Failing chain tensioner

[JoesSHO]

If I have a failing cam chain tensioner, am I in danger of throwing off the cam timing enough to thrash a valve? My chain is ticking off the valve cover on the backside of the engine, but it stops as RPM's increase off of idle. I can't fix it for a coupe of months yet, ($$$) should I be worried?

Thanx

 

[masho95]

I would assume that that cams spin faster as RPM's increase, and so would the chains that connect them.. so wouldn't the noise still be present at higher RPM's? I'm not doubting your diagnosis, but more curious about how you came about it.

 

[munkee]

but it stops as RPM's increase off of idle

I have two cars that have the bad rear tc tensioner and it makes noise pretty much through all rpm ranges with some exceptions. Like masho95 said, I'm not saying your diagnosis is wrong, but double check anyway. Someone correct me if I am wrong but I believe that since the v6 is a non interference engine, you can lose a tc and not trash anything. However, you will notice when it goes. You are probably fine for a couple of months as long as that is what it is.

 

[JoesSHO]

The thoughts were that the failing tensioner (not yet failed) cannot hold prime at idle. As RPM's increase, so does the fluid input into the tensioner, thus stretching the chain out and eliminating the chain from slapping the cover.

Mechanics stethoscope indicates noise only audible from right above the cam chain bulge on the valve cover on the rear side of the engine.

Thanx,
J

 

[jelloslug]

The chains are still avalable but the timing chain tensioners are obsolete. I changed mine just before they were gone and I would say that the chain was the bigger problem, both of mine were streched around 1/2 a link. The tensioner have a spring in it and have a passageway to the oiling system. If you cannot get a new tensioner you may be able to take your apart and clean it out. I took my old rear one apart and the spring and the internal passageways were very gummed up. I was able to cleaned it out and it now feels about like the new one.

 

[yamahaSHO]

How much do the chains run?

 

[SHOPWR]

i have the same chain tensonor failure problem but where i live they still have the chain tensonors in stock. i have been told by the guys at ford to not be too concerned with itand the V6 engine is a non-interferance engine.

 

[jelloslug]

FPN list the chains at $32.21 each.

 

[JoesSHO]

So should I just replace my chains, and clean out the tensioners?

Thanx

 

[jelloslug]

It's really a hard call. The tensioners are hard to come by and there a bit pricy compared to the chains (the rear one lists for a bit over $100 and the front one is around $50). You have to remove the tensioners to get the chains off so if you can get new ones go for it, if not clean them till they move freely. To take them apart you have to push the roll pin out of the side of the tensioner, the parts should slide out after that. You can get the rear chain out without removing the cams (it's tough but it will come out) but I had to take a cam out to get the front one off. Make sure you loosen the cam bolts evenly to keep from warping anything. It took around 4 hours start to finish.

 

[DavidT]

ewwwwww!
That is ONE thing I DON'T miss about my 90!
What an annoying and heart wrenching sound! throwup

 

[fohengr]

My 95 has the exact same problem failed tensioner iI spoke with my ford parts man today he is getting me a new one he done a nationwide parts search through ford and the results came back with only 8 new ones left in the country he said it would be 89 dollars.