What causes the plastic on the timing chain to break?
When this occurs, slack in the chain tends to jerk and the plastic timing chain guides can break. We see many Ford modular engines with broken timing chain guides. The first symptom is usually a rattle on the start up. Because the timing chains are so long, they are supported by plastic guides.
Can you replace a timing chain without timing the engine?
Articles on the internet state, not turning the camshafts or crankshaft allows replacing the chains without timing the engine. This is very dangerous at best and may cost an engine. It also fails to recognize cam timing is already off when a guide breaks.
What are the symptoms of a broken timing chain guide?
Symptoms of a broken timing chain guide can range from a rattle noise on startup (not always) to rough idle to a check engine light. This engine was fitted with the proper Motorcraft filter after the noise started. Unfortunately it was too late to prevent an expensive repair.
Why are my tensioners not tightening my timing chain?
Problems begin when improper viscosity oil and substandard oil filters are used. With a substandard oil filter the engine oil may drain back to the oil pan when the engine is turned off. A lack of oil pressure means tensioners cannot immediately tighten the timing chains on startup.
What causes broken guides on the timing chain?
The problem of broken guides on the timing-chain. When the tensioner piston extends, the chain is pulled tight. Removing this slack on one side of the chain also causes the cam sprocket (3) to rotate and change camshaft timing on that bank. Rotating one cam sprocket disturbs valve timing relative to the other side of the engine.
Articles on the internet state, not turning the camshafts or crankshaft allows replacing the chains without timing the engine. This is very dangerous at best and may cost an engine. It also fails to recognize cam timing is already off when a guide breaks.
What happens when you remove the slack on the timing chain?
Removing this slack on one side of the chain also causes the cam sprocket (3) to rotate and change camshaft timing on that bank. Rotating one cam sprocket disturbs valve timing relative to the other side of the engine. This can cause a rough idle can set diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0300 and codes for lean and rich operation.
What causes a cam sprocket to rotate on a timing chain?
The chain tensioner (2) attempts to take up the excess slack in the timing chain. When the tensioner piston extends, the chain is pulled tight. Removing this slack on one side of the chain also causes the cam sprocket (3) to rotate and change camshaft timing on that bank.