Replace timing chain as preventative maintenance?

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Nov 12, 2005 | 08:23 PM

DS02F250

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From: Ventura County, CA

Replace timing chain as preventative maintenance?

I have a 2002 F-250 SD 5.4L 2WD with 96K on it. After checking the Owner's Manual, I don't see a recommendation for replacing the timing chain, not even at the 100K mark. Should I consider this at the upcoming 100K service? or is it not necessary? I will do new plugs and wires, along with cleaning the injectors, and will inquire about cleaning out the carbon build-up that naturally occurs. I'm DEFINITELY into "preventative maintenance", so I was just curious if the timing belt something that I should consider replacing at the 100K mark as well?

Thanks,
DS

Nov 12, 2005 | 09:28 PM

HD1340

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2004

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If it isn't broke don't fix it! I have seen many of fords modular engines with over
300k on them with no problems! The timing chain, unlike a belt, is pressure lubricated
and self adjusting and will most likely last the life of the engine.

Nov 13, 2005 | 08:06 AM

alabamabuddog

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From: Covington, Tn

I have a 93 F150 that had 200K on it when I puller it down and there was no play in the timing chain. If I had not been doing a complete rebuild I wouldnt have changed the timimg chain. Ford timimg chains are the best!

Nov 13, 2005 | 08:35 AM

Beast12

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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!

Thread moved to 5.4L V8 Engine forum.

-Matt

Nov 13, 2005 | 05:48 PM

Bliath

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From: Kabetogama, MN

If it is a SOHC 5.4L Engine, there will be two timing chains on the engine, one for each side of the engine, but I am sure that goes without saying. A DOHC would have 4 chains if I am not mistaking. For the Triton engines I must agree that troubling yourself with the timing chains is hopefully unneccessary as long as there is no problem and hopefully there will never be.

Last edited by Bliath; Nov 13, 2005 at 05:52 PM.

Nov 13, 2005 | 06:13 PM

DS02F250

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From: Ventura County, CA

Thanks, everyone. I'll leave well enough alone. Guess I was just remembering engines of old where they almost certainly broke a timing chain at 100K miles!
Daryl

Nov 14, 2005 | 01:44 PM

krewat

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Long Island USA

One thing to add to this:

Unlike a timing belt, the chain will start making noise WAY before it breaks.

I think the DOHC has a small chain from one cam to the other, so while there is "4" chains in a DOHC, only 2 are the really long ones.