Addicted
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- August 18, 2017
- Messages
- 54
- Reaction score
- 20
- City, State
- Northern California
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 99 Mountainr SOHC 4.0 AWD
Hello, I'm next in line for that dreaded timing chain replacement. I spent a great deal of time watching videos and reviewing some helpful posts including the helpful engine removal guide posted by 2000StreetRod some years back.
I would like to slowly start ordering the parts necessary to get this engine back on the road. I saw a few kits being offered online and wanted to steer clear from any cheap parts. I want this to be a one time job.
I found this Melling Timing Chain and component kit on RockAuto
MELLING 3398S Timing Chain Kit
I'm not sure if this is a good option? From what I have been reading, it seems like it's been highly suggested that using original Motorcraft parts would be best.
Is Motorcraft still making all these parts?
Does anybody happen to have Motorcraft part numbers and or links to where I can find the parts required to replace all timing components?
I'm looking to replace both front and rear timing chain cassettes, tensioners, guides sprockets, chains, jackshaft bolts, etc.
I'm almost tempted to replace the rings and bearings while I'm in there.
The vehicle specs are noted below;
1999 Mercury Mountaineer (xerox copy of the Ford Explorer)
V6 4.0L SOHC AWD 4X4
176063 Miles
I presume I have the balancer since this is a 4x4. Is this correct?
I included some photos showing both sides of the engine with the valve covers off. The front chain is still tight despite the broken piece on top. That broken piece must have fallen inside the engine.
The rear chain cassette was totally broken apart. The third photo shows the amount of slack I had on that rear chain. That rear upper cassette bolt is also a bit dinged up from the belt slapping on it. Again, the broken pieces are inside the engine.
Any help, recommendations, suggestions would greatly be appreciated. This will be the first time I attempt to do anything like this in this car. I have rebuilt a few Chevy small block single cam V8 engines back in the days but the timing replacement procedures were nothing like this. This is seriously ridiculous.
I would like to slowly start ordering the parts necessary to get this engine back on the road. I saw a few kits being offered online and wanted to steer clear from any cheap parts. I want this to be a one time job.
I found this Melling Timing Chain and component kit on RockAuto
MELLING 3398S Timing Chain Kit
I'm not sure if this is a good option? From what I have been reading, it seems like it's been highly suggested that using original Motorcraft parts would be best.
Is Motorcraft still making all these parts?
Does anybody happen to have Motorcraft part numbers and or links to where I can find the parts required to replace all timing components?
I'm looking to replace both front and rear timing chain cassettes, tensioners, guides sprockets, chains, jackshaft bolts, etc.
I'm almost tempted to replace the rings and bearings while I'm in there.
The vehicle specs are noted below;
1999 Mercury Mountaineer (xerox copy of the Ford Explorer)
V6 4.0L SOHC AWD 4X4
176063 Miles
I presume I have the balancer since this is a 4x4. Is this correct?
I included some photos showing both sides of the engine with the valve covers off. The front chain is still tight despite the broken piece on top. That broken piece must have fallen inside the engine.
The rear chain cassette was totally broken apart. The third photo shows the amount of slack I had on that rear chain. That rear upper cassette bolt is also a bit dinged up from the belt slapping on it. Again, the broken pieces are inside the engine.
Any help, recommendations, suggestions would greatly be appreciated. This will be the first time I attempt to do anything like this in this car. I have rebuilt a few Chevy small block single cam V8 engines back in the days but the timing replacement procedures were nothing like this. This is seriously ridiculous.