How bad to do the timing chains?

[johnboneske]

Ok, I have convinced myself to do the job! I have been looking at rock auto and stuff for parts. I see you can get plastic or cast tensioners, are the plastic ones ok? I am gonna do chains, guides and tensioners. Anything else I should do? Who has done the job? Anyone near Columbus Ohio that wants to make some money doing it for me? LOL

Oh, I have a 2003 Expy with a 5.4 2V motor, and just turned 202k on it. Runs great otherwise. Doesnt use a drop of oil, and trans was rebuilt about 50k ago and shifts firmly and perfect!

Think I am gonna order this kit, plus gaskets.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0143H4...colid=7ACHP1P6FAHZ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Trainmaster]

I wouldn't on a dare consider putting in all that hard work and labor but installing the cheapest Chinese parts I could find on Amazon. Please, Dude, spend the money, buy Motorcraft stuff and avoid doing the job twice.

 

[johnboneske]

Where do you find Motorcraft stuff except at the Stealership? Does Rock Auto sell it?

I see the Number 1 seller on Rockauto is CLOYES 90391SB,

I want to know who has actually done the job and what they used?

 

[johnboneske]

I ordered this set from Rockauto:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/enginetech,TS391SD,timing+set,5756

I also got the gaskets for the cover, and valve cover gaskets, and front seal for the crank. Got a new water pump too.

 

[Trainmaster]

Tasca Ford has good prices and a good Web Site. You can call them and they'll do right by you. Or you can buy the Chinese kit, save $90, put a pan under the car for the oil leak and do the job again in six months.

I must say I'm no genius; it's just my opinion and more than a few years experience. Never had a problem with a Motorcraft part, but the Chinese ones gave me trouble probably 70% of the time. When a job's exceptionally rough, I don't want those risks.

 

[Shabadoo]

Shouldn't be too hard of a job really, just time consuming. Some may recommend putting in a new oil pump too since you're going to be in there anyways. Don't forget a tool to hold the camshafts. Otherwise the second that chain is off it could rocket a valve into a piston. Enginetech looks like a pretty good company. I agree that motocraft is best but I'm also a big proponent of finding a happy medium in terms of cost/quality. I would recommend spending the money on gaskets though. There is nothing more annoying and time consuming than trying to find a leak

 

[johnboneske]

I bought a set of Felpro gaskets for the front cover and valve covers.

 

[johnboneske]

You do realize that ALOT of Motorcraft parts are made in China right?? Just my $.02

 

[JExpedition07]

You do realize that ALOT of Motorcraft parts are made in China right?? Just my $.02

Plastic parts yes, if the MC is Chinese OEM likely was too. My Motorcraft wheel bearing I just replaced was stamped FoMoCo Made In USA. The timing parts will either be canadian or USA I almost guarantee.

 

[Dewayne]

I wish you lots of luck with fel-pro valve cover gaskets. I've had the pleasure of doing the chains in my 99 expedition last week and a customer's 03 f150 this week. The only problem I had was with the vc gaskets not staying in the grooves. Tried 2 different fel-pro sets from 2 different stores, victor-reins perfect fit.