Timing Chain Woes

[danielkostka]

Hi all,

My family swears by explorers but I am worried I have a dud.

I'm a new member who recently purchased a used 05 4.0 liter 4x4 Explorer with 81k miles. I drove it for 5000 miles when the front timing chain tensioners shattered causing the timing chain to wear the tensioner bracket to the point where significant shavings were found in the oil pan.

I may have put 20 miles on the engine after the diesel like noise emerged under the hood.

The back timing chain now has slack which I'm hoping can be corrected with a new pulley.

I purchased the truck with financing (made three payments prior to the issue), and due to an expired warranty I am largely at the mercy of the dealer. The repair is running me 2300 and the dealer will not guarantee it will solve the issue.

Is there anyone who has experience with this? I am trying to decide if I should cut my losses.

 

[2000StreetRod]

pulling the engine?

The only way to repair a broken rear cassette guide (which results in a slack rear chain) is to replace the cassette. That involves either pulling the transmission or pulling the engine (normal method). I am very surprised at the $2300 estimate considering dealer shop labor rates and parts cost. I would have expected more unless some inferior repair is being attempted or you're getting a price break because you purchased the vehicle there. Your failed front tensioner (crankshaft to jackshaft chain) can be replaced after pulling the front timing cover. I suspect the $2300 estimate is just for that work with nothing done on the rear. It's a waste of time and money to do just the front when the rear timing chain will soon slip causing piston to valve damage.

I suggest you quickly learn more about your engine timing chain configuration (see related threads by clicking on my helpful threads link in my signature) and then understand exactly what the dealer's estimate covers. If you're not careful you could end up with a bill exceeding $5K.

 

[FR-425]

I second that.

Junk yard engine would be the way to minimize your losses.

If you do the swap your self.

You are definitely pulling the engine so a replacement will save you time and aggravation. While the replacement engine is on the stand you can easily upgrade the timing components and check everything over.

The heavy amount of metal in the oil says to me it's a goner.

Nothing short of a full rebuild on that engine.



However if you are into it for less than $5,000 scrap it. Cut your losses.

Insurance may total it for you. Can't hurt to ask!

Comprehensive coverage sometimes covers catastrophic engine failure.