Is my timing chain going ??

[badgett]

I have a 98 explorer SOHC. I've heard all about the bad timing chains on my engine but I have a question. A few months ago it only rattled when I first started it up. Then it started rattling slightly when I was driving. Now it rattles loud the whole time it is running. I have to make a 2 hour trip in May with a pretty heavy trailer. Is it going to make it ? It still seems to run the same even with the noise. Is the noise just an annoyance or is it getting ready to fall apart ? Since it cost so much to replace the chain , would I be better off ordering a rebuilt engine from Recon engines or somewhere. Does the rebuilt engines have this problem or have they cured the problem when they rebuilt them ?

 

[ExplorerDMB]

contact Jasper if your replacing the engine, but the tensioners are usually what go out in the timing chain system. Most of the time it's just noise and that's it! You should be ok

-Drew

ps regarding the update on the rebuilt engines...you will have to check with them. they usually keep them up to specs pretty well (atleast jasper does - my shop deals with them)

 

[mikenelson]

This is a problem I am faxing with my 98 SOHC. It is a worry to those of us who are not familiar with Explorers. I have heard so many bad reports about these autos. I love mine however and hope it is just noise and not trouble.

 

[stang99x]

Enjoy Russian roulette? Loss of the timing chain can cuase several results. If you're real lucky, nothing happens you coast to a stop (about 10% of failures) If you're not lucky, the motor continues to run without time, the valves open at incorrect times and smack the pistons, causing severe head/valve damage and possibly scored cylinders or broken pistons (broken pistons are highly unlikely, but possible)

Parts and cost of parts

20 - Jackshaft to Cam 4L2Z6M290AA $76.48
20 - Crank to Balance Shaft F77Z6268BC $38.10
20 - Crank to Jackshaft F77Z6268AB $38.00
20 - Rear 4L2Z6M289AA $62.65

Labor times

Timing Chain
Replace
Jackshaft Chain B 7.0 hours
Note: Right Cassette R&R Includes Engine R&I.
NOTE hours
To R&R Left Cassette, Add B 0.2
To R&R Balance Shaft Chain, Add B 0.2
To R&R Right Cassette, Add B 11.0

Figure labor to be between 65-95 bucks an hour. FOr this, we'll just go middle of the road and say 80.

$215.23 in parts (this is an estimate, may be more or less)
$576 in labor for 7.4 hours, or with right cassette removal added +11hours you'd be at $1472. Worst case scenario, $1687.23 before tax. Thats half the price of a reman motor.