05wannaBproject
Member
I just joined today and thought I'd share a success story with everyone. A few months back I replaced the VCT solenoids and got a significant improvement in performance but the engine "noise" was the same. As time progressed, I became convinced that I indeed had timing chain slap. After reviewing many threads here and videos on how to replace all the timing "set", I jumped right into the deep end:
198K miles
Replaced Timing chain, tensioners, guides, cam sprockets, crank gear and related gaskets
To test that it was all on correct and no hitting of piston to valves, I pulled the plugs and manually rotated the engine - yay, nothing hitting internally. Also made sense while torn down (and mileage) to replace plugs.
New oil pump (while I'm there) and water pump
I was expecting plastic guide pieces in the oil pan, so I had that gasket ready ... but what I found was plastic pieces in my pick up tube screen! I was driving a time bomb, am certainly blessed to have torn it down when I did.
All ford parts except a Melling oil pump - I wanted assurance of high flow and no back plate flexing.
My timing cover was ate up where 1 entire guide was "consumed" and I had metal shavings in the oil pan ... some of the engine noise was the chain playing pinball with plastic pieces of guide.
I have audio of the noise prior to repair, if interested, and a vid of some of the damage that I might could zip up.
All is well now, or better yet, it runs better than when I bought it with 44k miles. I am guess the newer engineering VCT solenoids and cam phasers/sprockets are the reason.
Next is some mods ... once my wallet recovers and the itch to turn a wrench returns.
198K miles
Replaced Timing chain, tensioners, guides, cam sprockets, crank gear and related gaskets
To test that it was all on correct and no hitting of piston to valves, I pulled the plugs and manually rotated the engine - yay, nothing hitting internally. Also made sense while torn down (and mileage) to replace plugs.
New oil pump (while I'm there) and water pump
I was expecting plastic guide pieces in the oil pan, so I had that gasket ready ... but what I found was plastic pieces in my pick up tube screen! I was driving a time bomb, am certainly blessed to have torn it down when I did.
All ford parts except a Melling oil pump - I wanted assurance of high flow and no back plate flexing.
My timing cover was ate up where 1 entire guide was "consumed" and I had metal shavings in the oil pan ... some of the engine noise was the chain playing pinball with plastic pieces of guide.
I have audio of the noise prior to repair, if interested, and a vid of some of the damage that I might could zip up.
All is well now, or better yet, it runs better than when I bought it with 44k miles. I am guess the newer engineering VCT solenoids and cam phasers/sprockets are the reason.
Next is some mods ... once my wallet recovers and the itch to turn a wrench returns.
