While it's "On the Rack" what else would you recommend?

[soldatlamour]

2000
XLT
4.6L
2WD
200,800 Miles

I've had this "tick, tick, tick...." for many months. I took this into the mechanic that works on my F-150. I trust him.

I asked him to listen to the engine and tell me what he thinks. He suspects the Timing Chain Tensioner is shot and that the timing chain is loose (maybe my words, not his). It's hunting season and I'm going to be driving many miles into West Texas, and I don't want this to go sideways on me when I'm in the middle of nowhere.

I found a Youtube video of what is involved in replacing this - oy vey ! In car service of Timing Chain on the Ford 4.6L Modular V8 - Part 1 of 2 - YouTube

Let's assume that the mechanic is correct, and he'll have to strip down the engine as shown in that video. While the car is "on the rack" what other changes would you recommend while the engine's "chest is cracked wide open?" My mechanic would be lenient on the labor charges if the additional "fixes" are just within reach, so to speak.

This has the original water pump, so I'm thinking that's a no brainer.

Anything else?

Also - any advice on changes to make to improve gas mileage?

Thank you for your help.

 

[tonydiv]

If he is going to remove the radiator to get some extra room, it would be a good time to send out the radiator for a recon.