Timing Chain loose? Need help...

[Am3ricanInfid3L]

Hey guys.
So I'm currently sitting in my dead Expy right now, in a City Market parking lot. I turned on the truck, and began to pull out of my parking spot, when I heard a loud "POP". Immediately afterwards, it starts knocking like crazy..

I'm guessing it's the timing chain, but I don't think it's totally broken, since I was able to find another parking space before shutting it off... I figure I'd ask the Fourms and get some ideas while waiting on another ride.

 

[stamp11127]

These are interference engines, when a timing chain lets go you are having a bad day at the least. It will bend all the valves on the side that lets go.

Check and see if you launched a spark plug.

 

[Am3ricanInfid3L]

These are interference engines, when a timing chain lets go you are having a bad day at the least. It will bend all the valves on the side that lets go.

Check and see if you launched a spark plug.

So not the timing chain? I'm not near it right now, so I can't check it tonight...
I just had the plugs replaced last month, so maybe I got a bad set? I've never blown a plug before, so I would have no idea on what that's like. My Expy has never left me totally stranded before till now. It kinda sucks!

 

[stamp11127]

I wouldn't run it until you find the cause. Ford and their infinite wisdom skimped on the amount of material in the spark plug bore. The plugs are held in with 4 threads. Torque amount is very important to reduce the chance of launching one or more of them.

When a plug gets launched, it turns the cylinder into an air compressor and has a loud chugging sound. If you have never heard it before it can be somewhat scary. It will still run but your not sneaking up on anyone...

 

[FordandPolaris]

Look for a COP out of place. Usually the plug forces the COP up and out, at least from what I have seen.

 

[Am3ricanInfid3L]

So I just did some research on the "sound" it makes so I could compare it too what I experienced, and yep... I'm 90% sure I threw a plug. I'll check tommorow to be 100%.

Any idea on what I'm looking at cost wise for a repair? All I know is basic repairs and preventive maintenance. (Something tells my my wallet is gonna hurt after this)

And am I able to limp it too a shop? Or should I get it towed?

 

[stamp11127]

It depends on the distance to the shop. If you drive it disconnect the injector plugto "kill" the injector as a precaution.
Read up on the different inserts used, ask the shop if they have done that repair before. Timesert is one brand that has had good reviews.

 

[Am3ricanInfid3L]

Alright, sounds good. I'm going to go ahead and get it towed, just to be safe. Thanks for the help! Unless something else comes up, I suppose this Thread can now be closed.