Timing Chain replacement or new engine?

[ExplorerBry]

Well, the dealer advises that my timing chain could have possibly jumped a tooth or snapped a tooth, given it is loose after 168,000km, causing the lean burn and rough idle. Time for a new engine or could this be remedied with a pull of the engine and rebuild? Which would be the least expensive? Of course the dealer would like my $7,000 Cdn for install labour and new re-manufactured engine. More that resale on the market for the whole truck. I like the challenge and have swapped engines, but the front transfer case may be a bit daunting for me. Suggestions?

 

[Number4]

If you can do it yourself, you'll obviously save money. Do you have the 4.0 or 4.6?

I'd also get a second opinion. I highly doubt a tooth broke. And if it jumped time, most likely you'd be having a rattling sound at cold start up for some time prior (though not always.)

You may be able to get away with replacing the timing components.
Or, get a low mile used engine, replace its timing components and put it in.

 

[ExplorerBry]

Thanks Number4

I have a 2004 XLT with a 4.0 SOHC. I am capable of doing the work, but a second opinion is needed, as you suggest. Finding the place to do this work, if I pursue it will be a challenge. All the tools I have, so no worries there, and time is not an issue. I will begin the confirmation and engine replacement process, as the truck is now stored to prevent further damage. No issue at initial low idle. As it warms up it begins to shake and miss. As for the dealer, fear-mongering to a lesser client may have worked but not this cat. Will keep the forum posted. Thanks again.

 

[2000StreetRod]

compression test

Did the dealer perform a compression test? If so, what were the results? If not, I suggest that one be performed. Slipped camshaft timing usually results in compression impact.

There are multiple sources for lean conditions and rough idle. The 2004 and later models have pulse width modulation of the fuel pump to control fuel pressure. It has not been extremely reliable. Did the dealer perform a fuel pressure test?

 

[eeprete]

These engines have valve timing marks on the cam sprockets. A visual check can be done to see if it's inline.

 

[2000StreetRod]

camshaft timing slot

Actually, there are no timing marks on the sprockets but the camshafts have a timing slot.

However, the valve covers must be removed to see them which is a significant amount of work.

 

[eeprete]

Sorry my apologies, I was thinking v8s. V6s come with no marks? How hard is valve cover removal?

 

[Tyleryac]

From my experience, I had the timing chains replaced by Ford and I wish that I had put in a new engine.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I doubt it skipped. Get a second opinion. Low KM wreck 4.0's can be had for as low as 1500 in Saskatchewan through SGI Salvage, so I doubt they are much more in BC.

 

[gsbarry]

Sounds like usual stealership b/s to me!

 

[ExplorerBry]

Thanks all. Second opinion in. Seems this piece of Ford has variable timing which has caused all sorts of issues on this engine type. A mechanic friend of my friend, with a small shop, won't touch it saying its too much work. He did some research and indicates he would have to replace the timing set up out with a kit that avoids the variable_ness of it. Trying to figure out where I would be able to conduct this work too, if doing it myself. Valve cover removal may or may not tell me anything. Compression testing is next, then fuel pressure test.

 

[Tech By Trade]

No mechanical variable timing on the v6 only on the V8. Any timing changes are done via spark, the rest is fixed. If the timing did jump it wouldn't run. Still not likely unless it sounds like a diesel when its running because the guides are fried. I would take a closer look at the sensors, and there are a lot of them.

 

[ExplorerBry]

Where will I get info on where the sensors are located?

 

[Tech By Trade]

First pull your codes, and go from there.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Doesn't have the tools or the knowledge

. . . Second opinion in. Seems this piece of Ford has variable timing which has caused all sorts of issues on this engine type. A mechanic friend of my friend, with a small shop, won't touch it saying its too much work. He did some research and indicates he would have to replace the timing set up out with a kit that avoids the variable_ness of it. . .

I suspect that your mechanic friend doesn't have the special tool set (OTC-6488) to time the camshafts or the experience of performing the task. Personally, I would not let any shop disassemble my engine unless they can show me they have the tool set and convince me they have successfully performed camshaft timing at least once before.

 

[ExplorerBry]

No, this guy will not be touching my truck 2000_. Before I get into it, all the stars have to align. Research will take time but it's part of doing this right. Thanks for the info.

 

[mmasire88]

I think I'd steer away from any mechanic who says a car is too hard to work on. I'm 27 years old, not a mechanic, and I found the timing chain overhaul on my motor to be fairly easy. The work to remove the motor was a bit of a chore, but overall it wasn't terrible.