Timing Chain Noise

[Wade Lippman]

I just bought a 99 SOHC with 92,000 miles. I took it into my mechanic to go over before my 1,000 mile warranty expires.
He says the chain is noisy, but he is not able to replace it because he doesn't have the right equipment; so he can't tell me much about it.

I have read much that has been written here about the timing chain noise, but have some questions...

1) Is there any reason to fix it before it fails? Several people here have said they have gone up to 67,000 miles with a noisy belt; so if there is no compelling reason to fix it, I would try to do the same!

2) What does it cost? I have seen figures from $600 to $2000.

3) There was an extended Ford warranty mentioned. Any chance of getting Ford to fix it? (92,000 miles...)

Anything else I need to know to approach this intelligently? It is covered by a warranty from the dealer, but the dealer is just an individual selling a few cars, so getting him to fix it would be a problem. Besides, if it is a routine thing that happens to all Explorers and might last 67,000 miles, maybe it doesn't fall under the warranty.
Thanks.

 

[Ray Lobato]

There was a recall on this, but I don't know if it included the 99's. Call ford and see if it was done on your vehicle or if you are still elligable to get this done.
I don't think you are though, because of the mileage.
It costed me $1000.00 to have replaced.
Can it hurt your truck? Well yes it could. If the timimg chain slips, you could destroy your valves and pistons. What the likelyhood of this happening? I have only heard of one case where this happened. You make the decision.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could replace the chain yourself, and save a lot in the process. You will also gain knowledge of how this is done. I would also recommend replacing the water pump at the same time. When my chain started to make noise at 100,000 miles, I replaced it. It had some slack, because the chain was a little stretched out. The water pump seemed fine, but had to be removed anyway, so I replaced it. It's a good idea to mark both gears so you wouldn't have a problem later with the timing not set properly.

 

[Wade Lippman]

You could replace the chain yourself.

Interesting...
My mechanic says he can't do it because it requires special equipment he does not have.
Does he not know what he is talking about, or is the Explorer unusually easy for some reason?
How long did it take you? Any special equipment? Any materials other than the new chain (and water pump)?

 

[BrooklynBay]

I replaced it on a 1988 Aerostar which is probably harder to work on, since it has less under the hood room. I removed the radiator, fan shroud, fan, fan clutch, water pump, drive belt, engine pulley, vibration damper, timing cover, and finally the chain. Everything is very straight forward. If you look it over, and read the instructions in a service manual, like Haynes, or Chilton, you shouldn't have a problem. Just remember to use a new timing chain cover gasket, water pump gasket, and sealant.

 

[Wade Lippman]

A partial answer - More confusion?

The 1997-98 explorers got 100,000 coverage on the front cam chain guide assembly. The letter says it can eventually lead to engine damage.

The 1999 explorers got 72,000 coverage on the camshaft chain tensioner. The letter says it will not lead to engine damage or failure, but is a matter of customer satisfaction.

The symptom for both are the same; a rattling noise. However the guide last longer than 5 minutes and the tensioner goes away after a few minutes; so I guess you can tell them apart that way?

Does this mean they don't have a problem with the guide on the 99s, or are they just weaseling out of it?

 

[fordfire99]

there is a special kit to do the timing chains on a sohc 99 it is about 300 bucks and basically it holds your cam and pulley in place because there are no timing marks you can not set it a certain way so if you were to break a bolt free you would move the cam and throw timing off. It would be hard to tell which chain it is because there is 4 chains most likely the plactic pieces around the cassette have broke off and are bouncin around you can tell that simply by dropping your oil pan if theres plastic in there then the cassetes are broken that usually happens from chains stretchin I dont recommened doing it your self just because all timing needs to be on point or you can bend rods when you go to start expect to spend about 700 - 1000 and take it too the ford dealer they guarentee there service