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Old 02-28-2018, 11:47 AM
jib32 jib32 is offline
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Default Need to replace timing chain cover gasket, can I do the timing chain while I'm at it?

I've got a leak in my timing chain cover gasket. I've got the Felpro gasket kit with the water pump gasket and the timing chain cover gasket, but as long as I'm going to get into this I'd like to take care of any maintenance I can and avoid having to get back into the engine for a long while.

I'd like to replace the timing chain and the timing chain tensioner. I don't know how much extra work that'll be though. From what I can find, it may be possible to do it all just by pulling the timing chain cover, but the only videos I can find are people with the engine completely pulled, which I don't have the equipment or the time to do. I've checked my Haynes manual and it wasn't very descriptive about what needed to be taken apart to take the timing chain out.

Is this something I can do with the engine still in the truck?

Secondary question, is there a good guide online about how to do this repair? I don't think I'll have a problem removing the serpentine belt, but I'm not sure about pulling the harmonic balancer. Any help is appreciated.

2002 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L 2WD
135,000 miles
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Old 02-28-2018, 07:24 PM
Deadline Deadline is offline
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Default Re: Need to replace timing chain cover gasket, can I do the timing chain while I'm at

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-Ford-R...wAAOSwhlZYtfU5


Best $100 I have ever spent...
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Old 03-04-2018, 03:48 PM
jib32 jib32 is offline
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Default Re: Need to replace timing chain cover gasket, can I do the timing chain while I'm at

Seems like a pretty expensive way to answer a quick question. I'd be more inclined to buy the official manual if I needed to do deep engine work, but I was hoping someone with experience doing this repair might be able to tell me about it since it seems to be a pretty common problem.
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Old 03-04-2018, 09:32 PM
mulisha85 mulisha85 is offline
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Default Re: Need to replace timing chain cover gasket, can I do the timing chain while I'm at

I just recently pulled my engine out due to broken timing chain cassettes and i have 2in the front and 1 in the rear by passenger side fire wall. And in order to replace the back one you have to pull engine out!. I could not believe it!! And make sure when changing or messing with your timing chain components your timing stays in correct time
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What's up everyone! Im new to this site but I would like some feedback on my truck. I have a 03 4.0l v6 4wd ranger edge and am looking to level the front out and was just going to go for the torsion key lift but was told they are bad on the ride and suspension. So they say spindle lift is the way to go but I can't seem to find spindle lift for the 4wd any help would apreciate it on what's the best way to go.
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Old 03-05-2018, 11:53 AM
jib32 jib32 is offline
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Default Re: Need to replace timing chain cover gasket, can I do the timing chain while I'm at

Quote:
Originally Posted by mulisha85 View Post
I just recently pulled my engine out due to broken timing chain cassettes and i have 2in the front and 1 in the rear by passenger side fire wall. And in order to replace the back one you have to pull engine out!. I could not believe it!! And make sure when changing or messing with your timing chain components your timing stays in correct time
Are there timing marks on the sprockets, or will the engine's internal friction keep them in place? I'll probably just replace the front timing chain and cassette.
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Old 03-15-2018, 09:02 PM
mulisha85 mulisha85 is offline
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Default Re: Need to replace timing chain cover gasket, can I do the timing chain while I'm at

Well I would suggest if you only do the front ones just make sure cylinder number 1 is up. And make sure the crank shaft is at 12 o'clock or top dead center (tdc) is looks like a key way. And to find out if your #1 cylinder is up you can stick a screwdriver in the spark plug hole and fill it. Believe me it seems complicated as heck I had to pull the entire engine out.

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And about your harmonic balancer I went and rented the tool from AutoZone for $20 and then went to Lowe's and bought 2 much longer bolts because the ones that come with the kit are way to short. Just make sure you take the bolts that best fit the harmonic balancer from the kit and get much longer ones at Lowe's or any headwear store just make sure you check the thread.
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What's up everyone! Im new to this site but I would like some feedback on my truck. I have a 03 4.0l v6 4wd ranger edge and am looking to level the front out and was just going to go for the torsion key lift but was told they are bad on the ride and suspension. So they say spindle lift is the way to go but I can't seem to find spindle lift for the 4wd any help would apreciate it on what's the best way to go.
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Old 03-25-2018, 11:17 PM
jib32 jib32 is offline
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Default Re: Need to replace timing chain cover gasket, can I do the timing chain while I'm at

I've decided against doing the timing chain for now.
I got the job done, put everything back together... and halfway through a 100 mile drive it sprung a leak. I finished the drive, but by the time I made it home there was nothing left in the reservoir. I started getting back into the engine to see what the problem was, since I was only able to confirm that there was a coolant leak the next day. As it turns out, now that I have the fan, shroud, and water pump pulley off to get a better look, when I pressure test the system, coolant leaks out very quickly from the top of the water pump where it meets the timing chain cover, and coolant seeps out all around the timing chain cover. Something went horribly wrong with these gaskets, and now I've got to do the job all over again.
I used the Fel-Pro gasket kit. The gasket seemed oversized for the engine; there was a considerable amount of material left sticking out of the mating surfaces of the timing chain cover and engine block. I used the RTV that came with the kit and spread a thin layer over the gasket, just getting a thin film (think damp paper) over the gasket. I matched up two of the holes to studs sticking out of the engine block and tried my best to match up the rest of the holes with bolts. Same for the water pump.
What can I do the second time around to avoid being in the deep, dark place of having to pull the harmonic balancer ever again? I tried to be very thorough when cleaning the mating surfaces, but maybe I just didn't get it well enough...
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