So I took a chance when i bought my truck w/ 117,000 miles on it, and now i have the timing chain rattle. has anybody fixed this on their own without taking the engine out? can i just replace the tensioners and be good?
i have a 2001 4.0 SOHC

- jake

 

you have TWO timing chains. one in the front, and one in the back. I think it can be done with taking off the front clip(rad support, rad, header panel, ac condensor, grille, bumpers, possibly fenders) and dropping the trans. But I have no hands on experience with the subject.

Mine rattled at about 45k and stopped at 50k. i'm now at 85k

 

I had mine "fixed" under warranty, it never stopped making the noise. That was 50,000 miles ago, and I've not had a problem.

 

Yeah, the "easiest' way to do both on there is to either pull the engine out yourself, or pay someone else to do it... Can be a major pain.. =)

 

Yeah this is not an easy job. Better bribe some buddies and rent a cherry picker.

 

i think i am just gonna replace only the tensioner and guide. that way i dont have to pull the engine out, or worry about timing. then i am going to drop the oil pan to get any loose particles floating around in there.

 

I believe there are 3 timing chains on the SOHC motors. One from the crank to the jackshaft, another from the jackshaft to the driver's side cam and the last is on the back from the jackshaft to the passanger side cam.

From what I have read the front tensioner is the one that usually goes bad and you can get to it without pulling the motor.

 

Have fun dropping that oil pan...

 

Never heard of this timing chain rattle... hmmm

Brenton

 

yes you have to pull the engine and replacing the tensioners aren't going to be good for you in the long run bc its the chain that is malfunctioning too. if that timing chain breaks then you might as well start looking for another engine bc its an interference engine and will do internal damage if it breaks and will be cheaper to just replace the engine