Timing chain tentioner

[Tony guinn]

I have a 2004 explorer with timing chain rattle. The left side tentioner keeps losing its prime. I have replaced it twice (yes I pumped it up) and is works fine but if you let the vehicle sit for a few hours the noise is back. When I remove it, it has lost it prime and needs pumped up again. I have replaced it twice with same results. I checked and it has the oil restricter in it. Any help would be appreciatedk

 

[Drewmcg]

After you run the car for 10-15 minutes, are you able to pull that tensioner and check if its stiff when you take it out? If it is, then its probably acting normally, and you just need a new cassette.

How many miles on your truck?

 

[Tony guinn]

After you run the car for 10-15 minutes, are you able to pull that tensioner and check if its stiff when you take it out? If it is, then its probably acting normally, and you just need a new cassette.

How many miles on your truck?

 

[Tony guinn]

No it is not right, that is the problem. They feel like there is no oil in them at all, just spring pressure. I can soak them in oil again and pump them up tight but they bleed off after engine is off for a couple of hours

 

[Tech By Trade]

Crappy springs in the aftermarket tensioners. Go get some OEM Ford ones. The springs will be way stiffer. This is why there is a chance just swapping them will shatter the guides.

 

[Tony guinn]

Crappy springs in the aftermarket tensioners. Go get some OEM Ford ones. The springs will be way stiffer. This is why there is a chance just swapping them will shatter the guides.

 

[Tony guinn]

The springs are pretty stiff. When they are soaked in oil and pumped up, they are almost rigid. Problem is the oil drains out of them when motor is off for extended period and they don't fill with oil while motor is running. When I took the oem tentioner out it was the same way, no oil in it.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Try the new OEM, with no miles on them, if you think the aftermarket are stiff.

 

[Number4]

You may have some kind of blockage in the oil gallery.

Your other option is to get tensioners from an '02 Mountaineer. That's the only model that seems to return metal tensioners.