time for timing chain replacement?
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Joined: Oct 2003
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time for timing chain replacement?
I've just recently discovered this great forum for help with repairs. What better advice can there be, than by do it yourselfer's that have lived through the agony of some of these repairs. I am the proud owner of a 93 aerostar 3.0 with 214k miles, as well as a 73 f250 4wd.
My aerostar was purchased in 94 with 18k miles, it has never left me stranded and not until just this year have i needed to replace the alternator, starter, and the heater core (the heater core advise in this forum was very helpful) .
I would like to get as many miles as possible from this trusty ride, and am considering replacing the timing chain and gears as a preventive measure. does anyone see any value in this? It still runs pretty good, but how much damage can be done if it breaks suddenly? I do all my own repairs and from the information that I've read here, it doesn't look like too daunting of a task. I would also be replacing the hoses, belts, thermostat, and water pump at this time, since it's been 5 years or so since they were all last replaced. Is this overkill, or would the peace of mind be worth it?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
My aerostar was purchased in 94 with 18k miles, it has never left me stranded and not until just this year have i needed to replace the alternator, starter, and the heater core (the heater core advise in this forum was very helpful) .
I would like to get as many miles as possible from this trusty ride, and am considering replacing the timing chain and gears as a preventive measure. does anyone see any value in this? It still runs pretty good, but how much damage can be done if it breaks suddenly? I do all my own repairs and from the information that I've read here, it doesn't look like too daunting of a task. I would also be replacing the hoses, belts, thermostat, and water pump at this time, since it's been 5 years or so since they were all last replaced. Is this overkill, or would the peace of mind be worth it?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 209
From: SoCal
I don't recall if the 3.0 has interference between the valves and pistons. I don't think I've seen a timing chain actually break before. But it is probably worn enough at 214Kmiles that the cam timing has significantly retarded. Replacing the chain and sprockets will help restore some of the engine's lost power.
Some engines used nylon teeth on the sprockets, which can break off when they're really old, and get jammed up in other parts. I don't think the 3 liter engine has those.
eugene
Some engines used nylon teeth on the sprockets, which can break off when they're really old, and get jammed up in other parts. I don't think the 3 liter engine has those.
eugene
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 500
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From: laurel springs NJ
mistarman,
I have done the timing chain replacement, due to the chain in my wifes's '93 3.0 BREAKING! They do break.
Hardest part of the job was removing all of the front end of the engine to get to the T.C. cover.
Basically took a weekend with some Samuel Adams. Van runs much better after the replacement.
I have done the timing chain replacement, due to the chain in my wifes's '93 3.0 BREAKING! They do break.
Hardest part of the job was removing all of the front end of the engine to get to the T.C. cover.
Basically took a weekend with some Samuel Adams. Van runs much better after the replacement.
