Timing chain questions....

[lil_dq]

02 F150 5.4 engine code L 4X4 auto PI heads


installing the timing chains on the truck again after a head rebuild and I think I have a little snag.

I can get the passenger side snug and it remains that way through the entire rotation. but the drivers side chain gets loose about every 90* on the crank gear. Its only loose on the return side that runs to the crank. then tensioner is adjusting on the feed side from the crank to the cam. I'm not talkin a little slack either, i mean like 1/2" maybe. When I put them in it seems to be tight but as soon as I turn it it gets loose then tightens back up.

I will try to get some pics up of it in the morning for you guys to see. Also maybe I am setting it up wrong. The proper procedure to set cams and chains would be nice too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[d-kuzmen]

I tried to post the procedure but the pics were missing. So I uploaded this one. This is how you need to mark your chain stretch it out on a bench and mark each end one end you mark one link and the other mark 2 like in the pic. The mark on the driver side cam gear should be facing between 12 and 1 o'clock position, the pass side cam mark should be 10 to 12 o'clock, the crank gear marks face straight down and I beleive the keyway faces straight up. Next install the chains put the single mark at the crank and then the cam mark goes between the 2 marks on the other end of the chain. You may need to turn the camshaft slightly to make the marks line up. When you get it done spin the engine over by hand one complete cycle to make sure no valve to piston contact happens, if the engine stops turning don't force it the piston maybe hitting the valve. Hope this helps.

 

[lil_dq]

Thanks I'll give it a try. any advice on the loose chain or could that be just a wrong set up causing that?

 

[d-kuzmen]

Thanks I'll give it a try. any advice on the loose chain or could that be just a wrong set up causing that?

You may just have it setup wrong and it's giving excessive slack, set it up this way and see how it is.

 

[lil_dq]

Thanks I'll give it a try

 

[lil_dq]

Ok one more too. What is the length of belt for a 5.4 without A/C. ANybody know?

 

[lil_dq]

ok I set it up the way you said. No valve issues, but I still get some slack on about every turn of the crank. then it tightens back up. not much play but enough that i am concerned.

 

[d-kuzmen]

ok I set it up the way you said. No valve issues, but I still get some slack on about every turn of the crank. then it tightens back up. not much play but enough that i am concerned.

You may get some slack in the chains, untill the engine is running the tensioners don't apply full tension, they are oil operated. I think as long as the amount of slack isn't enough to allow the chain to jump teeth you should be fine, but it is hard to say without seeing for myself....

 

[lil_dq]

Its not enough for them to jump teeth I didn't realize they tightened up with the oil pressure. I think they will be fine then. THanks bud!

 

[d-kuzmen]

Its not enough for them to jump teeth I didn't realize they tightened up with the oil pressure. I think they will be fine then. THanks bud!

No problem. Let me know how you make out..

 

[d-kuzmen]

How'd you make out?