cscmc1
Active Member
- Joined
- March 9, 2015
- Messages
- 77
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2001 Sport Trac
Hey friends -- I could really use some advice. I bought a 2001 ST with 150K miles that had a very slight amount of noise that I figured was the timing chain(s). It was not particularly loud, so I hoped that changing out the hydraulic tensioners might alleviate the noise, but it has not.
I pulled the timing cover (what a pain!) and discovered that the main tensioner is destroyed (parts in pan) as is the jackshaft tensioner. Those chains are both somewhat slack, and I can see where they have dug into the metal frames of their respective tensioners. I cannot see the left tensioner, but the chain feels too so I assume it's gone as well. Logic tells me it's time to take it to someone who can R&R the engine and get to the rear one as well.
My question is this: the chains (so far) LOOK ok to me, but I understand that can be deceiving. Would it be terribly foolish to replace only the tensioners, as the none of the local (affordable) garages locally have the timing tool to replace the chains/sprockets as well? Is it even possible to replace only the tensioner on the cam chains? I see the assembly referred to as a "cassette," and am now wondering whether I can even remove just the tensioner.
I would consider a junkyard engine if I weren't so worried about getting a lemon, but even then I would feel compelled to change out the tensioners before installing.
I should add that there ARE very fine metal shavings in my oil pan from the tensioner frame(s) being chewed up a bit by the chains. How tolerant are these engines? Am I asking for bearing failure to try to keep this one in service? Should I just source a lower-mileage 2003+ 4.0 with the balance shaft, change it's tensioners, and install it, hoping for the best? I hate to junk an engine that ran so smoothly, but I do kind of worry about those fine metal shavings.
Sorry for the long post; I very much appreciate any advice you all can offer. I'm kind of in a bind at this point and need to find a cost-effective way to keep my truck on the road. Your expertise and opinions are sincerely appreciated.
I pulled the timing cover (what a pain!) and discovered that the main tensioner is destroyed (parts in pan) as is the jackshaft tensioner. Those chains are both somewhat slack, and I can see where they have dug into the metal frames of their respective tensioners. I cannot see the left tensioner, but the chain feels too so I assume it's gone as well. Logic tells me it's time to take it to someone who can R&R the engine and get to the rear one as well.
My question is this: the chains (so far) LOOK ok to me, but I understand that can be deceiving. Would it be terribly foolish to replace only the tensioners, as the none of the local (affordable) garages locally have the timing tool to replace the chains/sprockets as well? Is it even possible to replace only the tensioner on the cam chains? I see the assembly referred to as a "cassette," and am now wondering whether I can even remove just the tensioner.
I would consider a junkyard engine if I weren't so worried about getting a lemon, but even then I would feel compelled to change out the tensioners before installing.
I should add that there ARE very fine metal shavings in my oil pan from the tensioner frame(s) being chewed up a bit by the chains. How tolerant are these engines? Am I asking for bearing failure to try to keep this one in service? Should I just source a lower-mileage 2003+ 4.0 with the balance shaft, change it's tensioners, and install it, hoping for the best? I hate to junk an engine that ran so smoothly, but I do kind of worry about those fine metal shavings.
Sorry for the long post; I very much appreciate any advice you all can offer. I'm kind of in a bind at this point and need to find a cost-effective way to keep my truck on the road. Your expertise and opinions are sincerely appreciated.