Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting thinking the timing chain

ok, i start the car and out of no-where a scraping noise begins. it comes from the rear valve cover where a chain is located. Ford say's $2000 at least. i want to try to maybe do it myself if it's going to cost that much! but i don't know if i can get a cherry picker.... what can i do here???? i still owe 3 years on this car and it's been sitting in the drive for over a week. i'm screwed driving the corsica again

From what I've read, replacing a timing chain will mean pulling the engine. Might want to get a second (or third?) opinion on the noise/timing chain before commiting to any work. This will be a big job and a shop manual and proper tools will be real helpful if you're considering doing the job yourself.

I understand that the 2.5 litre V6 is finicky in terms of oil pressure. I read somewhere within the CEG pages that one needs to ensure that the oil pressure is correct otherwise the chain will bang against the cover (rear). Heard of this? My car was making the same noise, and then I changed the oil and ensure that the OEM filter was tightened correctly.

Problem solved.

You might want to shop around for prices for this work.
Engine doesn't have to be removed but I believe it has to be raised a bit for access. Complex job for DIY, read a service manual first.

Comments by TiQUe-bOy relate to the fact that chain tensioner is hydraulic, not sure if engine oil cleaner/flush and filter change would help, but it wouldn't hurt to try.

Edit: You've caught Terry Haines's eye, below, for other comments of his do a search using > timing chain.

1) does the noise go as the oil pressure 'kicks' in?..if yes..suspect tensioners 2) if no ..suspect chain guide plates...early engines were prone to bad wear on these parts 3)if a 'valve tap' persists at the top end more chance its a rod bearing...as has been said,not a diy job, if the miles are high on this engine I'd suggest a used/younger replacement...