Hi, What tools do I need to remove and replace the timing chain on my ford 302? I am still in high school and on a budget and have some wrenches and basic hand tools like sockets but that's about it.

Considering I am still novice at this is it even practical? I can do oil changes and I have changed u - joints and v-belts but that's about it. If I were to do it myself, what all needs to be removed, and how long would it approximately take me?

 

Also, my truck is an '82. Were they still using nylon chain parts in that era?

Say I were to pay a mechanic to do it, what should I be expecting to spend? Of course, I would go with a good metal double roller chain.

 

Well, it is impossible to say how long it will take as we don't know what experience or knowledge you have. But I would say it is a full day's work for someone who really knows what he is doing. I would give myself two days, and I've been working on engines since the mid-50's.

Here are just some of the things you'll have to do:

1. Bring engine to TDC on #1 cylinder. This will require a large socket (15/16") and a break-over on the crank bolt.
2. Drain coolant
3. Disconnect battery
4. Remove all belts to alternator, etc
5. Remove upper radiator hose
6. Remove fan
7. Remove shroud
8. Remove bypass hose
9. Remove water pump
10. Remove harmonic balancer. This takes a puller that you should be able to "rent" at a local parts store.
11. Remove timing cover
12. Remove fuel pump
13. Check to ensure marks are aligned on sprockets
14. Remove old chain and sprockets and install new - without turning the crank.
15. Reassemble

Edit: The needed socket for the crank bolt is 15/16", not 13/16 as I initially said.

 

15/16" Gary.

 

Thanks, Matthew. Yes, I was WRONG! I'll change that post to make sure someone doesn't get the wrong socket.

 

I agree with Gary, I'd give myself a full 2 days if I was committed to getting it done quickly. But more often I wouldn't work on it full days and it would drag out to a week or more of part-time work (but compared to Gary I'm a newbie, I've only been working on engines since the mid-70s )

And I'll add a few things to his list (in red below). Not that they are necessary, but they may or may not help out.

 

Don't forget the possibility of snapping a hard-to-remove bolt, that can really ruin your day....