Long story short I took my car into the dealer for some other things and had them check out a noise coming from the timing chains while it was there. Other than the noise the motor runs smooth with good power still.The service advisor seems to think best option for me is a new long-block since i plan on keeping the car long term. I have 153k on the motor its bone stock, would you guys just get the guides and tensioners done or go with a new motor. Im kind of opposed to the price they want for a motor. rough estimate of 7k. I know its probably a mistake for taking it there but I just didn't have time to do anything else with work. Shoot me your opinions please.

Thanks

 

Why would they suggest a new motor? That is ridiculous.

Replace timing chain, guides and reset tensioners. Possibly even timing sprockets

 

I was confused as to why they recommended it as well when I was just complaining about the noise. I don't know for sure but i recall these motors being pretty darn durable other than the plastic timing guides

 

There's way too many variables to say for sure whether or not a new engine is necessary...but I'd say 150,xxx miles is way too soon for that.

 

Just an update went and looked at car today decided upon changing guides, tenisoners, chain, hla's and followers had a collapsed one. Seems nothing that requires a new motor to me.

 

WOW, 7K for a motor? The plastic guides broke on my daughters '99 GT at 169K. Then proceded to clog the oil pick up screen and seize the motor. We didn't notice any noise prior. Needless to say she bought a Ford rebuilt long block, and I installed it. About $2975. But seems to me you don't need a motor. Good Luck

 

I saw the tensioner side where there is supposed to be plastic the chains have chewed thru the actual plastic and down to the metal part. Surprisingly it has been making noise for the last 3 or so thousand miles and i noticed metal flakes last oil change that prompted me to take it in. Engine was still getting good oil pressure. They said longblock was 4400 the rest was labor if i went that route. Still a great chunk of change more than you paid.

 

Motors are $3570 at fordparts.com. Maybe thats with the core? Its about 800 bucks.Check other local dealers. Where are you located? If you do just the timing tensioners and such, make sure you pull the pan and clean out the oil pick up screen. Ours had good oil pressure right up until the motor seized, lol. Good Luck

 

As long as that engine was taking care of, a replacement engine isn't needed. These engines wear really well. I tore down my buddy's 165,xxx mile engine and it still had the cross hatches in the cylinders. here, check this out: