Cam Tensioner/Chain Guide Question.

[CaptKirk]

Well, my '97 has had them replaced a while back under the TSB's. And now it has the chain rattle back again. It happens under load at the 2800-3000 rpm range.
Anyhow, had it in the dealer and they said is was a bad tensioner and guide, but a different one. Not the ones that are covered. The tech told me there are 3 chains to watch and this was the main one, not the ones that commonly go.
Does this sound right? Has anyone else had this problem. They said it has happened a few time that they know of and Ford dosnt know why it is happening. I only have 71,000 miles on her. And they want over $1100 to fix it. I am setting up another appointment with another dealer to see what they say.
Thanks for any help,

 

[Jason_25]

The 4x4 SOHC has 3 chains. One of them is a balancing chain of some sort, and the other two are the front and rear timing chains.

It sounds like the rear chain tensioner/guide is making the noise. Only the front chain is covered under the extended warranty program.

So if, in fact, the rear tensioners are failing then your dealer is telling you the truth. I am fairly sure the engine must be pulled to repair the rear so your dealer quote does not seem that high. But it could not hurt to get another quote.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Originally posted by CaptKirk
Well, my '97 has had them replaced a while back under the TSB's. And now it has the chain rattle back again. It happens under load at the 2800-3000 rpm range.

I have that same situation. I hope that my noise is not the tensioners. If you have your rear one replaced, please let me know if it cures the noise.

And the engine does have to be removed to replace the one on the rear.

 

[mbryda]

How does yours make the noise? Hot or cold or both? I'm facing a similar issue with my '00 with the SOHC (knocking noise mainly when cold, 2-3k RPM) and 68k and I'm pretty much all set to perform the rattling TSB myself (parts are only $70). The Ford 800# says I'm not covered under 00M12 (Build date of 5/00) so I figure I'll DIY it. But I don't want to be chasing my tail if it's really the rear ones.

Does anyone know what will happen if we let it go? Is it just an annoying noise or will the engine grenade?

Thanks in advance.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Originally posted by mbryda
Does anyone know what will happen if we let it go? Is it just an annoying noise or will the engine grenade?

If it is indeed a problem with the timing chains and parts associated with them, it will eventually grenade the engine when they finally break.

 

[SWLathrop]

Read my updated post on this issue...

4.0 SOHC engine rattle at 2800-3000 RPM

 

[mbryda]

Originally posted by yob_yeknom
If it is indeed a problem with the timing chains and parts associated with them, it will eventually grenade the engine when they finally break.

My understanding of the problem is that the chain is hitting some part of the tensioner and making noise (a plastic piece that wore off?), which is why I'm windering if it's really that big of a deal. Sort of like the piston slap on certain 5.7L V8's in the F150's - an annoyance, but no damage is done long term.

 

[Nate1]

Been there, done that, checked flatratetech.com to see if it was BS. It isn't. The fix works... to an extent. It fixed the problem, but the noise is still SLIGHTLY audible. I had to leave my car for a week, and it was roughly $800 parts and labor, $1300 everything said and done.

Good luck.

Also SWLathrop, can you scan your invoice so we can compare part numbers? Thanks
-----Nate

 

[SWLathrop]

Mine was done under warranty, so there's no info on the invoice. However, I can get the KIT number and post it tommorrow. The kit is actually a "COMPLETE" kit with all required parts (belive it or not). The only thing not in the kit was the antifreeze and motor oil. The oil has to be draind due to the antifreeze contamination that occurs when the front of the engine is disassembled.

 

[mbryda]

Kit # is
2U3Z-6D256-AA
(Balance shaft engines - mainly 4X4)

2U3Z-6D256-BA
(non-balance shaft - mainly 4x2)

Cost for the first one is ~ $70 from www.fordpartsnetwork.com

If you head over to www.flatratetech.com and search, someone posted most of the text of the TSB

 

[SWLathrop]

Yup, those are the numbers. Mine was the first one as I have a 4X4...