new timing chain tensioner and guides as preventative measure

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fastcatexpress

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have a used used 97 5.4 engine with 85k on it trying to deside weather or not to change out timing chain and tensioners and guides? before droping it in my 97 expedition. oil look kind of dirty in it !
 

stamp11127

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Welcome to the site.

Easier to change with the engine out since the hood latch won't be digging into your belly. Valve covers would be a straight shot going on, you have to wiggle them around with the engine in place. VC gasket kept rolling in the back resulting in oil leaks. Ended up using Permatex to hold in place.
 

1955moose

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Why would you change out parts that normally last 200 thousand miles? You could pull the timing cover, inspect the chains, guides. If OK, replace timing cover seal, and gasket. I would as Stamp stated, change valve cover gaskets before installing, along with new Motorcraft sparkplugs. Much easier to do now than later. Other than that, have at it!

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Habbibie

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Why would you change out parts that normally last 200 thousand miles? You could pull the timing cover, inspect the chains, guides. If OK, replace timing cover seal, and gasket. I would as Stamp stated, change valve cover gaskets before installing, along with new Motorcraft sparkplugs. Much easier to do now than later. Other than that, have at it!

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As preventative maintenance and while the engine is out I strongly agree with him doing it now its 10x easier with the engine out

Wouldn't hurt to do the water pump too while you at it
 

1955moose

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Habbibie if its really 85k that's just changing parts to change parts. That's why I said pull the cover, check for slack. If that mileage is for real it should be a virgin in there! If not whoever sold the motor, lied his ass off to sell a motor!

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Habbibie

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Habbibie if its really 85k that's just changing parts to change parts. That's why I said pull the cover, check for slack. If that mileage is for real it should be a virgin in there! If not whoever sold the motor, lied his ass off to sell a motor!

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There's many before us that have gotten the chain rattle in as low as 40k miles, 60k, 75k...

Mine started at 110k, by 121k I was looking for a replacement motor. By changing it now hes resetting the its biological clock and what is a $100-$200 part with 2 hours of work is a multi thousand headache once it's all in and it decides to sneak up on him in a couple years from now
 

1955moose

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I didn't realize the chains wore out that quick. In that case, your right swap em now!

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HawkX66

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That engine's young at 85K. They normally go well past 200K with good oil changes.
+1 I have 211k on my 5.4L. Timing chain isn't on my list of things to worry about because I change the oil. The Mustang I bought and ended up building with my son for his first car; however, is a different story lol Like these parts? Same thing, only different... We bought it this way from a girl. Rapping like Run DMC.

33258280970_6e73196fb9_z.jpg20170324_181354 by Dave H, on Flickr

32828253963_4b535331d1_z.jpg20170324_160843 by Dave H, on Flickr

33610049646_2923cb0dd8_z.jpgMustang timing chain small by Dave H, on Flickr
 
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1955moose

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Trying to find a high performance car like a mustang or Camaro, that hasn't been beat like a field mule is tough. Factor in a lazy maintenance schedule, and you have usually a trashed motor. Luckily the 5.0 and 4.6 mustang motors are tough.

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