That job on a 1998 F-150 in Flagstaff changed how I do timing chains forever

Back in 2018 I was working on a buddy's 4.6L in his driveway outside Flagstaff. The chain guides were completely shattered and I didn't have the special cam holding tool. Ended up using a pair of cheap vise grips and some zip ties to keep everything aligned while I got the new chain on. Man that was a sketchy three hours. Has anyone else had to MacGyver a timing job without the right tools?

2 comments

2 Comments

fiona_sullivan291d ago

Geez, that's a classic situation right there... I've been there more times than I care to count. On those old 4.6 and 5.4 motors, the timing chain guides are the weak link for sure. My go-to trick when I'm stuck without the cam holder is to use a long breaker bar wedged against the frame to keep the crank from spinning, then zip tie the chains to the gears before I pull the old guides out. The key is to make sure your timing marks are still lined up perfect before you start, even with the zip ties holding things. I've had to do it on a 2000 Expedition in a snowstorm once, used bungee cords and a ratchet strap to keep tension on the chains while I worked. It's not the cleanest way but it works if you're careful and double check everything before you bolt it back together.

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rowan_butler931d ago

Man I gotta disagree with you on the zip tie trick on the 4.6 and 5.4s. I tried that once on a 2002 F150 and the zip ties slipped on me when I was getting the new guide in. Ended up having to pull the whole front cover off again to re-time it. I'd rather just rent the cam holding tool from AutoZone for free and do it right the first time. Especially on those motors where the chain tensioners are known to lose pressure if you mess with them too much. A breaker bar wedged against the frame can also slip if the frame is wet or greasy, ask me how I know lol.