Timing Chain Repair

[malowe]

I have just had it confirmed that the timing chain on my 98 explorer is rattling, it's obviously a design fault as I hear that its comon even on low mialage vehicles. Does anyone know where I can get it repaired in South Wales? There is a guy who specialises in it who advertises in ebay but he is in Aylesbury near Oxford, he charges a flat rate of £650, the Ford garage don't want to touch it! Help! Mark Lowe

 

[ianc]

Hi Mark,

I just had my timing chains go bad, immediately after I changed the Oil. I did everything just as I normally do, (e.g. filled the new filter with oil before screwing back in etc. ).

It seems that no matter what you do, the engine always runs dry for a couple of seconds after an oil change. This also means, that it is a couple of seconds before the chain tensioners take up the slack again. Unfortunately as the new oil hits them, they take up the slack very suddenly, which in turn can stretch the chain, and severely stress everything else in the process.

I called my local Ford dealer, and they were not keen to work on it, and they wanted to charge £1000 - probably to put me off.

Instead I called a local engine specialist. It turns out they have done the repair a few times already, and probably know more than the local Ford guys do. For those that are interested, the company I've gone to is about 3 miles from Junction 20 on the M62. Chadderton Motor Engineers. 0161 652 3338

 

[malowe]

Hi, thanks for getting back to me, unfortunately it's too far away- I'm looking for something along the M4 in South Wales, out of interest how much much did it cost? Thanks, Mark Lowe

 

[ianc]

Hi Mark,

They have quoted me £650.

I also saw the guy on ebay offering the same thing at the same price. I gave him (Duncan) a call, and he certainly knows what he is talking about. If I couldn't find anyone else to work on my Explorer, then he was my next best choice.

Ian