I think it's time for "The Timing Chain Replacement"

[Architect]

Current Status of 2004 Marauder: 140,000 miles, new transmission, Bought with 5,000 miles. Daily Driver, runs like new.
I'm just trying to avoid having the timing chain suddenly give up. I have always provided preventative maintenance.
I would not be doing the work myself.
Questions: How long do the Chains normally last?
I have access to good mechanics.
Should I consider taking it to my local dealer/mechanic (Memphis, TN)?

All advice and information would be greatly appreciated.

"Lots for new info for the Forum, Hope I haven't screwed it up.

Thanks for all the help and time in the past.

All the Best: Architect

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

My black has 274000 with original timing equipment, but the oil pump blew up. I’m currently driving my silver. I just hit 240,000 also with original equipment. This car has very noisy startup. I now check my oil pressure every time I start up. I have a replacement engine for the black.
It has 186000 miles on it. I’ll will be changing the guides for sure and put in a new oil pump. I’ll inspect the chains to see if I need to replaced also. I also will replace the oil filter gasket for security before I reinstall it.


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[sounnder]

As far as I am aware, timing chain failure isnt an instant thing. When they start going you will start hearing a rattle that will steadily increase. If you have good mechanical skills it is possible to replace the chains yourself. My engine sounded like there was a chainsaw under the hood when I bought it. I was able to replace mine. Having a shop replace them is a pretty costly repair.

Either way good luck!

[Meta9]

Its not the chains that are a problem usually its the guides and tensioners that go out, at worst if not repaired the chain will eat through the guides. You'd have an awful racket all the time if it were that bad.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Also replace the oil pump. Melling or Ford Performance brand are good.


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[FordNut]

Thinking about changing the chains, guides, tensioners on my '03 with 370k miles. I believe it can be done in the car, without removing the coolant crossover tube. I tried to pull the COT awhile back, it won't budge and I don't want to risk ruining it.

[sounnder]

I did my tensioners without removing the coolant crossover. I didnt want to risk damaging it by removing it.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Make sure to replace your oil pump also.
Mine broke at 284000 miles. I need to replace the engine now. I have one in a totaled marauder in my back yard.
Anybody who can remove the engine, please let me know


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[burt ragio]

My 04 with 186,000 is starting to make noise. At 1st I thought it was a water pump going bad but it is the timing chain. I will get the metal chain tensioners. Are there prefered trimming chain guides MMR, OEM ? Is there a tool that I can use to keep the cam gears from moving while doing the change over ?

[FordNut]

My 04 with 186,000 is starting to make noise. At 1st I thought it was a water pump going bad but it is the timing chain. I will get the metal chain tensioners. Are there prefered trimming chain guides MMR, OEM ? Is there a tool that I can use to keep the cam gears from moving while doing the change over ?

There is a tool to hold them, but if you just remove the followers the cams will stay put.

[FordNut]

I did my tensioners without removing the coolant crossover. I didnt want to risk damaging it by removing it.

Thanks for the info.

[a_d_a_m]

As said above, it's not usually the chains but rather the tensioners and guides. I had my motor apart at around 105k and the guides were worn beyond what I was comfortable with so I replaced them. I kept the factory chains, though.

[BackNBlack]

Mine threw a "Cam Timing" + a "Fuel Sensor" Codes today when starting up after a half hour drive and shutting down...upon restart. I drove to the nearest Auto Zone to get them to read the Code(s) and clear them. CHECK ENGINE light returned upon restart after the half hour drive home. I'm hoping it is an easy fix. Engine has less than 50K on it with Only 40K of those with the supercharger...we'll see this week...