Wrong timing chain tensioner

[br3nnan]

I just got an 03 explorer sport Trac last week and noticed an oil leak dripping onto the downpipe. It's coming from the right rear timing chain tensioner, I figured maybe someone forgot the seal or it's not tight but looking online it looks like they used the left tensioner on the right side. I checked the left side by the thermostat and it's the proper tensioner. Picture attached of passenger side tensioner by the down pipe.

Obviously I will replace it with the proper one and hopefully they have not stripped anything but wondering if it could have done any damage or are they similar. It does rattle on cold start sometimes.

 

[swshawaii]

Definitely a driver side tensioner installed in the passenger rear. Hard to tell from the pic, but make sure the leak isn't coming from above the tensioner.
If so it's a very common valve cover leak from the rear outside corner caused by exhaust manifold heat. BTDT.

Replaced the rear timing chain tensioner today

Started getting a very light rattle on start-up and every now and again after a hot soak re-start from the rear timing chain. Installed the new rear tensioner after I got off of work. When I compressed the old one it had very little resistance and oil came squirting out of the tensioner side...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[donalds]

That's a great idea that tensioner will work even better in that location

 

[swshawaii]

@donalds

Any reason why? Stronger spring? Appears both "plungers" or "pistons" are the same length.

For those that missed it, here's a great sticky from donald s.

Ford Timing Chain Tensioner Cutaway

Thought I'd post this. Thought it'd help someone. Any thoughts?

www.explorerforum.com

 

[410Fortune]

I am curious as well why he says that
Both tensioners have same thread similar plunger depth etc maybe the drivers has a longer spring

I like to run manual tensioners myself no hydraulic oil pressure needed and they are cheaper

 

[br3nnan]

That's a great idea that tensioner will work even better in that location

Thanks for the replays guys. Is there a reason this one would work better?

Either way it's leaking hah, I'll take a look today see if it it's coming from above though but it was a pretty direct leak when I was under there while running. Ford isn't open today so can't get parts.

 

[donalds]

It has its own Reservoir and a longer spring
I like the idea of a bit of oil in there even if some drains out
Maybe ill get a junkyard unit and cut it open

 

[br3nnan]

It has its own Reservoir and a longer spring
I like the idea of a bit of oil in there even if some drains out
Maybe ill get a junkyard unit and cut it open

Wow man thanks for that. If only it wasn't leaking all over the downpipe and smoking .