2002 2.3 timing chain questions

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Hi guys, been a long time since I was on here. Just bought an '02 2wd with 168k miles a couple weeks ago and been chasing some drivability and lack of power issues. Basically, I've checked everything, replaced a few bad parts I've found and done a bunch of maintenance. I'm down to pulling the timing cover and checking the timing chain/cam timing.

-If it is off, would it be wise while I'm there to just replace the chain, guides and tensioner with the mileage on it since I don't know what kind of maintaining the previous owners have done? The engine is quiet, but does use a little bit of oil.

-Are these chains prone to stretching?

-If I replace it, can I get away with just the chain, guides and tensioner or should I go full bore and get the sprockets?

I've already ordered the correct timing holding tools for the cams and crank and will be getting ahold of my friendly Ford dealer for a replacement crank bolt and fancy pants washers.

Thanks and its good to be back in a Ranger after my last one was smashed last November.

 

[adsm08]

That's not it. If that engine is off even a bit it will set a code.
I have never seen that chain stretch or wear either.

 

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Alrighty, let me give you a full run down and what I've checked and done to see if you can give me some ideas.

Bought it just a couple weeks ago. Old guy said he replaced the intake gaskets for a lean code and did a tune up. After I got my other drivability stuff squared away, Bad coil and upstream 02, the truck starts and runs ok. It just has a big lack in power, I know its a 4cyl but I had an '05 2.3 for 10 years so I'm aware its no rocket. It getting poor mileage, barely 20mpg and that's more highway than city. Lastly, has a shake at idle. With its age and miles, could be motor mount related and its not bad and can live with. Just thought I'd mention it.

Mechanical things
-Compression was between 190-200 on all cylinders
-Put a vacuum gauge on it, holds steady 21 in at idle.
-held RPM at 2500 for a few minutes w/ vac gauge to check for clogged exhaust, all good.
-Fuel pressure is 65psi at idle and while driving.
-Tested for blown head gasket with exhaust gas tester in coolant. All good and no other signs of head gasket problems.

-My 02 switches like it should, I replaced it (motorcraft part). Also drove it with 02 out double checking for clogged cat/exhaust.
-STFT hovers right around 0, but favors negative slightly -3.2 at most
-LTFT stays mostly at 0, also favors negative slightly but both within spec
-Cleaned MAF and swapped with known good one for good measure.
-I also replaced the plugs, wires and coil. Coil had a crack and the old man I bought it from put in super cheap plugs and wires from Autozone.

The BG guy is coming by my work this week to give me some stuff to do an induction and run through the fuel rail. I'm all but positive that won't fix it but I'll know where it stands on maintenance.

I want to pull the intake off and check the intake runner stuff on the intake and I just have a bad feeling about the work the old man did. Plus while I'm there I want to change the leaky valve cover gasket. Then, lastly, I figured I would just check the chain timing while I have the cover off already.

 

[Soledad]

Since you have an '02 2.3, have you checked to see if the IMRC rod ball is still fitted to the IMRC actuator? It's at the back of the intake between the intake and the firewall. You'll need an inspection mirror to see it well. Mine was disconnected (it won't throw a code) and when reconnected I got a bit of performance back.

My IMRC flaps are making quite the racket at idle and the IMRC ball/connection point pops off every now and then so I've got a new intake waiting to go on when I've got some free time.

 

[doitazateam20]

I think he is on to something with the IMRC theory! As TC would usually make a rattle or rubbing sound, not always, but I would suspect a rattle or some kinda racket coming from that neck of the woods!

 

[F84R]

The vacuum lines for the imrc are known to Crack and fail. Will not always set a code either

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