With 262K on the clock, I realize that I have passed the point where Chrysler says to replace the chains. The engine sounds tight, with only a little cold start clatter if I let it sit for days... That goes away in about ten seconds. Not so sure about the former owner, but I keep up with the oil and never let it drop below the full mark. I've also been running synthetic along with bosch oil filter and changing the oil every 7K or so.

I've had a few mechanics tell me that there will be major failures of other components before the chains would ever fail. To be honest, I have no intention of going to the expense of changing them unless I hear or feel something wrong on the horizon. Of course, I realize it may be too late by then, but that's a chance I'm willing to take.

So my question is.... with decent maintenance, have any of you had or heard of timing chain failures on this engine?

Thx

 

Failures are not real common and it's usually the tensioner that fails first. But at your mileage it could go at any time.

I look at it pretty much like insurance. Failure of the timing chain or tensioner could take the engine out. So is it worth the $75 and a couple hours of your time or having to replace or rebuild the engine because the original failed?

At 260k miles, if you view the truck as a beater I'd probably let it slide. But if it was DD and I needed to keep it on the road, I'd be doing the timing kit and any other applicable maintenance...

 

I don't think its a matter of good maintenance but normal wear and the chains stretching out and tensioners wearing down or going weak old age hits even parts.


Nothing escapes mother natures laws everything wears out in time.

 

I've read that it's a few hundred for a quality kit and maybe a couple of days of DIY, according to what I've read. The 4.7 has three chains.



True, the whole truck will wear out at some point, but I'm trying to see if anyone has actually experienced timing chain failure here while practicing basic maintenance (check/change oil at a reasonable time). I guess if you let your engine sludge, the links would wear out fast, hence the "stretching".


The truck exhibits no signs or sounds that would lead me to think the chains are becoming an issue. I'd rather not dig in and take the chance of screwing something up, if the necessity is not truly there.


I definitely don't consider this truck a beater though. She's too clean!

 

No the metal will actually stretch just a hair at a time as time goes by even thick stone benches will sag in the middle over time. Lots claim they dont stretch but it happens any thing will stretch under pressur and a V8 puts a strain on a timing chain especially one with 3 chains plus the tensioner pads wear down.

 

I've replaced a couple and rebuilt a 4.7 HO. OHC is a bit more work but it's still no more than a half day even if you take your time. But you're right about the price. The kit I bought for $78 in 2012 as part of a total engine rebuild set is now $190 by itself and $130 as part of a full kit...

 

I realize two differnt engines but i know with only 150K on my 5.2L (97) that timing chain was about due to slip off at any point. I didnt think mine would fail eitehr and heard the same advise but glad i tore all the way in and replaced it. I feel much better knowing its got a nice upgraded chain and sprockets in there.

 

What made you think it was about to fail? Was it making noise?