How To Avoid a Major Engine Disaster

[04MRADR]

:cool: For a few weeks when I started the car in the morning or sometimes at night after sitting all day, I heard what sounded like a rattling sound under the hood for a couple seconds and then it would stop. I put the problem on our web site and a few of you said they had the same problem and it was intermittent. Mine was too. Sometimes I could go days and no problem sometimes it would rattle every day for a few days. So I went to my mechanic. His father founded the shop in 1953 and his son worked there after school and in summers until graduation. Eventually dad gave him the business. My Dad, Uncle, myself and two sons have been going to Stanley's Auto Repair on 5200 Gillespie Street in Philadelphia, PA for over 40 years. Scrupulously honest as was his dad.

So when Stan heard it right away he said it was the timing chain guide rails, the plastic part of the chain guide that the chain rides on actually came loose and fell off ! I saw the damage myself. The repair was replace all the timing chain guides and tensioners. Some of you indicated you let it go and just deal with it but here is the danger. If you let it go the broken plastic could get caught up in the timing gears and the chain could have broken and bent the valves per my friend Stan. It was an extensive labor job to take the engine apart and fix it but it is fixed. First thing I noticed of course is no rattle and the acceleration and pick up even from a standing stop I cannot believe. Engine very quiet even at 70 MPH on the turnpike.

The morale of the story is if you have this problem you really need to get it checked out. While he was at it I had him change the original water pump. Just turned 200 K on the MM so I figured it was time. By the way, Stan has worked on other Marauders and he can fix anything. Very trustworthy. If you go tell him John sent you or I can go with you and introduce you if you are looking for a really good and honest mechanic.:cool:

[ctrlraven]

Did you replace the tensioners with the plastic ones or metal ones?

My threads on the replacements
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=92299
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=92538

[Bigdogjim]

Thanks for the info garage look good 5 bays ready to rock! I am looking for a new garage buy the way:)

[04marauder]

OMG, just read your notes regarding the noise in engine when it sits over night and am experiencing same issue. Fortunately I have a Ford ESP that should cover this. I was just reading about tire sizes when I ran across. Thanks, 04marauder

[lifespeed]

OMG, just read your notes regarding the noise in engine when it sits over night and am experiencing same issue. Fortunately I have a Ford ESP that should cover this. I was just reading about tire sizes when I ran across. Thanks, 04marauder

I hate to be the cynic, but I can just about guarantee you they will not pay for a $1500 job to fix your rattle.

[clmrt]

Do you use an oil filter with an anti-drain valve?

[RacerX]

You left out an even quicker death from that! The plastic and aluminum will clog your oil pickup tube.

[04MRADR]

Big Dog Jim. We met a few years ago at Hooters on Street Road and had lunch and some beers with other MM owners. I remember you. Think you said you tried out for the Oakland Raiders a long time ago.

[04MRADR]

RacerX: My mechanic discussed that with me and he considered that and he advised the odds on that are extremely high. Would have had to drop the pan and that means raising the engine to do it. If it hadn't done after several months of my off and on problem don't think it was likely. Also, the guide broke off (I saw the pictures) and you could join both pieces back together. Didn't think there be much of any loose debris around. He also mentioned your concern and I forgot what he said but something about a filter the car has would prevent it.

[04MRADR]

Asked about plastic or metal tensioners don't know. Maybe someone can tell me from the picture. Metal Guides looks like.



:cool: For a few weeks when I started the car in the morning or sometimes at night after sitting all day, I heard what sounded like a rattling sound under the hood for a couple seconds and then it would stop. I put the problem on our web site and a few of you said they had the same problem and it was intermittent. Mine was too. Sometimes I could go days and no problem sometimes it would rattle every day for a few days. So I went to my mechanic. His father founded the shop in 1953 and his son worked there after school and in summers until graduation. Eventually dad gave him the business. My Dad, Uncle, myself and two sons have been going to Stanley's Auto Repair on 5200 Gillespie Street in Philadelphia, PA for over 40 years. Scrupulously honest as was his dad.

So when Stan heard it right away he said it was the timing chain guide rails, the plastic part of the chain guide that the chain rides on actually came loose and fell off ! I saw the damage myself. The repair was replace all the timing chain guides and tensioners. Some of you indicated you let it go and just deal with it but here is the danger. If you let it go the broken plastic could get caught up in the timing gears and the chain could have broken and bent the valves per my friend Stan. It was an extensive labor job to take the engine apart and fix it but it is fixed. First thing I noticed of course is no rattle and the acceleration and pick up even from a standing stop I cannot believe. Engine very quiet even at 70 MPH on the turnpike.

The morale of the story is if you have this problem you really need to get it checked out. While he was at it I had him change the original water pump. Just turned 200 K on the MM so I figured it was time. By the way, Stan has worked on other Marauders and he can fix anything. Very trustworthy. If you go tell him John sent you or I can go with you and introduce you if you are looking for a really good and honest mechanic.:cool:

[ctrlraven]

Asked about plastic or metal tensioners don't know. Maybe someone can tell me from the picture. Metal Guides looks like.
In that picture there is no tensioner bolted on. The plastic ones are a direct replacement and listed as a Marauder part. I had to search around to find the metal ones listed under another vehicle (2004 Ford Mustang GT 4.6 SOHC).

[04marauder]

I hate to be the cynic, but I can just about guarantee you they will not pay for a $1500 job to fix your rattle.
Haven't had a problem with any claims as of yet, it's replaced master cylinder and power booster, ac blower motor and speed switch. I guess it depends on the plan you purchased.

[lifespeed]

Haven't had a problem with any claims as of yet, it's replaced master cylinder and power booster, ac blower motor and speed switch. I guess it depends on the plan you purchased.

Good luck, let us know how it goes. Also, if you have significant miles on the car (more than 80K or so) you may want to replace the two idler pulleys, belt tensioner and alternator clutched pulley. These all wear out and can make a significant amount of rattling noise which is easily mistaken for timing chain noise.

[Vostok]

Do you use an oil filter with an anti-drain valve?

+1

This is very important in prevention.

Without this feature in the oil filter... the vast majority of the oil returns to the sump/pan and upon starting the car it runs that few seconds with minimal oil in the valve train. Many start ups like this add up and from what I can gather can ruin an engine...

A lot of us stick with the OEM Motorcraft Filter "FL-820S" for just this reason. Of course there are other brands you can go with that feature the anti-drain back valve.