Timing Chains
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From: Carolina, Puerto Rico, USA
Timing Chains
Could not find a recomendation on this on the Haynes manual so I am gathering in the boards. At what mileage are you replacing your timing chains? 100,000 miles, 150...200...?
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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.
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35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.
McGard Premium Wheel Locks
Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck
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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.
Modifications:
Optima Red Top Battery
Split Fire Spark Plugs
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Performance Accesories Lift Lips by Mountain Enterprises
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.
McGard Premium Wheel Locks
Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck
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All I can say is when it's time to change a timing chain on an American engine, it's time to overhaul the whole thing. In other words, I wouldn't worry about it 'cause other things will normally wear out before a timing chain goes.
That's not to mean these things never break or wear out. It's just very unlikely that it will fail before something else will.
That's not to mean these things never break or wear out. It's just very unlikely that it will fail before something else will.
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From: Carolina, Puerto Rico, USA
Maybe that's the reason they do not mention anything about it so explicitly like other parts.
My first experience was with a 1986 Mitsubishi 4x4 Pick Trok and I was almost ready to change the timing chains at about the 100k mile mark but the transmission broke (abuse)
so I decided to sell it. As a matter of fact those chains were well past due for a change. The engine sound reminded me of jingle bells....
I supposed this is not the case with our engines but still want to know about some other experiences out there, if any.
My first experience was with a 1986 Mitsubishi 4x4 Pick Trok and I was almost ready to change the timing chains at about the 100k mile mark but the transmission broke (abuse)
so I decided to sell it. As a matter of fact those chains were well past due for a change. The engine sound reminded me of jingle bells....I supposed this is not the case with our engines but still want to know about some other experiences out there, if any.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Chelmsford, Ma.
I have the factory books and with those slippers, chain guides and tensioners, it looks kinda like a BIG pain if you have to change them. Also, there are subtle differences between the Romeo and the Windsor engines in that area according to the books.
QUESTION:
Just curious but is either engine better designed than the other with regards to the timing mechanisms does anyone know or guess?
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2000 Lariat, 5.4, 3:55 L.S., 4wd, ext cab, Tow pkg, Chestnut/Gold, Century mid-hi cap, Ford short bug deflector, contoured Ford running boards and bedmat.
QUESTION:
Just curious but is either engine better designed than the other with regards to the timing mechanisms does anyone know or guess?
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2000 Lariat, 5.4, 3:55 L.S., 4wd, ext cab, Tow pkg, Chestnut/Gold, Century mid-hi cap, Ford short bug deflector, contoured Ford running boards and bedmat.
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by JMTruck:
Maybe that's the reason they do not mention anything about it so explicitly like other parts.
My first experience was with a 1986 Mitsubishi 4x4 Pick Trok and I was almost ready to change the timing chains at about the 100k mile mark but the transmission broke (abuse) so I decided to sell it. As a matter of fact those chains were well past due for a change. The engine sound reminded me of jingle bells....
I supposed this is not the case with our engines but still want to know about some other experiences out there, if any. </font>
Maybe that's the reason they do not mention anything about it so explicitly like other parts.
My first experience was with a 1986 Mitsubishi 4x4 Pick Trok and I was almost ready to change the timing chains at about the 100k mile mark but the transmission broke (abuse)
so I decided to sell it. As a matter of fact those chains were well past due for a change. The engine sound reminded me of jingle bells....I supposed this is not the case with our engines but still want to know about some other experiences out there, if any. </font>
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From: Carolina, Puerto Rico, USA
Dawg: Everything is OK with my tming chains. I am just curious about them. I hope you can solve your problem soon. Good luck.
Dennis: That Mitsubishi engine was a 1986 2.6L in line four. It came with a timing chain in front and a smaller one behind that one. Pain in the neck to change. At that time they were charging like $400.00 to do the job.
See you later.
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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.
Modifications:
Optima Red Top Battery
Split Fire Spark Plugs
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Performance Accesories Lift Lips by Mountain Enterprises
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.
McGard Premium Wheel Locks
Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck
Dennis: That Mitsubishi engine was a 1986 2.6L in line four. It came with a timing chain in front and a smaller one behind that one. Pain in the neck to change. At that time they were charging like $400.00 to do the job.
See you later.
------------------
My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.
Modifications:
Optima Red Top Battery
Split Fire Spark Plugs
K&N FIPK
Gibson Supertruck Exhaust System
Stepshield door sill protectors
Performance Accesories 3" Body Lift
Performance Accesories Lift Lips by Mountain Enterprises
Superlift 3" lift blocks
Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks
Daystar Front Anti-sway Bar Polyurethane Bushings
Heckethorn Steering Stabilizer
35x12.5R16.5LT BFG All Terrain KO's
16.5x9.75 American Eagle 589's.
McGard Premium Wheel Locks
Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck
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Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Houston, by way of every major city in America.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the hood the first time,was that they look very similar to older Mercedes V8's. Don't know if the designs are just coincidence,or just good engineering:-)
The Mercedes timing chain maintenance schedule is at a very mileage,,so it would seem that a similar design would have similar maint. mileages.....Or,I could be full of it
,,,,98
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98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
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prarie tan/tan int.
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color matched snuglid
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[b]Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
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On the way/wheels,tires, etc..etc.......
the monochromatic boogie is done,cool!.
Come see my new pictures@ www.my-f150.com
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FENDER GUITARS ROCK!!!
The Mercedes timing chain maintenance schedule is at a very mileage,,so it would seem that a similar design would have similar maint. mileages.....Or,I could be full of it
,,,,98------------------
98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
Yokahama AVS/ST's
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
Clear front corners
Stillen Quad light air dam,Sweet!!
Euro taillights
Cobra 75WXST cb w/weather alert
[b]Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
Viper alarm
On the way/wheels,tires, etc..etc.......
the monochromatic boogie is done,cool!.
Come see my new pictures@ www.my-f150.com
officialtomwaits.com
reverendhortonheat.com
WOW,what a cool site!
FENDER GUITARS ROCK!!!
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 74
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From: Morganville, NJ
Regarding the timing chains:
I worked at a limo company with a fleet of nearly 100 Mercurys with 4.6s.
Only one of them needed chain work, it lost tension in the right chain, so I changed both chains, all guides, and tensioners. Not too bad a job. This was at 120k.
Most of the cars had over 500k on them with original chains and we ended up changing a couple of motors for oil consumption.
It actually is more cost efficient to put in a motor than to pull heads. In a Merc it pays 16 hours to do heads, but 4 to R&R the motor. The cost of the heads is more than a replacement motor.
I'm sure it pays (labor time) higher in a pickup to do heads as the motor is tucked under the cowl.
If you hear no noise (rattles at startup, etc) then don't worry about it.
I worked at a limo company with a fleet of nearly 100 Mercurys with 4.6s.
Only one of them needed chain work, it lost tension in the right chain, so I changed both chains, all guides, and tensioners. Not too bad a job. This was at 120k.
Most of the cars had over 500k on them with original chains and we ended up changing a couple of motors for oil consumption.
It actually is more cost efficient to put in a motor than to pull heads. In a Merc it pays 16 hours to do heads, but 4 to R&R the motor. The cost of the heads is more than a replacement motor.
I'm sure it pays (labor time) higher in a pickup to do heads as the motor is tucked under the cowl.
If you hear no noise (rattles at startup, etc) then don't worry about it.
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From: Carolina, Puerto Rico, USA
I am not worried about mine since they are running like a swiss watch. Just looking for some information like yours since there's not much about it in the boards.
Then again, most of the F150 owners will be selling their trucks before having to deal with this. But eventually someone will have to do it unless the truck ends in the junkyard.
Then again, most of the F150 owners will be selling their trucks before having to deal with this. But eventually someone will have to do it unless the truck ends in the junkyard.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by JMTruck:
Maybe that's the reason they do not mention anything about it so explicitly like other parts.
My first experience was with a 1986 Mitsubishi 4x4 Pick Trok and I was almost ready to change the timing chains at about the 100k mile mark but the transmission broke (abuse) so I decided to sell it. As a matter of fact those chains were well past due for a change. The engine sound reminded me of jingle bells....
I supposed this is not the case with our engines but still want to know about some other experiences out there, if any. </font>
Maybe that's the reason they do not mention anything about it so explicitly like other parts.
My first experience was with a 1986 Mitsubishi 4x4 Pick Trok and I was almost ready to change the timing chains at about the 100k mile mark but the transmission broke (abuse)
so I decided to sell it. As a matter of fact those chains were well past due for a change. The engine sound reminded me of jingle bells....I supposed this is not the case with our engines but still want to know about some other experiences out there, if any. </font>
I have not a problem with the timing chain per se. The problem I am experiencing is due to the two main tensioners that apply pressure to the timing chains. The tensioners are apparently broke and caused the timing chains to jump cogs and ultimately jump time. This caused damage to the valves in cylinder #1, and destroyed the valve guides. I am undergoing a $2000 plus repair right now.
If you suspect a timing chain problem I would recommend immediate attention.
My symptoms involved the engine missing. It was misdiagnosed by the first dealership I took it to, and I drove with the problem for several months.
Good Luck...DaWG of Indpls...03-21-2001
