timing chain guides

[swynx]

on a sohc 4.0, any one just replace the guides and/or tensioner? assuming the chain and sprockets are fine. would i still have to buy the expensive tool kit? this engine has relatively low miles, but i have not looked at the chains.

only reason i ask is i put very little miles on this rig, seeing as i only use it offroad, and i dont wanna spend 200+$ on a kit that ill probably only use once, and the clutch will probably go before i have to service the timing cassettes/chain again.

 

[gw33gp]

I have replaced just the timing chain tensioners because it can be done from the exterior of the engine. I did it as a preventative maintenance measure. The old ones were not bad but I found OEM replacements at a reasonable price and decided to do it.

I know with the guides you pretty much need to pull the engine although I have heard of ways to get around that. I don't know if you can replace them without removing the chains. If you can replace them without removing the chains and you are careful not to let the chains skip a tooth, you should be able to do it without the timing kit. I would just be concerned that after having gone that far and not changing the chains, they might fail and you would have to do it all over again.

Chains do last a very long time but they can fail too. They also stretch due to wear with age. This can change the cam timing and effect performance of the engine. If the engine has low mileage as you indicate, chains may not need o be replaced. Mine have 185K miles on them and all is good so far.

 

[swynx]

The engine is already out so that won't be a problem. Still trying to decide if I want to do a whole new timing system. Buy at that point I might as well do some power mods