1990 Bronco Timing Chains
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1990 Bronco Timing Chains
Looking at purchasing a 90 Bronco with a 302, 188k miles. Guy says it's been in a minor front end accident, which checks out on carfax, but he also says he's replaced the timing chains, radiator, and water pump. Would that be evidence of more than just a "minor front end accident"? As far as I know, timing chains don't typically need replacing, but I could certainly be wrong..
Fleet Mechanic
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Replacing the timing chain (singular) on a 188k mile engine would not be unusual, if really done, would save you from probably doing it yourself soon/later. Water pump is a wear-out item, and radiators leak over time. Replacing all of those parts on a 1990 is not unusual at all.
So maybe those are parts he changed, were not involved with an accident, but normal wear-out?
An accident that actually damaged a timing chain would have busted the die-cast timing cover, on the front of the block, and probably smashed pulleys, accessories, etc. etc. I would expect frame damage up front for that kind of hit! That would not be minor, and I think it would be noticeable.
So maybe those are parts he changed, were not involved with an accident, but normal wear-out?
An accident that actually damaged a timing chain would have busted the die-cast timing cover, on the front of the block, and probably smashed pulleys, accessories, etc. etc. I would expect frame damage up front for that kind of hit! That would not be minor, and I think it would be noticeable.
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Current owner says that he's unsure of whether or not the hood and fenders were replaced but he says the front bumper was definitely replaced. Carfax says it earned its salvage title nearly a year prior to the accident.
Cargo Master
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Taking the water pump off gets pretty close to the timing cover being off. So changing the timing chain might just be a case of "well, I'm in this far anyway". and not a case of neglect that required changing the timing chain.
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