99 explor. 4 L sohc, 140 k. does anyone have the instructions prefer w/ pics that explain steps in chagning out the defective timing chain tensioner, jack shaft and gears. I would like to just change the tensioner so i do not have to tear down the eng. is that an ok fix? im past the silent recall period, so gotta do it myslef. thanks.

 

I had a local shop do this for me recently--but I researched the process on alldatadiy.com. A subscription to alldatadiy.com is pretty cheap. The tensioner they changed was the one between the crankshaft and jackshaft (the only one the TSB specified for my 2002, earlier versions also had problems with the tensioners for the chains going from the jackshaft to the camshafts---an expensive fix, as the rear tensioner can only be repaired with the engine removed) They were able to skip a few steps---but bear in mind you have to either buy / borrow the "special tools" needed to keep the mechanical timing right on these engines, the cams / crankshaft / jackshaft isn't keyed or anything to keep you from screwing up the timing, or be very, very careful not to move anything during the procedure. I believe they got it done in about 3 or 4 hours (we trade favors--I have my own business, so I didn't have to pay for labor). The old tensioner looks like a toy compared to the new one (I stopped by and took a peek while they had it torn down, don't know why they couldn't have designed it right to start with). It does run like a brand new truck; seems that either due to the timing not wandering around when the chain was slack, or, more likely due to me not backing off when the noise starts, it has more power... I think it's the latter.

 

Take it to the local dealer quick and easy fix for them they should have it done and back to you in a day. When I had my 98' done cost about $400.00 and saved me alot of time and money before breaking down and braking the chain and replacing everything. Good Luck

 

Yeah, they were done in just a few hours... if you only need that main tensioner replaced, should be an easy job for someone familiar with Fords.

 

I agree that alldatadiy.com has decent information, although sometimes difficult to get to the diagrams you need.

The Ford dealer I went to charged $1800 and had it for days. Back at 35K miles they replaced the cartridges during the recall period but that didn't help the long term wear. The second time they had to replace the timing chain, guides, tensioners, etc. (and at my cost this time, Ford Motor Co. wouldn't help despite repeated pleas, even though the engine was under 100K miles).

 

Go to this link.


www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61152&page=2&pp=20

About halfway down the page is a detailed step by step that I used.
Its an easy fix.