OEM used timing chain vs aftermarket

[cp2295]

In the middle of rebuilding a 4.0 OHV and was curious whether a new aftermarket cloyes timing set with tensioner/guides would be better than just reusing the good stock Ford parts. The sprockets don't have any wear to speak of, and the tensioner worked great (it was quite difficult to compress it and overcome the oil pressure). Should I just use the Ford parts? They have 250k on them. I have found that when it comes to internal components you really just need to go OEM, nothing else works quite right but maybe an easy part to make like a timing chain would be fine to go aftermarket. This motor must have been maintained really well because the crank looks immaculate and the cylinder walls have no ridge and have cross-hatching still. Crank bearings are definitely wore out but probably could have kept going a while. I'm going OEM ford oil pump, and rod bearings because surprisingly they are cheaper than aftermarket.

While we are on the subject of OEM vs aftermarket has anyone had success with cam synchronizers besides Motorcraft?

 

[19Walt93]

I'd have a real hard time reusing a 250k timing chain, just don't buy a cheap one. Even if the crosshatch looks good it's worth a quick hone so the new(I hope) rings will seat. Ford always used to sell rod bearing inserts separately, not in sets, is the price lower because it's only for a single insert? I only use Clevite bearings because of past experience with them. Not TRW.

 

[Uncle Gump]

yeah… I couldn't bring myself to install that used timing chain and gears. I swore by Cloyes for many years. I haven't bought any in a few years though... but I would trust them more then some of them available today.

 

[cp2295]

So maybe a cloyes chain and sprockets and reuse the oem tensioner or just new cloyes everything? And yes bare minimum I was going to hone and slap new rings in. Probably will just get new standard pistons and hone it.

The rod bearings are $50 for all 6 pairs ford oem. $45 for sealed power on rockauto, clevite isn't even available in standard on rockauto right now.

 

[Dirtman]

Hmmm reusing timing parts with a quarter of a million miles on them with an engine known for timing part failures...

What could go wrong?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Hmmm reusing timing parts with a quarter of a million miles on them with an engine known for timing part failures...

What could go wrong?

This isn't the SOHC engine...

cp2295... I would just buy the everything Cloyes… do it all while you are in there. The price of parts are way cheaper then having to do it over again.

 

[cp2295]

This isn't the SOHC engine...

cp2295... I would just buy the everything Cloyes… do it all while you are in there. The price of parts are way cheaper then having to do it over again.

Okay I guess my real question was is Cloyes trustworthy and reliable. A new OEM chain is $30 but a tensioner is $300. Cloyes whole kit with everything is like $60 just wanted to make sure I'm not gonna "get what I paid for" sort of deal.

 

[G8orFord]

If it's any help, I used a Cloyes kit when I redid my 4.0 SOHC. Everything seemed to be of good quality. I would have used FoMoCo or Motocradt parts but they didn't sell a "kit" and to piece it together would have been ridiculously expensive. The complete Cloyes kit for the SOHC was around $300 IIRC.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Like I said... I used them for years. In my VW shop... Cloyes was the only cam gear I would stock (there were a bunch of junk ones). I've never had issue with anything from them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have a Cloyes double roller in my 302 with no complaints.

 

[Craig0320]

Why skimp on the new parts if you are rebuilding. Install everything new and get it over with.

 

[racsan]

theres a time and place for cheap parts or reusing originals, a timing set isnt one of those places. Its not like a aftermarket valve cover that you can get to and R&R in under 45 min.

 

[Dirtman]

I think his original point was not whether it's worth it to replace but whether new aftermarket parts are better than used oem. Which in many instances they are not. There are lots of things I'd rather buy from the junkyard if I cant get a new motorcraft part. However timing chains don't fall into that category.

 

[cp2295]

I think his original point was not whether it's worth it to replace but whether new aftermarket parts are better than used oem. Which in many instances they are not. There are lots of things I'd rather buy from the junkyard if I cant get a new motorcraft part. However timing chains don't fall into that category.

That is exactly my point. Thanks for the simple answer.

Another thing I'm curious on is if there is an aftermarket camshaft synchronizer that is worth installing or if motorcraft is the only way to go. Around $200 with shipping and tax from rockauto. If I can get away with a reputable aftermarket part like SMP that would be cool but it does drive the oil pump so I get it's a damn important part. The old one was definitely wore out so I need to replace it for sure. Anybody have any input as far as that goes?

 

[Dirtman]

Motorcraft... if motorcraft is too expensive then buy motorcraft.