rgorke
Dedicated LVC Member
Let me start out by saying that my 2004 LS V8 with 280K miles runs great. I’ve done a lot to it over the past several years (including a rebuilt trans, suspension, cooling system with Motorcraft, etc.) and hope to get at least another 100k or more out of it.
I know I have at least one oil leak. I need to do the valve cover gaskets because when I replaced the plugs several months ago, there was oil in the plug wells.
I also think I have a front cover leak somewhere because I have checked and replaced the other suspects, e.g., oil cooler gaskets, oil pan gasket.
I was given a suggestion of when I replace the front cover to replace the chain tensioners, guides, and even the chains while I have the front cover off.
I was thinking of approaching the project in two potential ways.
1) Start with doing the valve cover gaskets to deal with the oil in the plug wells. While I have the covers off, check the condition of the secondary tensioners and if I can see any issues with the primary guides. Save the front cover and the rest for another day.
2) Replace everything and just be done with it.
If I do #1, I know I am just kicking the can down the road. I am not too bothered by the small leak in the front cover gasket, but I know I should replace the VCGs ASAP.
Do we know what the life of the Gen 2 chains, tensioners, and guides is in a well-maintained engine? I am the second owner with the first owner being my parents that were meticulous about maintenance and repairs. My dad is an old hot rodder and takes care of his cars.
If I go with #2 and replace everything, I have seen some vendors the sell entire kits, particularly this one. LINCOLN LS 3.9 L,V8 2003-06 TIMING CHAIN KIT,EVERYTHING
Anyone have experience with this or another vendor? Sourcing everything individually is a bit difficult because one vendor…Rockauto, Fordpartsgiant, Tasca, etc. doesn’t carry everything.
Thanks…
I know I have at least one oil leak. I need to do the valve cover gaskets because when I replaced the plugs several months ago, there was oil in the plug wells.
I also think I have a front cover leak somewhere because I have checked and replaced the other suspects, e.g., oil cooler gaskets, oil pan gasket.
I was given a suggestion of when I replace the front cover to replace the chain tensioners, guides, and even the chains while I have the front cover off.
I was thinking of approaching the project in two potential ways.
1) Start with doing the valve cover gaskets to deal with the oil in the plug wells. While I have the covers off, check the condition of the secondary tensioners and if I can see any issues with the primary guides. Save the front cover and the rest for another day.
2) Replace everything and just be done with it.
If I do #1, I know I am just kicking the can down the road. I am not too bothered by the small leak in the front cover gasket, but I know I should replace the VCGs ASAP.
Do we know what the life of the Gen 2 chains, tensioners, and guides is in a well-maintained engine? I am the second owner with the first owner being my parents that were meticulous about maintenance and repairs. My dad is an old hot rodder and takes care of his cars.
If I go with #2 and replace everything, I have seen some vendors the sell entire kits, particularly this one. LINCOLN LS 3.9 L,V8 2003-06 TIMING CHAIN KIT,EVERYTHING
Anyone have experience with this or another vendor? Sourcing everything individually is a bit difficult because one vendor…Rockauto, Fordpartsgiant, Tasca, etc. doesn’t carry everything.
Thanks…