I have a rattling noise coming from the engine compartment that I believe to be the timing chain.Anybody know anything about replacing the tensioner?

 

You would need to pull the front of the engine apart and valve covers off. Not all that hard but if its a high milage engine I would replace the guides and chains and check the gears and replace them also if needed.....What engine do yo have?

 

its not too bad. pull the fan and pulley, pull the balancer. if you have coil packs, pull those. disconnect cam sensor, pu;; 4 oil pan bolts out, might have to unbolt p/s pump if pulley is in the way, pull off cover, there are two dowels that help hold it in place so pry gently. verify timing marks, remove tensioner and replace

 

Its a 4.6

 

HI!... The timing chain tensioners on the modular engines are controlled by oil pressure. They alao have a rachet mechanizm that prevents them from loosening up once pressure is lost, aka engine is shut off. You might have a bad timing chain guide.

 

Thanks

 

Do you HAVE to pull the valve covers in order to pull the cam cover?

 

HI!... If you mean do you have to remove the valve covers in order to remove the timing chain front cover, then the answer is *YES*.

 

I just replaced mine. The tentioner is spring loaded and lubricated with oil from the oil system but oil pressure is NOT what creates the tention.

I would strongly suggest you get the repair manual for it. Autozone sells it. It is well worth the money especially if you have not worked on a engine like this before.

It is importent that you do the repair BEFORE the timing chain breaks.

My tentioner was sticking and therefor the chains were loose.

The back chain had started to cut a grove in the block and the front chain was cutting into the timing wheel.

 

Check the post dates, please. I'd assume this issue was fixed a long time ago.

 

Yeah, that was an old one. Good thing he dug it up though, Im in this same boat right now. Not looking like fun.

Thanks,
Devildog101