2001 Expedition Front Timing Chain Noise

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JimC - 30 Jul 2005 16:44 GMT

Could really use some help from the group with this one. 5.4L engine
with P&I heads, 110K miles but well maintained every 3000 with
synthetic oil. Loud rattle from the front of the engine. Two Ford
dealerships are suggesting front timing chain(s?), however both suggest
engine swap. It seems both shops have limited experience doing the
chain repair. Said this problem is pretty rare.

Has anyone else seen this problem with this engine? Any suggestions?
The repair is $1700 and the swap is $5700. No guarantee on the repair.
Its my daughter's truck and in this shape I'm afraid she owes more
than it might be worth.

Thanks in advance. - JimC

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poorsoul - 24 Aug 2005 12:47 GMT

Dear JimC
Your request has given me information thatI did not have. I don't know how
rare this problem is. I have a 1998 Expedition with the same problem.

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ross - 24 Aug 2005 22:18 GMT

>Could really use some help from the group with this one. 5.4L engine
>with P&I heads, 110K miles but well maintained every 3000 with
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
>Thanks in advance. - JimC

Said a different way:

We are a Ford dealership but we really don't have the experience to do this
repair correctly. WE prefer to SWAP parts. It's easier for us and we make
more money..

Sorry, but thats pretty lame. A timing chain is not rocket science.
Compared to an auto trans rebuild its way less complicated. And I can't
think of the last time I heard of a new timing chain failing after install.
And you have taken good care of the engine, so it makes sense to repair the
one you have - it has no other problems.

I guess if a dealer told me that, I would take the car and go find a good
shop.

Sorry for the rant, but dealerships are supposed to have some of the best
mechanics.
Save the 4,000 and take a trip to Europe.

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