Timing Chain Came Off, is it bad for sure?

[W Ridler]

I was driving my wife's 04 w 4.0 SOHC 6 cylinder...the check engine light came on, the car died, and it wouldn't re-start. While trying to restart it, there was a distinctive sound coming from the front of the engine that sounded like a metal chain hitting against another piece of metal - I'm pretty certain it was the timing chain. It would not start...I tried 2-3 times for a few seconds each...

It's at the dealer now and they haven't looked at it yet. I think I know what I'm up against here and have started gathering the facts on my options in anticipation of making a decision on how to proceed in getting it back on the road.

Here are my questions...if my evaluation of what happened is accurate, is it 100% for certain there's been MAJOR DAMAGE to the valves and pistons OR, IS THERE A CHANCE there WAS NOT major damage done and the timing chain/tensioner just needs to be fixed/replaced?

My gut and research here tells me the moment the thing came out of time, the pistons hit the valves and did damage. Then, to make matters worse, I tried to start it and probably did further damage.

If major damage is not certain...I've read to change the rear timing chain(s) means pulling the engine...Here's the question...does the front timing chain coming off cause damage to the rear(s)?

Can anyone help me anticipate what damage was done.

Thanks in advance!

 

[EasyRhino]

Sorry to hear of your problem, but honestly, I do not know if these are an 'interference' engine, the kind where the valves can contact the pistons if the timing gets off. Actually I don't know the 4.0 at all.

I'm sure that someone with the requried knowledge will happen along, though.

If it is an interference engine, and if the timing chains went south, you may have damage that make repairs to the existing engine non-economical to repair.

How many miles on the engine, any mods, and any hard service? I am not aware of any stories of 4.0 engines being destroyed by blown timing chains.

Good luck to you.

(Edit) check the other current thread for a 4.0 with issues, maybe a bad chain.

 

[W Ridler]

Aloha Easy Rhino!

Thanks for the post...There's another thread on here by LisFan that is exactly what happened to mine...doesn't look good.

Hopefully...someone who knows for certain can come on and clarify what the likley condition of the important parts are in there.

Fond memories of our honeymoon in Hawaii...not sure I'll ever make it back!

Regards - Bill

 

[EasyRhino]

Aloha Easy Rhino!

Thanks for the post...There's another thread on here by LisFan that is exactly what happened to mine...doesn't look good.

Hopefully...someone who knows for certain can come on and clarify what the likley condition of the important parts are in there.

Fond memories of our honeymoon in Hawaii...not sure I'll ever make it back!

Regards - Bill

Hope repairs to your Ex aren't the reason that you don't make it back soon. Right now the prices are stupid low, since tourism is down with the recession. We're getting all kinds of good deals currently.

Vacationed up your way in the summer of '02 (when the '02 Ex was brand new). Bar Harbor. Very nice.

Anyway good luck with your Ex.