Timing chain replacement, I trust you guys

pwcracer · May 3, 2011

I am out of my element posting this on the 4.6 forum, but my 2002 explorer needs new timing chain/tensioners, etc. I have been doing some research on this procedure, but have not found a decent definitive write up on the procedure. Could someone point me in the right direction?

I have also found misleading information, some say i need special tools, others don't

Thanks

N8Dogg98 · May 3, 2011

This is a cam install article but it's really very similar to the process for changing the chains, guides, tensioners, etc... you just won't have to remove the cam. Put the engine in safe mode (as shown in the article), remove the cam covers, unbolt all of the front accessories, the crank pulley, front cover, and then proceed to replace the components. If you have the engine in safe mode when you re-install the timing chains just have a helper turn the cam slightly to line up the timing marks.

ModularHeadShop article on cam installation

Timing the 4.6L SOHC Engine

I just installed my own cams and all new timing components. It really wasn't that difficult. Are you planning on replacing the cam gears?

pwcracer · May 3, 2011

Thanks! you 4.6 guys aren't half bad

Mr. Rustypwnz · May 3, 2011

its very easy man, if you do it once your an expert pretty much lol

pwcracer · May 3, 2011

I ordered the entire timing chain kit, so I was going to try and replace everything in the kit.

pwcracer · May 4, 2011

What did you guys do with the power steering pump? It looks like it has to come off as well?

tank_567 · May 4, 2011

pwcracer said:
What did you guys do with the power steering pump? It looks like it has to come off as well?

your going to need to remove it as well, and to do so you need a 10mm rachet wranch. Once that bolt is out, it will come with the power steering pump. Just did this to my car a month ago.

Also check the links below, this should help you Gotta love youtube

YouTube - In car service of Timing Chain on the Ford 4.6L Modular V8 - Part 1 of 2

YouTube - In car service of Timing Chain on the Ford 4.6L Modular V8 - Part 2 of 2

N8Dogg98 · May 4, 2011

pwcracer said:
What did you guys do with the power steering pump? It looks like it has to come off as well?

There's 3 bolts that are very easy to get to... I just unbolted it and let it hang there while I removed the front cover. You certainly don't have to remove the fluid lines. Once you're under there it's pretty easy to get to. I also didn't have to remove the pulley to get to all of the bolts. Not sure what you'd find on the explorer though, you may need to remove the pulley.

DropTopPony · May 4, 2011

Did you order everything from Ford? A few minor things are different on the Explorer because of the Aluminum block vs the 2V Mustang.

nyuk98gt · May 5, 2011

pwcracer:

The 4th p/s bolt is a pain but, once you break the initial grip, lift the pump so there is no weight on the bolt and you can unscrew the bolt with your fingers. This is 101% true! (All the other bolts unscrew using fingers only so why shouldn't this one?) Or, you can let the pump weight be carried on the bolt and then you will have to use the ratchet wrench until the bolt is all the way out.

HTH,

Chris

pwcracer · May 9, 2011

Got the pump off, and that last bolt was a pain

I am now wrestling with the harmonic balancer.. I don't think my cheap HF puller is up to the task..That or it is not pulling it perfectly centered. I may end up renting a puller from AZ hoping it is better quality. To keep the thing from spinning, I stuck 2 bolts in the outer ring and held it with a pry bar. It seemed to work ok.

I bought the timing kit from the autoparts store in town.. I hope it's compatible.

p.s. (It doesn't look like the a/c compressor needs to come off.. that's my story any ways..)

pwcracer · May 9, 2011

I finally got the pulley off..

N8Dogg98 · May 9, 2011

whenever I remove teh pulley I leave the crank bolt partway in and use it as my leverage point for my puller

pwcracer · Jul 12, 2011

I got the cover off, and the tensioner on the left side that is all plastic is gone. I found pieces all over inside the cover. I Didn't realize there would be carnage like that.

DropTopPony · Jul 12, 2011

Wow never heard that before, mine were really good shape after 10+ years so I left them in when I swapped cams a few years back. I did buy all new parts for my next rebuild since the car is getting old. Are the replacement guides you bought plastic also?

pwcracer · Jul 12, 2011

Ine of the tensioners is plastic and the other is metal with plastic on it. The chain also wore on the cover.
I'll post a pic when I get home.

I assume I should order new valve cover gaskets and the front cover gaskets?

DropTopPony · Jul 12, 2011

Yes you want to replace everything while you are in there. I'm swapping out all the sensors etc this time around too just because I don't plan on cracking it open again for several years.

N8Dogg98 · Jul 13, 2011

Do you know if those pieces of plastic ended up in the oil pan? If so it might be a good idea to pull the pan to clean all that chit out of there... otherwise you run the risk of the wrecking the oil pump

pwcracer · Jul 13, 2011

I think some of them did make it to the pan.. (that is going to be awful to pull in this truck)

Here are some pics, I am also thinking I have the wrong timing chain kit, as the new tensioners look nothing like the one on the truck...

N8Dogg98 · Jul 13, 2011

Those are the Trick Flow guides and should work just fine (I just installed the same set in May on my car). IIRC they come with both the 2V and the 4V guides (should be 6 guides total) and you end up using only 4.

Can you post pics of the timing guide that was broken?

Timing chain replacement, I trust you guys

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