Just quit, no noise - timing chains?

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featherann1 - 10 Sep 2006 18:34 GMT

1999 Ford Explorer - suddenly just quit running. No noise, no nothing. A
mechanic is trying to tell me he has to completely take apart the engine and
replace 2 timing chains inside on the bottom because "maybe a plastic piece
broke off". After it's all back together again, if that didn't work then
he'll take the whole engine apart again and replace 2 bent rods.....I hate
getting treated like a stupid female. I am not a mechanic, but that doesn't
sound right to me.
I have never heard of 2 timing chains and aren't they on the side - not
underneath and inside? Also, if a "plastic divider" on the chain(s) broke
wouldn't there have been noise?

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Al Williams - 13 Sep 2006 15:37 GMT

Can you be more descriptive on what happened? Does the engine turn over but
not start?

Things to check:
1) If it's the SOHC engine, it had issues with it's intake gaskets. On
mine, the whole engine just shut down while driving and would not start up.
There was a partial extended warranty on this issue but it my case all the
gaskets needed to be replaced as the engine developed a massive vacuum leak.
2) If it doesn't turn over at all check the battery. If it sounds seized
then it may be the timing chain. Of course if your timing chain failed you
would expect a lot of noise.
3) Again, if this is the SOHC engine there were extended warranties on this
engine w.r.t. timing chain noise,
etc., depending on your mileage. Check with a Ford dealer to see if you
can get the issue addressed for free.

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Allan Williams

> 1999 Ford Explorer - suddenly just quit running. No noise, no nothing. A
> mechanic is trying to tell me he has to completely take apart the engine
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> broke
> wouldn't there have been noise?

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hellranter - 26 Sep 2006 07:37 GMT

Your vehicle, assuming it's a 4.0 SOHC, is equipped with four timing chains.
And yes, they do have problems with weak plastic tensioners...especially on
the rear chain. I highly recommend the dealer for this repair, if it's not
already done...these systems are VERY complicated and I wouldn't trust my own
shop to perform the job.

J

>1999 Ford Explorer - suddenly just quit running. No noise, no nothing. A
>mechanic is trying to tell me he has to completely take apart the engine and
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>underneath and inside? Also, if a "plastic divider" on the chain(s) broke
>wouldn't there have been noise?

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