timing chain rattle that's plagued the SOHCs. I'd rather avoid new car payments and in spite of the KBB, figured I'd shell out $1500-2,000 and have the car repaired properly for another year on the road. I called my local Ford Dealer to explain what was going on, and they basically acted like it was a $3,000- 4,000 job. At that price, it's definitely not worth it. Everything I've read falls about half that estimation, (labor included).

I definitely wouldn't be able to do this myself, but is this an issue I'd be able to take to a mom & pop mechanic and expect them to know the specifics or should I steer towards only Ford Dealers? I'm in Baltimore if anyone has actually had this specific job done before in the area.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Another possible option for you is another low mile later model engine from a junkyard.
That pile a junk debuted in Mustangs in 05 and that later model engine with lower miles probably has better designed plastic guides.
A great 50-60k miles used motor is probably a G and install anywhere from $500 to 750 I'm guessing.

3 to 4 grand is a laugh, what a crock of crap. I love Ford vehicles but dislike most dealers and despise that engine you have there and I've never even owned one. Thankfully I've worked on them tho and that saddens me.

 

[Carguy3J]

The dealer is definitely NOT the place to go. Yes, a competent independent shop should be able to do the job.

Yes, a used engine is an option, but if everybody keeps just throwing away their old engine, that could easily be fixed, then eventually there won't be any left in the junkyard for one you really need one.

 

[BootyDo]

Thanks for the replies all! Honestly, I never thought about pulling an engine from a junkyard as an option. But I think I'd be a bit hesitant since I've never pulled an engine before much less have the means of getting one out or the knowledge of what I'm looking at, (in terms of quality inspection). That being said, it sounds like everyone's down on Ford Dealerships. Originally, I was thinking that was the way to go since this was such a specific issue. Now it kind of sounds like I might have luck at a local shop.

Not to be "that guy", but is there some way of obtaining that publication that was originally cited in the Timing Chain Rattle thread so that I might be able to give it to a local shop and get them on the same page?

 

[BootyDo]

Hey all,
Hate to bump, but after a lot of thinking, I might just opt to go with car payments and get a "new to me" 2008 Explorer or something. Right now, the funds are limited to around 18K, but I'll see about that.

One thing I'm wondering though: KBB.com lists a '99 Ex with 106k in "fair" condition around 2,800 trade-in value. I was thinking of taking the truck to CarMax but was wondering if there were some trick to temporarily "quieting" the noise. Like some squirts of WD40 or something. Any suggestions other than asking for a deaf representative?

 

[bluestream1]

You could turn the radio on loud.

seriously, any car dealer is going to be familiar with these issues.

 

[BootyDo]

You could turn the radio on loud.

seriously, any car dealer is going to be familiar with these issues.

I should throw in that I have a dual setup with Magnaflows. Maybe that'll catch them off guard!

I have noticed that immediately after filling my engine, the car starts up and purs nicely. No sound at idle, just when hitting around 2k.