It looks like you've got the 'R' up on the pass side, so no need to loosen the journals. You can move the cam a fair amount back and forth to get your marks on.

 

Also, while you have it torn down, how do the seals on the tensioners look, are they blown out? Might be wise to pull the VCT solenoids and check/clean the screens while you're in there too...

 

Are the timing chains "zero tolerance" in regards to play in between each individual link? I tested the chains and I do feel a slight bit of play in the pins... the truck has 250,000kms on it approximately.

Furthermore, the paper gasket on the tensioners tore slightly. Can a small amount of RTV gasket maker be used?

The guides have noticeable wear, but no "severe grooves" or cracking.

I told my buddy here to replace everything, chains, guides, phasers, VCT solenoids... he's busy having a stroke at the moment trying to process if he needs to remortgage his house or not to pay for it all

 

Yes you are mistaken. AT a minimum you MUST insure they both are timed in coordination with each other.


And I believe it is a mistake not to replace those parts at that mileage.

 

Sounds like the components are worn and you have slop in the chain links themselves? Also paper gaskets? The tensioners should have a built in seal if they are composite.

 

I just noticed @EBC-150 's above comment. And I agree whole heartedly. Also, I would remove the VCT Solenoid "body" on both side and flush / clean them out very well. They have fine screens inside them that are just like the screens on VCT Solenoids. Junk / trash / old varnish chunks are death to phasers. Be as clean about everything as you possibly can.

 

The tensioner gaskets that mate to the cylinder head have torn slightly. They are not rubber. They are some sort of a very thin "paper-like" gasket.

Edit: upon second inspection the tensioner gasket might be some sort of thin rubber. The gasket is so hard and brittle it appears to be "paper-like"

The tensioner "pistons" seems to have ok resistance to it.

 

I totally agree with you. Those parts must be replaced regardless of whether or not they're worn.

But as a Technician yourself, you know how hard customers can fight when it comes to paying to replace parts when they think they're still good. I told him to just "put his nose to the grindstone" and pay for the new parts. But he wants me to re-use the parts. He can't afford a proper repair. So I might be forced to "MacGyver" a solution.

 

@F150Torqued, I would pull and clean those housing too.
@ElectroVeeDub, the tensioners rely on oil pressure to work properly, soooo...

 

Well clean everything, re-use the phasers, and at a minimum, tell him he needs to get the Cloyes timing kit for a little over a $100, includes guides, chains tensioners, crank sprocket.

 

I realize that. But he doesn't want to replace the tensioners either. So I'll clean the mating surface on the heads, use a small amount of RTV gasket maker, and try to make sure theres no excess to dislodge and plug up the tensioner or fall into the oil pan below.

The thing that concerns me is the play in the chains.

I think the owner of this truck just wants it moving so he can sell it and off-load his repair bill to the next sorry SOB...

 

What's the VIN #?

 

V.I.N. = 1FTPW14596KD60504

2006 5.4 Triton F-150 Crew/King cab 4-door 4x4

 

Thanks. I'll be sure not to buy it.

 

WOOT!!

It Started!! The 2nd timing job worked!! The ticking went away after 30 seconds. The valves didn't smash into pistons. Time to button up this truck!!

I'm soooooo gonna bill this guy through the nose...