
The engine will be rotated until these marks are aligned There will be a mark or a dot on both the old chain and the tooth of the chain gear. The mechanic will then remove the radiator hoses, remove all drive belts, remove the heater hoses, remove the water pump and fan and finally the timing chain cover The coolant will be drained from the engine The battery cables will be disconnected and the radiator cap will be removed They will ensure that the number 1 cylinder is up by removing the spark plug and placing a screwdriver in the spark plug hole, with the piston near the top of the screwdriver The mechanic will determine the firing order of the car Replacing the timing chain is a big job which will likely require multiple parts of the engine being disassembles and rebuiltīefore the main work starts the engine will be cleaned thoroughly with de-greaser

What Is Done During Timing Chain Replacement? While timing belt replacement can be expensive, the damage caused by a faulty chain will be much more expensive to fix so it’s best to tackle the problem early.īy taking the financial hit early you can avoid major engine damage which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and if it’s a problem with the timing chain it’s best to have the replacement done fairly quickly. If you notice any unusual sounds from the engine or anything out of the ordinary then you should take your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac to your mechanic. PoorĪnd occasional misfires could be caused by a timing chain issue, as could difficulty starting your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac or the engine making a rattling sound regularly. There are usually a few signs that the timing chain on your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac should be replaced, some more subtle than others. When Should You Have Timing Chain Replaced? The use of a timing chain helps reduce the likelihood of this happening as it’s designed to last much longer than the belt, so unless you’re buying a much older 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac there should be less risk of major repairs in the future. In many cases this would result in someone else buying your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and not being aware of the timing belt problem until it was too late. Replacing a timing belt is a fairly costly repair, so many people would simply sell or trade in their car instead of having it repaired. One of the main problems with the timing belt is that they weren’t being changed as often as they should be.
Ford sport trac timing diagram how to#
As a result, car owners need to more aware of what the timing chain is, how to spot a potential problem with it and how often it should be inspected and replaced. Manufacturers were being increasingly blamed for these problems, which has led many to make the switch from belt to chain. įaulty timing belts can cause some serious damage to the engine if they’re not repaired, and in some cases it can completely disable your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. While a timing chain will usually last far longer than a timing belt, it will suffer from wear and tear and will need replaced at some point during the life cycle of your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. With the timing chain taking over as the preferred option.Ī timing chain will need replaced far less frequently than a timing belt, resulting in a lower cost to maintain your 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac for the owner. Recently this trend has actually been in the opposite direction,

Was usually more cost effective than using a timing chain, with the only cars opting for the chain being higher-end sports cars. Until recently, the vast majority of cars were built to use a timing belt instead of a timing chain. The chain keeps these valves opening and closing at specific intervals, helping the engine to function properly. The timing chain works as the connection between the camshaft and the crankshaft, and the main responsibility of the chain is to operate the inlet and exhaust valve gear during the stroke cycle of the piston. Prices will vary from state to state and from car to car, but they should give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay.

It is a tricky repair though, so unless you’re particularly skilled it’s usually best left to a mechanic.īelow are some sample costs for having the timing chain replaced at some of the leading garage chains in the country. Order the parts themselves for $ 88 and $ 245. For most cars,Ī timing chain replacement costs between $ 413 and $ 1040 Replacing the timing chain is a complicated job, and the labor costs can be quite high. It’s a more reliable solution which lasts longer, and although it can be a little more expensive upfront, it will be the cheaper and more reliable option over time. Has been preferred to a timing chain, manufacturers have made the switch to using timing chains in the past few years.
