And let me add, by way of introduction, I don't really save any money
fixing my own car anyway. Maybe I thought I saved money at some time
and sometimes I may again someday but to fix one (1)car, one and a
half bikes (1 1/2) and one boat (1), I have an awfull lot of tools.
And that's not enough, I have a library. Both hard copy, books going
back to the era of WWI even tho I've never owned a car older than
1949. And digital resources. And the headaches trying to figure out
"Is it the engine, or is it the transmission." My brother owned a
Dodge 1978 Magnum. This may have been the last of the big blocks, not
sure, had a 400 with the Thermo-Quad. Car crapped out on him when he
was commuting too much and so he asked me for advice. Of course I was
a logical choice since I had properly diagnosed the tranny problem,
"Change the oil and filter." So I told him about the computer on top
of the aircleaner and maybe another 8 cyl one from a junk yard would
work but recommended a new one and so the dealer couldn't get one or
it was three weeks or something so what does he do....he buys a Holly
carburetor. I think I know what I'm doing one half of the time but I
can't explain this genetic thing. I told him "It's the computer." So
he buys a carburetor.

I've got a '95 Ford, Crown Vic, 4.6 w/ 4R70W. Engine, Ford dealer
short block, has about 67,000 since installed year and a half ago.
Think I need to do the timing chain or can it just be the plastic
chain guides? Adjusters? Anybody like the after market stuff from
Cloyes or Melling? Better to stick with stock?

My big question concerns directions in any manuals I've seen say to
remove the oil pan for this job. Can't I just cut the gasket and
repair with some exotic silycone?

Thanks for any helpful hints, clues, resources, price guides,
suggestions, paraphernalia.

disston