timing belt
- Thread starter KILLER EX
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4.6_02_Black_GT
Founding Member
Killer EX,
The 4.6 does have timing chains...on the GT motor the crank drives both chains for each bank of cylinders. The chains and sprockets are metal ....but the problem is that there is a set of followers that presses in from the outside of the chains to keep tension on the chains so they dont skip over the sprockets.
So yes you will need to have routine maintance done and have the front cover of the engine pulled off and have the chain followers(tensioners) replaced. Since you have to pay to have the cover pulled anyway..have the small tensioners replaced and the plastic guides...which will be worn out... while your are in there.. go ahead replace the chains two.
If the tensioners fail and the spockets skip one tooth..you might get lucky and can stop and turn off the engine before any damage is done. Anymore than a two teeth and you will have piston to valve contact and you will be left with bent valves.
Routine maintaince..someone check the manual.. I belive the tensioners are recommended to be replaced at 65K I think.
The 4.6 does have timing chains...on the GT motor the crank drives both chains for each bank of cylinders. The chains and sprockets are metal ....but the problem is that there is a set of followers that presses in from the outside of the chains to keep tension on the chains so they dont skip over the sprockets.
So yes you will need to have routine maintance done and have the front cover of the engine pulled off and have the chain followers(tensioners) replaced. Since you have to pay to have the cover pulled anyway..have the small tensioners replaced and the plastic guides...which will be worn out... while your are in there.. go ahead replace the chains two.
If the tensioners fail and the spockets skip one tooth..you might get lucky and can stop and turn off the engine before any damage is done. Anymore than a two teeth and you will have piston to valve contact and you will be left with bent valves.
Routine maintaince..someone check the manual.. I belive the tensioners are recommended to be replaced at 65K I think.
4.6_02_Black_GT
Founding Member
Killer EX
Heres pics of the parts to replace Killer the tensioners have a spring that wears out and causes you chains to go slack...and of course the plastic guides just wear out from chain rubbing on them. Dont forget to do the chains too.
Heres pics of the parts to replace Killer the tensioners have a spring that wears out and causes you chains to go slack...and of course the plastic guides just wear out from chain rubbing on them. Dont forget to do the chains too.
thats not alot of miles on these engines! I think your gonna be ok for a few more yearsKILLER EX said:
your chains and guides should be fine at low miles like that.. get 150- 200k on it then you might need to replace that stuff
Wow does anyone even actually do that?
I know quite a few people with over 100K miles that have never touched the chains or followers.
I know quite a few people with over 100K miles that have never touched the chains or followers.
mity2
I like Pro3 and all I got was this crappy CT.
My old 4-banger Mustang did...and it jumped a tooth on me 
Most V8's have chains, V6's as well...many 4-bangers use belts
Most V8's have chains, V6's as well...many 4-bangers use belts
BurningRubber
10 Year Member
- Dec 6, 2004
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We had a 4.0 Explorer that the chain tensioners HAD to be replaced at around 75-80k. They were letting the chain go slack, it was kinda wierd... definatly dont think thats normal though. As said above, the engine should not have to have the fallowers/tensioners replaced as long as the engine runs.
But, if you have it apart might as well do it at that point.
But, if you have it apart might as well do it at that point.
BurningRubber said:
thats common on the explorer 4.0 sohc.. . they have a recall on many of them for that..
only 4 cylinder ford have timing belts.
Alright.. Sorry for bumping this since it's pretty old and such though in early December i'll be getting the PI cams installed and the installer suggests going with new timing components.
The car has 150k+ so I was figuring:
New guides
New chains (I believe they are $35 a piece for GT chains-can anyone confirm?)
The installer suggests that I try to get some cobra chains. Can someone tell me why this is so and what the price difference should be?
What am I leaving out?
Thanks guys
The car has 150k+ so I was figuring:
New guides
New chains (I believe they are $35 a piece for GT chains-can anyone confirm?)
The installer suggests that I try to get some cobra chains. Can someone tell me why this is so and what the price difference should be?
What am I leaving out?
Thanks guys
Well the person that is selling me the cams is including the new guides/ used chains with them, though I was told to purchase new chains. He also suggested getting a cobra set? Are they more durable or what 
As for parts is that all I should need?
Chains + Guides
As for parts is that all I should need?
Chains + Guides
Yeah, thats the thought that I was thinking also. It's kind of like when my motor mounts went bad everyone suggested the $120+ mounts when the factory type mounts lasted 120K+ and only were $24 each.
The person I am buying the cams from is including chains that have ~40K on them, though should I get spend the $60 or so on new chains?
All suggestions are appreciated
The person I am buying the cams from is including chains that have ~40K on them, though should I get spend the $60 or so on new chains?
All suggestions are appreciated
QuickCapri83
New Member
114k and no issues with timing chain, I don't even give any thought to it, ever. I probably won't until 160k or so. I also have a 4.0 explorer, but mines the OHV, so I don't have the problem to worry about. I love my '97 Explorer Sport!!! Takes a beating, and still runs perfect with 120k, great suv's. I "had" to get it, cause of ours winters in the north east, and I live on a mountain pretty much.
