Is my timing chain broke?

[JP61]

Hey guys!

I've had my 2004 Mountaineer for about 5 years now. Not once did I ever have any issues with it starting. This morning I had to move it in my driveway... no problems. About 3hrs. later was going to go to the store but it wouldn't start. It cranks fine... the first time I tried to start it, it sounded like it was just about to start but then nothing...turned off the key. Tried about 4-5 times after that and it just cranks. I'm thinking the timing chain broke but don't know. It is raining here today but that hasn't been a problem. Is there a way to check to see if the timing chain is broke without tearing it apart? Where should I start? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

I did try to search briefly with no luck.

Edit: just checked the mileage 61K and can smell gas pretty good.

 

[2000StreetRod]

compression test

No compression on bank 1 cylinders = broken or slipped right timing chain.
No compression on bank 2 cylinders = broken or slipped left timing chain.
No compression on all cylinders = broken primary (crankshaft to jackshaft) timing chain.

 

[JP61]

Thanks for the reply StreetRod!

Just went back out to try starting it again. Same thing. I then depressed the gas pedal to the floor and tried. It struggled but did start. When running I didn't notice or hear anything different.....ran smooth. Let it run for awhile than shut it off... started right up like nothing ever happened. Something is probably starting to go south, but what?

Guess I freaked out a little bit with the timing chain.

 

[2000StreetRod]

flooring the pedal

The day I purchased my Sport, after test driving and closing the deal, the engine wouldn't start for me to leave with the vehicle. The seller came back out to the Explorer, pressed the accelerator to the floor with ignition off and then cranked the starter and the engine ran. I read somewhere later this is a way to notify the PCM the engine is flooded. The PCM temporarily cuts off the injectors. I have not yet confirmed this by reviewing the vehicle strategy source code (more than 8,000 pages) but it worked for me.

I'm glad it wasn't your timing chains but there is a problem you should investigate. The engine should start immediately without even touching the accelerator.