2000GTFOOL

Ok I am at a point where I can either pull the engine in the Stang and replace it with a no miles OEm engine or just tear the front end down and replace the timing chain tensioner.. I think that is what the problem is. The car has a ticking/rattle while idling and driving, it got progressivley worse over the past few months. Now the car needs this fixed and I can either repalce the tensioner or do a total engine swap..

What do you guys think??? ANyone had experince with timing chain tensioners going bad? I love my car and just need it back road worthy. BTW 86k miles on the car.

racer02GTstang

do u have the new motor already??

the tensioner is an easy fix. also look into getting new guides with a higher mileage car

oxfordgt

You probably have spun bearings.

Nitti00GT

Yeah just get new guides. The guides have plastic on them so that when the chain passes on them it doesn't make noise. When I put my motor back together the plastic fell off my passanger side guide and now I get a slight tick from the chain passing over it. I'd say just take the timing cover off and replace the guides.

ackuric

guides/tensioners wear, when mine when (driver side) the guide was worn, tensioner failed, could only hear it from outside of the car...seemd to be 1 click every 1 crank

ackuric

oh yeh and the mechanic/neighbor i took it to didnt even use a mechanics ear and diagnosed it as failed tensioner/guide within 5seconds

SmallFeesh

A spun rod bearing would last a few days... or more like hours.... at best! NOT months!

Replace the tensioner.... and the chain while your in there.... and call it a day!

gjscott

How fast is the tick, once every engine turn or more ?
Is the tick from the front top or bottom of the engine ?

If it's the top and it's a faster tick maybe it's your valve clearances.

2000GTFOOL

This was back in the winter... It does it all the time now... not just on decel.. or idle .. all the time for the most part. The car is still very strong as far as driveability..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0tBoYw_Pow

2000GTFOOL

Oh I also replaced the belt tensioner with a new one and it didn't help at all...