Question about timing chains for 97 E150

[AustinEconoline]

Hey, new user here...I just had a quick question about preventive maintenance for my 97 E150. I'm the second owner, it's got about 182K and I'm starting to get paranoid about the timing chain. There's no problem with the engine (yet...knock on wood), it still runs like a champ, but I'm worried the chain might break. Is this something I should replace or, because it's a chain and not a belt, will it last with proper care? Any info about this would be a HUGE help...thanks guys!

[ModMech]

What engine are we talking about?

[AustinEconoline]

Hey...that is kind of important. It's a Triton V8. Hope this helps...again, any info is HUGELY appreciated. Thanks!

[ModMech]

Oh, 4.6/5.4 Modular engines?

Don't worry about it.

Same engines are used in Taxis, Police Cars, and Limos. They have not found out when they break, they don't.

I have personally ridden in a number of Taxis, and a Limo or two that had well over 300,000 miles on the original engines w/o any real problems.

The 4.6L Triton/Intech/Modular engine is the lowest warrenty cost engine made. That means that Ford spends the least $$ per engine on it compared to EVERY other engine in autombiles and light trucks.

Now, some '99-'01 4.6Ls did have chain GUIDE problems where the coating on the slide/guide wore off prematurely (they normally never wear at all) and cause "clacking" noises. If you hear what sounds like a sewing machine, then it is time to have it looked at.

[AustinEconoline]

Originally Posted by ModMech

Now, some '99-'01 4.6Ls did have chain GUIDE problems where the coating on the slide/guide wore off prematurely (they normally never wear at all) and cause "clacking" noises. If you hear what sounds like a sewing machine, then it is time to have it looked at.

Awesome...totally helpful info. Thanks!! As far as the "clacking" noises go, would it be a continuous noise while the van is in motion or just at start up? I sometimes have a noise at startup or while excelerating, but it's not always there. It sounds to me like a fan hitting something, but like I said it's not always there. Any ideas?

[ModMech]

The sound will be like a "sewing machine" while at idle, cold, warm, hot makes no difference, and it will be the same wether the enigne has run 10 seconds or 5 hours.

[gbic1]

For what it is worth make sure you dont run it low on oil. I service the squads for our local police department and they ran 2 2002 4.6 crowns low on oil and wiped out both set of timing chain lash adjusters and the guide plates. Chain slapping around also damaged the crank sensor exciter gear. Parts to fix these are not cheap. My labor rate is only 55 per hour and the bills on these were just under 1000 each.