jefford

Hi guys,
I have to replace the timing chain guides on 2004 5.4 with 77,000 miles.
I feel dumb putting more plastic in this engine.
Is there a metal replacement?
and do I need the tensions - rock Auto part # confirmation would be appreciated...
Thank you,
Jeff
This came out of the oil pan.
The screen was clogged and the pump stopped.
She ran for 2 minutes with no oil. Still runs, but way not cool.

Screwed05

OEM is best along with regular preventive maintenance.

Kevinpmac

I am replacing phasers, chains, guides, improved oil pump, tensioners and crank sprocket if it was my truck. The guides failed for a reason and will again unless you take action.

dukedkt442

Guides fail not because they are plastic, but because of chain slap due to failed tensioners. The upgraded tensioners, while still hydraulic, have internal springs that by themselves do a pretty good job of maintaining tension. Yes, the chains will stretch as they wear, but assuming the internal spring stays together, there should always be tension on the chain, at least enough to keep it from slapping around. The tension piston can't fully retract as the old ones do. The seal seems to be upgraded as well.

Plastic guides are fine, you don't want a metal guide. Think about it: the chain-guide interface isn't a smooth, regular bearing surface, it is quite rough and irregular. Metal on metal here would just put a lot of metal into the engine. I personally don't like metal floating around in the engine.

What you want to use are Ford replacement parts; aftermarket, cheap parts (i.e. most of what you'll get off Rockauto) are a crap shoot, a gamble. There's far too much money and labor involved to be a gamble. There was a thread on here a couple months ago where a guy had to tear apart his engine 2-3 times before even driving the truck before finally springing for Ford parts, because the aftermarket phasers instantly failed.