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

 

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 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?

 

No noise yet. And its the OHV engine. I'm just trying to do it before it breaks because with 185000 miles on it , it HAS to be over due.

Thanks all for your comments.

 

Does that engine have a conventional distributor?

 

Don't know. I assume so.

 

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

 

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.

 

I was gonna say the same thing as i have been told several times that it doesnt have to be replaced.

 

The OHV engine is noted for being bullet proof. We have 4 in the family the oldest with 485k and the baby at 360k, all with the original equipment (timing chains)... Philip

 

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

 

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.......

 

Mr Blatchley, How were your miles put on. I'm sorry for not specifying. jow

 

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.

 

I understand that but what if I have removed the timing chain cover to replace the gaskets and it is right in front of me. Should I change it or no? How much slack is ok? oh yeah... I have a 92 F250 2wd /460