Hey guys. College is about to start up again, and I thought I'd take care of that startup rattle I've been having. From what I've read, it's not worth it to change the chains because they last forever, so I guess just changing the tensioners will make things simpler and cheaper.

Should I consider changing else when the engine is apart, like the water pump?

Will the chain guides be in decent shape @172K?

Is there any particular brand of tensioner I should buy?

5.4L

 

Bump.

 

Go to this site below and check your options. you can get an entire timing kit for these engines here for around $160.00. includes chains, guides, tensioners. While you have the front cover off just replace everything. Yes the chains should last for the life of the engine but that always depends on the maintenance. If you find that the chain guides are severely worn then check the oil pickup screen in the oil pan. Sometimes the plastic slide will become worn and the chain guide pieces will drop into the oil pan and start plugging the screen and restrict oil flow. Take a look through the oil pan drain plug using a bore scope. good luck.

http://www.rockauto.com/

 

Thanks! I'll look out for those items.