timing tensioner

[dashhho]

05 4.0L SOHC. On cold start I get a bit of noise from the timing chain, it lasts for maybe 1-2seconds and goes away. If I prime the oil system (gas pedal to floor) before I get no noise. So I believe the tensioner is leaking pressure and is why the noise is on cold start? Anyone have thoughts?

I have Cloyes tensioners in that I installed maybe 60k kms ago.

 

[franklin2]

Here's what google AI says about it.


Ford 4.0L SOHC engine timing chain tensioners are a known weak point, with issues often appearing around
100,000 miles. While some may last longer with meticulous maintenance, many users recommend replacing the external hydraulic tensioners every 70,000 to 80,000 miles as preventative maintenance to avoid the notorious "death rattle".

 

[morsetaper2]

While I can't say for certain, I imagine the OEM Ford tensioners are probably more likely to hold up better than any after market tensioner. It seems to be a rare event anymore when an aftermarket replacement part at half the price turns out to be better than that of the OEM manufacturer. YMMV.

 

[dashhho]

Should I replace them? They seem to hold pressure once the pump is running.

Dont think I can get OEM ones. I will call the dealership. Anyone have better ones than cloyes?

 

[morsetaper2]

I recently bought OEM Motorcraft tensioners (I'm in US), so they are available. That I can tell you.

I think OEM is likely to be better than aftermarket. But that is "My Guess", based solely on my experience using OEM vs aftermarket parts over the years. I have no quantitative information to uphold that claim for tensioners.

It's strictly my belief on a critical component, that OEM is likely better and perhaps money well spent on such an engine critical component.

Myself, on a less critical component, if I could save 50% cost of OEM by going aftermarket, I would take that savings with the aftermarket part. That is just how I operate.

 

[Milkman5687]

I bought oem tensioners for my 2001 4.0 from my local dealership not long ago. Around $100 per tensioner

 

[gw33gp]

The tensioners do not hold pressure with the engine off. They have a spring in them that provides pressure during startup. Once the oil pressure of the engine builds up the hydraulic part of the tensioner takes over. If you are getting a rattle at startup, those springs may be getting weak.

Another thing that could contribute is the oil filter. Motorcraft oil filters have an anti-drain valve that keeps the oil from draining into the pan. This allows the oil pressure to build quicker. If you are using a non Motorcraft oil filter, it may contribute to the rattle.

 

[franklin2]

All this talk about oil pressure reminds me of the oil that looks like "water" they recommend for these engines. All for fuel mileage. I don't believe in it. 10w-30 or higher and oil changes every 3000 miles for me. If you check your oil, notice how dark it starts to get around 3000 miles.

 

[Roert42]

Coyle's decently good stuff. I've use their tensioners on a few trucks. The one pair is probably close to 100k miles.

regardless, it sounds like the springs inside the tensioners are failed and should be replaced.



Side note, Melling's makes various timing components for Ford. I don't know if they are the OEM for these or not, but if you want Motorcraft and cant find them, you can look at Melling's.