Replacing timing chain... cost ?
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Replacing timing chain... cost ?
Can anyone offer up what I should expect to pay a shop to have a timing chain replaced in a 1997 Ford Explorer - 185,192 miles ??
This is being done as preventive maintenance before it actually breaks. I assume that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance.
Cordially,
Bob Blatchley
This is being done as preventive maintenance before it actually breaks. I assume that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance.
Cordially,
Bob Blatchley
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
You might check out this site for an idea what you could expect to pay in your area.
I generally do all my own maintenance, but did compare the results from this site to what I paid to have my transmission fluid and filter changed. The local shop charged me $107. The estimate from the above site suggested it would run a minimum of $140 from an independent shop. That's the only comparison I have.
-Rod
I generally do all my own maintenance, but did compare the results from this site to what I paid to have my transmission fluid and filter changed. The local shop charged me $107. The estimate from the above site suggested it would run a minimum of $140 from an independent shop. That's the only comparison I have.
-Rod
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,475
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I searched "maryland automotive service rates" and found two shops right off the bat, one at $82/hr, the other at $80.
But wait. Back to basics. Is your '97 an OHV motor, with ONE timing chain under the front cover, or is it an SOHC motor, with two up front and a third in the back?
A one chain job is probably $200, the three chain job well over $500.
Is it making noise?
But wait. Back to basics. Is your '97 an OHV motor, with ONE timing chain under the front cover, or is it an SOHC motor, with two up front and a third in the back?
A one chain job is probably $200, the three chain job well over $500.
Is it making noise?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Where do your spark plug wires come from?
Looking at pics, it appears the OHV motor does not use a conventional distributor.
Can you see or feel rockers inside the valve cover with the oil filler, breather or PCV valve pulled?
If so, rotate the engine by hand. Once a rocker has moved at least half it's travel, reverse the rotation. If you can rotate the crank more than 5 degrees before the rocker starts to move back, you may have excessive timing chain/gear wear, and it's time to replace.
I also read that the OHV motor has a hydraulic cam chain tensioner, and I find several comments advising not to worry about it:
4.0 OHV Timing Chain - Ford Ranger Forum - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource
4.0L OHV Timing chains - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®
Post from '1sicbronconut' is probably the answer:
4.0 liter v6 exploder timing chain change question. [Archive] - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board
Looking at pics, it appears the OHV motor does not use a conventional distributor.
Can you see or feel rockers inside the valve cover with the oil filler, breather or PCV valve pulled?
If so, rotate the engine by hand. Once a rocker has moved at least half it's travel, reverse the rotation. If you can rotate the crank more than 5 degrees before the rocker starts to move back, you may have excessive timing chain/gear wear, and it's time to replace.
I also read that the OHV motor has a hydraulic cam chain tensioner, and I find several comments advising not to worry about it:
4.0 OHV Timing Chain - Ford Ranger Forum - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource
4.0L OHV Timing chains - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®
Post from '1sicbronconut' is probably the answer:
4.0 liter v6 exploder timing chain change question. [Archive] - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
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From: UT
There isn't a specified "maintenance replacement" interval for the timing chain on the OHV, and it seems to be pretty rare for the timing chains on these to fail before the motor needs to be rebuilt. It wouldn't hurt anything to replace it (other than the expense), but I wouldn't consider "past due" or anything unless there are symptoms of a bad timing chain.
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Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 421
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From: FT. Rucker AL
I was gonna say the same thing as i have been told several times that it doesnt have to be replaced.
There isn't a specified "maintenance replacement" interval for the timing chain on the OHV, and it seems to be pretty rare for the timing chains on these to fail before the motor needs to be rebuilt. It wouldn't hurt anything to replace it (other than the expense), but I wouldn't consider "past due" or anything unless there are symptoms of a bad timing chain.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 251
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From: Ft. Worth, Tx
How were the miles put on, long trips, commuting or lots of stop and go? Have you replaced the water pump? I had a 93 Explorer with 116,000 mi that d/n burn a drop of oil, V6 Towing Package that could pull a train and I questioned whether I would put a water pump on the Monster “whenever”. The plastic body parts and plastic power window gears were the issues of failures.
Then a shorted ignition switch that fried the main wiring harness and dash totaled the SUV ended the questions. I’ll always wonder how can a fuse or some safety device not control a shorted switch. I got the battery disconnected and thought it was in time but it was too late.
Maintaining Or Moving On Is A Challenge When You Maintain Your Own. jow
Then a shorted ignition switch that fried the main wiring harness and dash totaled the SUV ended the questions. I’ll always wonder how can a fuse or some safety device not control a shorted switch. I got the battery disconnected and thought it was in time but it was too late.
Maintaining Or Moving On Is A Challenge When You Maintain Your Own. jow
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
Both 97, has have mostly hard driving. Used as a Dive Rescue Vehicle, so cold start foot to metal. carrying 2 full sets of gear... >600#. Lots of 4x4 in the river beds.. only major repair 3 transmissions...each..
In its off time it hauled a 16' car flat deck.......
In its off time it hauled a 16' car flat deck.......
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
The timing chain is never overdue. It is designed to last the life of the engine and does not need to be replaced unless it is making noise. If you keep on top of your oil changes and use the factory specified fluid (no snake oil or changing the viscosity because someone recommended it) then it will never fail, the engine will loose compression and wear out naturally long before the chain lets go. No point in tearing apart the engine to replace something thats is not a maintenance item.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: North Central Arkansas
Loose timing chain?
The timing chain is never overdue. It is designed to last the life of the engine and does not need to be replaced unless it is making noise. If you keep on top of your oil changes and use the factory specified fluid (no snake oil or changing the viscosity because someone recommended it) then it will never fail, the engine will loose compression and wear out naturally long before the chain lets go. No point in tearing apart the engine to replace something thats is not a maintenance item.