Timing chain tensioner

[Darenp]

I have acquired a 2001 that has 123k miles on it. It has never had the timing chain tensioners replaced, and it doesn’t rattle on start up or while driving around. I was thinking about replacing them because I have read that they should be replaced every 70k. A buddy of mine said if they are that old then to just leave them because the old tensioners might be holding the old guides together and once I take the tensioners out the guides might fall apart. Does anybody know if there is any truth to that? If I change the tensioners and the guides fall apart would it still be okay to start it up to drive into the garage to pull the engine? Or would it be dead and have to repaired in the same spot.

 

[G8orFord]

My '01 had 258k on it when I pulled it down. The guides were completely toast. They were worn and broken in several places. It's actually pretty amazing the timing had not jumped. I don't think I'd bother just replacing the tensioners, especially if it's not rattling at all now. What your friend said is possible. Probably not a given, but possible.

If you do it, just do it in the spot you'd pull the engine in to start with or plan on being able to push or pull it into that spot. I wouldn't try to start it if I thought the tensioners had fell out of place.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I know on my 06... the lower oil pan is easily removed. Not sure about the earlier ones. But if the guides are failing... you will see the evidence in the oil pan.

 

[G8orFord]

There wasn't much in my pan, but there was enough to know something wasn't right had I dropped the lower pan before pulling the engine.

 

[Darenp]

Okay thanks guys I think maybe I’ll take pan off first then decide. I have to do brake work so I’ll take the pan off then and see if anything is in there or not then go from there