I suspect my timing chain tensioner gave up because for the last 500 miles the chain has been noisy. Anyone know if this is wearing out my timing/engine cover? Can I just replace the tensioner and gaskets or do I need a timing set(chain and sprockets) at 150,000 miles? I'm really in a bind needing my vehicle for a while before tackling this job...can I get away with driving any longer like this or is catastrophic failure eminent?

 

Has anyone had this part of the engine apart before?

 

I didn't mess w/ the chain/sprockets, but I got them exposed ... https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...150-4-2-a.html

 

thanks fairlaner...I have seen your post although my engine from 2001 has a different timing chain tensioner for some reason and I still suspect it's the source of all the noise my engine is making. I'm having it looked at nearby at a repair shop right now and with the rain coming I wouldn't be able to start the job myself without interference.

 

It made my day to learn that a bearing failed on a pulley in the serpentine system. That was the fix.