V8 Tensioners - Revision and model year

[pdgrafelman]

Hi, new to the forums. Recently bought a 2004 ls ultimate with 84000 miles. I've replaced the DCCV thanks to the info I found here and restored my AC. I have been reading a ton about timing chain issues and have what is hopefully an easy question. It is apparent that there are at least two revisions of the primary tensioners (original and improved). Did Ford ever use the newer versions on the 3.9 or did all ls years have the bad ones? I'm specifically concerned about my 2004 - if it has the bad ones I'd like to replace them. Car has no issues now (no rattling noises etc.) and runs just fine but with 84000 miles its at least approaching replacement time if they are the bad ones.

 

[mikeyswood]

Pretty sure that 2006 is the only year to get the revision 3 metal tensioner from the factory.

I cannot say enough good things about Christopher's on eBay. His kit as well as his service are unbeatable.

 

[pdgrafelman]

Great, thanks. Looks like I'll be at least opening things up to take a look. Do most people start hearing the clattering noise when they start going bad? I know I've read one instance where they didn't, but I'm hoping to get some warning. Can someone provide a link to the eBay kit? I want to be sure I am getting it from this Christopher based on positive impressions.

 

[ChrisTheBest]

i'm starting to get slight rattling sound on acceleration up hill, might be time to change the tensioners for me >< a link to that ebay item would be great help!

 

[joegr]

i'm starting to get slight rattling sound on acceleration up hill, might be time to change the tensioners for me >< a link to that ebay item would be great help!

As long as it is a rattle and not slight pinging. If you give it just a little more or little less gas, if it's pinging it will go away. If it's timing chain rattle, it will stay.
Note that chain rattle is much more likely to happen on cold start up than while you are cruising or accelerating.

 

[pdgrafelman]

It looks like this is the kit referenced earlier

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LINC...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item518ebeea8f

 

[lseguy]

2002 V8 LSE with 142k miles.
I noticed the other day (after the engine was fully warmed) at idle with the hood open a slight..I mean very, very slight rattle from the passenger side valve cover area that sounded like a marble or two inside rattling lightly every 4-6 seconds or so. Engine idle was steady and the engine still runs very, very strong and smoothly. I popped the hood this morning when I first started the engine to see if I heard the noise, and it's definitely not there with the engine is cold. About 30 mins later when I stopped for work, and pulled into the lot I could hear the mild rattle.

Is this the beginnings of timing chain/timing tensioner issue? Is this something that should be replaced around 150k miles anyways? (Chain, tensioner?)

thnx

 

[cammerfe]

I have just under 150K miles on my '02 LS8 with no issues under the covers. (I'm about to have to replace the de-gas bottle). The fresh engine verrry slooooly coming together will deal with all the issues identified here in the way of maintenance.

KS