2.9L Timing Chain Rattle?

[Jspafford]

Is there nornally an issue with the 2.9L and a timing chain tensioner?

I ask this because I had a 2001 Ranger with a 4.0SOHC that had the tensioner issue and know the sound it makes. Sounds like someone rattling marbles in a coffee can ONLY at certain RPM's.

Well... Now I hear this same sound in my 2.9L when I am revving up to shift. I hear it at about the 2600rpm mark.. which is where it usually runs when driving 65 in OD.

This is my DD, so I cannot afford to have it crap out, but I cannot afford to repair something that is not broken or be without it for more than a weekend.

Ahhh!

2.9L
167,6XX Miles

 

[IMenriched]

things to concider;

the thrust bearing on the crankshaft possibly worn too much, making the timing chain "walk" too much adding side play/pressure to the tensioner. which in turn also adds wear to the timing chain.

also the cam shaft end plate maybe having too much wear as well allowing the similar back and forth walking.

maybe you have a valve spring broken IDK....but easier checked

can't say that this is your situation....nor if this is really the problem...just something that could be. Sorry that doesn't really pin point things for you.

 

[Jspafford]

I am between a rock and a hard place. I don't have the money to take it to the shop. I don't have the time to do it myself. I need it everyday to drive to work.

It sure sounds like a timing chain to me, but I am no expert. I wonder if there is anyway to tell without tearing the front cover off?

 

[IMenriched]

HMMMmm

this will need a buddy.
well....how about pulling all the spark plugs...for easier turning by hand.
then remove the distributor cap...so one can watch the rotor.
have your buddy turn the engine over by hand (socket & breaker bar on the harmonic balancer center bolt/ crank shaft). or rather work it back and forth.

and watch how reactive the rotor is to the movement of the socket on the crank shaft.

yes there is gear lash from the distributor to the cam.... but you should be able to get
a general idea as to the slop in the chain. maybe even hear it on the tensioner?

the other thing to consider is to get a another engine ready (on stand by)...so if the one that is in there actually grenades....it might be faster to swap it out rather than to diagnose, remove, and replace.

timing gear and chain should be able to get done in a day on the weekend....if you're relatively certain it is that

just tossing out thoughts...things maybe you're already aware of

 

[Jspafford]

Shit... I guess I am going to just have to tear into it. Maybe a 'take a day off project'. Assuming I have all the parts on hand.

I'm fairly certain that is the problem. By the time I pull the dist and plugs I could have the front cover off.

Minds well replace the chain and tensioners.. If I am in there, it can't hurt.

I am planning on purchasing a Super Duty this upcoming summer, so if I can limp this motor for another few months I will have time to really work on it. Until then I think I am going to have to replace the bad parts.

Although, I am still getting over 20MPG as it sits..

EDIT:

So it says in the shop manual I need to set TDC first. Why? I am not going to be turning the motor for the few minutes the timing chain will be off and I thought both timing gears had a keyway so they can only be installed one way?

Is this step necessary.

 

[Big Jim M]

Yes it is highly needed to set the new chain properly. If only one cog off it won't run at all.
Big JIm

 

[IMenriched]

can't vouch for every set...but when I OH my engine ...the timing gear and chain set came with a new tensioner.

agreed it may not seem necessary to put on TDC #1 before removal....but it sure won't hurt and it'll give a point of reference when going back together. the new T/G and C should have timing marks on them that need to line up when at #1 TDC.

Way to easy to have a valve spring push the cam a bit after the chain is off and wha-la you might be off just a bit...going back in to double check a second time, really is a hemorrhoid.

 

[Jspafford]

Ok.... so what's the easiest way to set it? By myself?

 

[Jspafford]

Odd.... The rattle goes away when it rains... I swear.

I think it's something else. Going to return the $90 gearset and gaskets and spend that money on brakes. If it lets loose on me, then I'll fix it.

 

[IMenriched]

Odd.... The rattle goes away when it rains... I swear.

I think it's something else. Going to return the $90 gearset and gaskets and spend that money on brakes. If it lets loose on me, then I'll fix it.

what??