Timing Chain/bearing Replacement
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Timing Chain/bearing Replacement
Need advice:
Have an 2003 Escape with automantic and 3.0L Duratec and at 163K miles the transmission broke.
I will be replacing the CD4E with a Ford Remanufactured unit.
What I am wondering, since the engine is out of the escape should I replace the timing chain and bearings?
What I have done so far is to pull valve covers and timing chaing cover and plastic gauge 2 cam bearings and one rod bearing and all measured .002 oil clearance. All components look good.
I was thinking it would not hurt to just replace the rod and main bearings and the timing chain. Not sure but I would think that the sprokets should be replaced with the chain as a set. I can not get the cam sproket individually because ford only sells the cams with sprokets as a unit. This turns the chain replacement into a $700 dollar project!
1. Is it ok to just replace the 2 chains and maybe the 2 crank sprokets and use original cam sprokets?
2. Should I install new main and rod bearings even though they are within specs?
Rich,
Have an 2003 Escape with automantic and 3.0L Duratec and at 163K miles the transmission broke.
I will be replacing the CD4E with a Ford Remanufactured unit.
What I am wondering, since the engine is out of the escape should I replace the timing chain and bearings?
What I have done so far is to pull valve covers and timing chaing cover and plastic gauge 2 cam bearings and one rod bearing and all measured .002 oil clearance. All components look good.
I was thinking it would not hurt to just replace the rod and main bearings and the timing chain. Not sure but I would think that the sprokets should be replaced with the chain as a set. I can not get the cam sproket individually because ford only sells the cams with sprokets as a unit. This turns the chain replacement into a $700 dollar project!
1. Is it ok to just replace the 2 chains and maybe the 2 crank sprokets and use original cam sprokets?
2. Should I install new main and rod bearings even though they are within specs?
Rich,
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I agree, just gonna put her back together. Good idea on replacing the hoses. There are a good number of the hoses to replace probably gonna cost a fortune!
I stopped by a local garage and asked an ole timer and he said that there was no need in spending alot of money to fix something when it dont needed and he stated that the 3.0L is a good motor.
Still like to know if one should replace sprockets when replacing timing chain? Damn expensive in this case!
Transmission symptoms: no forward, good reverse. I can feel the forward gears meshing after I put in gear but no go. From what I have read about the CD4E the issue is probably a cracked forward cage. I had been planning on rebuilding the CD4E and before it actually failed. Never rebuilt an auto tranny before but at this time I need it running due to trouble with other vehicles. Talks about bad luck, long story!
I figured the best bet, not the cheapest, was to get a re-manufactured tranny from ford as they are the only ones that I can find that states that all internal hard and soft parts in the remans are new.
Thanks,
Rich
I stopped by a local garage and asked an ole timer and he said that there was no need in spending alot of money to fix something when it dont needed and he stated that the 3.0L is a good motor.
Still like to know if one should replace sprockets when replacing timing chain? Damn expensive in this case!
Transmission symptoms: no forward, good reverse. I can feel the forward gears meshing after I put in gear but no go. From what I have read about the CD4E the issue is probably a cracked forward cage. I had been planning on rebuilding the CD4E and before it actually failed. Never rebuilt an auto tranny before but at this time I need it running due to trouble with other vehicles. Talks about bad luck, long story!
I figured the best bet, not the cheapest, was to get a re-manufactured tranny from ford as they are the only ones that I can find that states that all internal hard and soft parts in the remans are new.
Thanks,
Rich
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
I have a 2003 Escape V6 Auto trans. Personally I would think twice about putting a trans in the vehicle considering the cost. Mine has 124K and the book value is practically nil, with that kind of mileage the vehicle is probably worth $4K to $5k selling it privately. On a trade-in you might get $4k if you're lucky. Now if you can get the tranny put in for less the $1500, then that's another story.
With 163K on the vehicle you might want to consider putting the money you spend on the tranny towards a newer vehicle. Just my opinion...
With 163K on the vehicle you might want to consider putting the money you spend on the tranny towards a newer vehicle. Just my opinion...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Tony,
Good Morning, I sure wish I could make my wife believe that the escape should be trashed and then I could get the BMW K1600 GLT motorcycle that I believe will be selling for around 27k after BMW releases prices.
I am not repairing the escape for resale, I am repairing it because it is transportation and the only vehicle I have that can pull a trailer. I did recently picket up a new vehicle for wife and normally I drive a motorcycle to work. but a few months ago I changed work location and now have to drive 50 mile one way and riding the bike that far when temps are below 40 is uncomfortable. When the WX warms up a little I will be riding the two wheeler again.
Hopefully the motor will last a few more years with the limited use that it will see.
This summer when gas gets to $5 per gallon the escape want see many miles!
Happy New Year
Rich
Good Morning, I sure wish I could make my wife believe that the escape should be trashed and then I could get the BMW K1600 GLT motorcycle that I believe will be selling for around 27k after BMW releases prices.
I am not repairing the escape for resale, I am repairing it because it is transportation and the only vehicle I have that can pull a trailer. I did recently picket up a new vehicle for wife and normally I drive a motorcycle to work. but a few months ago I changed work location and now have to drive 50 mile one way and riding the bike that far when temps are below 40 is uncomfortable. When the WX warms up a little I will be riding the two wheeler again.
Hopefully the motor will last a few more years with the limited use that it will see.
This summer when gas gets to $5 per gallon the escape want see many miles!
Happy New Year
Rich
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Steve,
Actually I had been planning on rebuilding this tranny myself after I had my daily driver, motorcycle, back on the road and the weather warmed up. I have never rebuilt a tranny and was looking forward but it failed sooner than i planned.
I could have ordered all new internal parts from Ford and did the job myself for around $1200 but I need the vehicle now. I called around local shops and they quoted me around 850 to 950 if I take them the tanny. Now for this price then will only repair/replace the broke parts and replace clutches and gaskets ect..
I considered some of the other companies that I found with a google search and the few that I read stated that they test each part to ensure the component being used in their re-manufactured transmission is with in specs.
Ford states that all components used in their reman trannsmissions are new parts and not used parts that they tested and reused.
Happy new year,
Rich
Actually I had been planning on rebuilding this tranny myself after I had my daily driver, motorcycle, back on the road and the weather warmed up. I have never rebuilt a tranny and was looking forward but it failed sooner than i planned.
I could have ordered all new internal parts from Ford and did the job myself for around $1200 but I need the vehicle now. I called around local shops and they quoted me around 850 to 950 if I take them the tanny. Now for this price then will only repair/replace the broke parts and replace clutches and gaskets ect..
I considered some of the other companies that I found with a google search and the few that I read stated that they test each part to ensure the component being used in their re-manufactured transmission is with in specs.
Ford states that all components used in their reman trannsmissions are new parts and not used parts that they tested and reused.
Happy new year,
Rich
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
I think I would replace the water pump also at that mileage. The clearances you note are about what would have been spec'd as new clearances on the rod bearings back in the mid '70s. If you remain unsure about replacing the inserts, check the shop manual specs. Don't know if the cam bearings are replaceable. The bearing surfaces may be the inside of the caps and the head, and not inserts.
If you are uncertain about replacing the cam chain, you can check its 'slop', which should be minimal, by rotating the crankshaft back and forth to determine how many degrees it moves before the camshafts start moving. I thought it was equipped with a chain tensioner which would minimize variability. If the teeth of the sprockets show no wear, I would have no hesitation putting a new chain on old sprockets.
If the engine did not use any oil, I'd just put it back together with minimal replacement. If it did use some oil, I'd also consider replacing the valve stem seals while they were so accessible.
tom
If you are uncertain about replacing the cam chain, you can check its 'slop', which should be minimal, by rotating the crankshaft back and forth to determine how many degrees it moves before the camshafts start moving. I thought it was equipped with a chain tensioner which would minimize variability. If the teeth of the sprockets show no wear, I would have no hesitation putting a new chain on old sprockets.
If the engine did not use any oil, I'd just put it back together with minimal replacement. If it did use some oil, I'd also consider replacing the valve stem seals while they were so accessible.
tom
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Evening Tom,
I wish I would have replaced the chain but I put the engine back together with the re manufactured transmission.
I have another chance to replace the chains: After installing the re manufactured $2K transmission from Ford, within the first 2 miles and not seeing speeds over 35 mph the tranny crapped out its servo piston and rod while driving and luckily I was on my way home and only had to tow the escape 300 yards!
Rich
I wish I would have replaced the chain but I put the engine back together with the re manufactured transmission.
I have another chance to replace the chains: After installing the re manufactured $2K transmission from Ford, within the first 2 miles and not seeing speeds over 35 mph the tranny crapped out its servo piston and rod while driving and luckily I was on my way home and only had to tow the escape 300 yards!
Rich
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 134
From: Burleson, Tx
I wouldn't worry about the chain. We are over 190k on ours and it still runs like new. I have had a couple of Nissan trucks with chains and they both wen tover 250k with no replacements.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1994 F150 2x4
1997 - 2003 F150
6
Nov 20, 2024 11:41 AM
ScottInTexas
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Apr 30, 2004 12:32 PM
