So while replacing my valve cover gaskets I kinda poked at the timing chains. I noticed the passenger side chain moved a little, I'd say 1/2 inch to 1/4 slack... then when I moved the to driver side the chain had no slack. Is this just because the engine may not be tdc? Or should I worry? I do get a bit of ticking noise on passenger side but clean sound on driver side

 

The tension shoe could be worn. The ticking is the little bit of slap in the chain.

There are dozens of YouTube videos that can show how to replace it. This is a 2002 4.6L.....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HAQwkISqdGw

 

Tensioner foot sound like it needs replacement. If I had to go in there to change that, I would certainly go with the newer guides and such to keep future sounds from appearing. The newer plastic quiet guides are the way to go if you have to replace them. 04 Expy uses the newer guides and is so quiet. No front engine noise at all with those.

 

Is this something that needs replacing immediately or in time?

 

.z

 

Following this. I just changed mine also and noticed the same thing. It sometimes makes a loud noise on a cold start.

 

Dang, mines not that bad "yet" I just notice a ticking when it's idling. It seems like an easy job just time consuming.

 

I've seen some of these modular timing chains get so bad that it cuts into the oil pump. Definitely something I'd look at if it's already down that far.

 

Yea, figured but I have everything back together already, so I'm just going to hold it off for now. I need the truck to drive while I turn in my leased Fusion. Once I get another car then I'll tear this thing apart again.

 

One piece of advise then FordRocks. Don't do drag burn outs until it's fixed. Strong repeated stress will cause a faulty tensioner to release a bit (sometimes, not all the time), and that can cause the valves to be out of time to the rest, and depending on the heads/piston (non to pi), you can actually damage a piston and or valves with too much advance or retard because of chain stretch or release.