Timing belt

[workinmanfred]

After reading through some of these posts, I'm worried about my timing belt on my 95 Vic. It has 110000 miles on it. I'm currently not experiencing any problems but what should I look for or listen for? Or should I just change it cause it's due? I know it needs plugs and wires, should I be worried about the timing belt, or is it a chain?

[way2old]

You have 2 chains in your car. There is a plastic chain guide that can wear or break. There also are 2 chain tensioners that may not be able to keep the proper tension on the chains.



Item Part Number Description
1 6250 Camshaft
2 6303 Crankshaft
3 6K297 Timing Chain Guide (LH)
4 6306 Crankshaft Sprocket (2 Req'd)
5 N806070-S Bolt (2 Req'd Each Side)
6 6K297 Timing Chain Guide (RH)
7 N806139-S2 Bolt (1 Req'd Each Side)
8 N806164-S Washer (1 Req'd Each Side)
9 6268 Timing Chain (RH)
10 6256 Camshaft Sprocket
11 6265 Camshaft Sprocket Spacer (1 Req'd Each Side)
A — Tighten to 8-12 Nm (71-106 Lb-In)
B — Tighten to 110-130 Nm (81-95 Lb-Ft)

[workinmanfred]

So, what happens if one of the chains breaks? Will it destroy the engine? What kind of noises or problems should I be on the lookout for? Am I being too paranoid about it? (My wife says I'm always looking for something to be wrong with it) I just want it to last, and preventive maintenance on an old car is the key. (as I've been told by many)

[way2old]

If a chain breaks (highly unlikely) you will ruin the heads and pistond and possibly the crank and the block. Usally the plastic parts wear and you will hear a noise from the front of engine. I would have to say your wife may be right. Hate to say that. (hope she does not see this). We run a fleet of about 900 Crown Victoria Police Interceptors and have only had one timing concern since 1992. That was a chain guide broke (plastic). It just caused a little running problem and an ocassional rattle. Pteventative maintenance is the key. You could have it replaced if you want peace of mind, but I really doubt you will need it. Good luck.

[Blue)(Fusion]

If you did have a broken tensioner or guide, you would be able to hear it as it will probably sound like a sewing machine. It will be noticeable from the front of the engine. Another byproduct of a broken piece of the timing chain guides and tensioners may be the pieces clogging up the oil pickup screen.

way2old, I thought the 95's still had the metal tensioners and guides and they switched to nylon/plastic in 98 or 99?

[way2old]

When Ford introduced the 4.6 they used a metal guide with a plastic overlay on it. I think that was changed with the 98 body style. Not positive on that though.

[workinmanfred]

Thanks you guys. You have eased my mind about timing chains. My wife thinks I'm too paranoid about it but she would just drive a car till it died. Maybe she would get the oil changed occasionally. I don't think she understands preventive maintenance. I know she doesn't read Automotive Forums like I do. I check it almost daily, and when we start looking to trade cars I look up the prospect and read all that I can about it. I find this to be a very useful tool. Thanks again, especially to way2old. You are a wealth of knowledge, wish YOU could work on my Vic.

[way2old]

Drive it down. You are only about 5 hours away. I work for beer and bourbon

[junk yard doggie]

Here is a pic of the 95 4.6 L all apart. All metal timing parts except for those plastic guides.
http://cmasalvage.com/95ltc46l_tdc2.JPG

What am I supposed to line up here? What position are all the marks supposed to be in ?

Next question has any one ever heard of these engines jumping time? Or is one side more prone to jumping?

Still haven't fixed the 96 Vic. I Checked and replaced everything else, down to the timing now. I will probably tear it down and find nothing wrong, as usual.

Might have to bring way too old the car and some bourbon.

[way2old]

If you can't see the gold links, lay them out and make marks on each end. Use the marks you made instead of the gold links.