Is this too loose?
http://youtu.be/fnWZ8jdVuL4

2009 f150,4.6 3v, right side, 140,000miles. i dont see any broken guide rails. thanks for any feed back.

 

If you're into the engine far enough to see the timing belt, I'd just replace it and be done with it. ESPECIALLY with 140,000 miles on it! In my experience (60-70s cars mostly) a timing chain was only good for about 60,000 miles! I don't know how long they new ones are good for, but 140k is a lot of miles!

 

There is a long way to go to replace chains and I'd rather not go through the trouble or expense. Everything under valve cover looks to be in great shape! Bought this truck used from a 5 yr lease. needed lots of work, had original plugs. I expected engine to be sludged up but it was really clean. VCT screens looked as good as new one. I almost suspect the cam phasers and vct solenoids have already been replaced. Thank you for reply. Any other opinions?

 

The 60K limit that was mentioned earlier certainly applies to a timing belt, but I don't know of any replacement interval specified for a timing chain. As I recall, a chain does not have to be replaced unless it breaks. Yours looks slightly loose to me, but I don't know how much play you should have. A quick Google search got me a U-Tube video showing one that was somewhat tighter.

Someone will certainly correct me if I'm wrong.

- Jack

 

The tensioner is on the opposite side, I'm hoping that explains the play.

 

The tensioner only works when the engine is running. It is oil pressure activated. I would say the chain is not as tight as it could be but it's not at the end of life. If you have the time and money, now would be a good time to swap it out. If you need the engine running quick, you'll have probably another 25-35,000 miles before it will be required. FWIW, unless my butter has slipped off my bisquit, the Triton engines are an interference engine. If the cam chain breaks, it'll be new engine time.

 

Unlike a tuning belt, timing chains don't have a specified mileage limit. Their life limit is based on stretch. The rubber in the belt breaks down over time and goes kaput. The chain is steel so it doesn't really degrade over time but it does stretch from use. Find the measurement procedure and check it. That's the only correct way to determine if it is too worn. It also might be a bad tensioner. Check it out too.