Taking the ex into the dealer for timing chain guides...

[drothgeb]

So because the new apartment complex doesn't allow its tenants to work on their vehicles and since I am pressed for time I am going to have to take my explorer to the local dealer to have the guides replaced (rattling above 2500 RPM for the past 8 months). I just don't want to risk them slipping time and there being a collision.

What should I look out for or be prepared for?

Thanks in advance

-David

 

[wacc]

$1,500 +

 

[Spdrcer34]

$1800-$2200

 

[damarble]

Find an independent shop instead of the stealership, you'll save a bunch.

 

[97sprt4x4]

dealership by me won't even do the work, they said it would cost aproximately 3500 and for them and me it would be more cost effective to just put in a new motor. +2 on finding a non dealership shop

Justin

 

[drothgeb]

I was expecting to pay around $2,000...I'm going to ask to see the guides myself when they take the valve covers off because I don't want them throwing in an extra 18 hours for changing out the rear set-up if it's still good whether its an independent shop or the dealership. Would it be wise to just have all guides/chains replaced at the same time to save the hassle down the line or not?

 

[drothgeb]

P.S. I'm surprised that 2000streetrod hasn't chimed in yet. (Dale you're everywhere) haha

 

[2000StreetRod]

My opinions

P.S. I'm surprised that 2000streetrod hasn't chimed in yet. (Dale you're everywhere) haha

I've been installing my fan/clutch, radiator and shroud.

I believe you can save a significant amount of money by going to an independent mechanic who you can trust. But you must make sure that the mechanic has done the cassettes before and has the OTC-6488 timing tool set. A few members had their engine destroyed by mechanics that were not familiar with the engine or didn't have the timing tool set. The Ford instructions can be misinterpreted and the cams can be timed 180 degreees out which often results in the exhaust valves striking the pistons on one bank.

I suggest that you initially authorize only removal of the valve covers to allow inspection of the upper sections of the left and right guides. Then have the mechanic show you why they need to be replaced. If the right guide is broken then the engine will have to come out. The time the mechanic spends pulling the valve covers would have to be done anyway to replace the cassettes so doing the repair in stages shouldn't cost any extra.

The rear guide typically breaks before it wears out. Mine was only slightly worn even though there was 150,000 miles on the odometer.

If you are a second owner the front tensioner and left guide may already have been replaced. The original front tensioner was very unreliable and the new style is much improved. The left guide has been significantly improved. The replacement rear guide is still an inferior component since one side (traction) has no metal reinforcement.

 

[drothgeb]

By the way Dale, I meant that as a complement seeing that I enjoy reading your posts and threads. You've always been quick to reply about anything timing chain related.
I am at least the third owner of my explorer and have good about the maintenance so far but I can't speak for the actions of previous owners or whether or not the cassettes have been replaced before. I would love to find out that only some of the work needs to be done but from what you said it sounds like the rear one would be what most likely needs to be replaced. Any idea on parts costs?

 

[badazz89lx]

i just had a jasper motor put in instead of replacing the worn tensioners/chains.....for a mere $1000 more it made more sense

 

[McSlug]

I've been installing my fan/clutch, radiator and shroud.

The rear guide typically breaks before it wears out. Mine was only slightly worn even though there was 150,000 miles on the odometer.

If you are a second owner the front tensioner and left guide may already have been replaced. The original front tensioner was very unreliable and the new style is much improved. The left guide has been significantly improved. The replacement rear guide is still an inferior component since one side (traction) has no metal reinforcement.

Hey Hey sounds like your almost finished Street

I cannot believe Ford have not redesigned the rear cassette. You would agree that you don't need a degree to work out where the weak spot is and how it could be fixed. They snap in the same place as the front cassette because they suffer the same design flaw. High School stuff really.

 

[drothgeb]

i just had a jasper motor put in instead of replacing the worn tensioners/chains.....for a mere $1000 more it made more sense

hmm hadn't heard of that before...Did you go with the stock engine or the class I or stock performance..This could get interesting

 

[2000StreetRod]

Parts costs

By the way Dale, I meant that as a complement seeing that I enjoy reading your posts and threads. You've always been quick to reply about anything timing chain related.
I am at least the third owner of my explorer and have good about the maintenance so far but I can't speak for the actions of previous owners or whether or not the cassettes have been replaced before. I would love to find out that only some of the work needs to be done but from what you said it sounds like the rear one would be what most likely needs to be replaced. Any idea on parts costs?

I upgraded all my tensioners for less than $350 using all Ford parts except for the lower pan gasket but I found some bargains on eBay and I only have 2WD.

 

[KC90]

Hey Dale, how did your sprockets and chains look? Would it be neccessary/good idea to change those while the engine is out?

I want to get all problems in 1 shot because I REALLY dont want to go back for seconds with this issue.

I'm definitely missing my Ex right now. I parked it and now driving my 76 F150 back and forth to work, and being lifted 7" with 360 V8 its not pretty with the gas...

 

[2000StreetRod]

Sprockets & chains

Hey Dale, how did your sprockets and chains look? Would it be neccessary/good idea to change those while the engine is out? . . .

My chains and sprockets looked good. I reused by left chain and sprocket because I was able to purchase the left guide assembly by itself. Normally, you have to purchase the entire cassette (sprockets, chain and guide assembly) which is what I did for the right side. If you have all of the components I suggest replacing them.

 

[badazz89lx]

hmm hadn't heard of that before...Did you go with the stock engine or the class I or stock performance..This could get interesting

just the stocker as far as i know...and jasper upgraded the tensioners etc so this problem shouldnt arise in my lifetime of owning the truck again

 

[safn1949]

just the stocker as far as i know...and jasper upgraded the tensioners etc so this problem shouldnt arise in my lifetime of owning the truck again

What was your total cost? I wondered because I just picked up a 2000XLT with the 5.0 for $3000 in nice shape.I realize the 5.0 doesn't have that problem,just wondering if it's worth fixing considering the price of another Ex.

 

[badazz89lx]

about 5k.......to do the tensioner/chains it was a little over 4k.....