I posted a thread earlier in 1993 4.6 whirring noise

The noise has since came back. With help from maxfax3 I determined the noise is from the timing chain tensioner on the passenger side.

My car started having this issue at about 77k miles. The noise is inconsistent. Can't predict based on engine temp or RPM. I now have close to 79k miiles with the noise returning.

There is a TSB for the 2000 Ford Crown Victoria V8-4.6L (Timing Chain Grinding Noise)

For photos cliick on link below:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=204267

I'm wandering if anyone else is having similar problems or know of a recall?

 

Ford Technical Service Bulletin 03-15-7
A case in point is grinding noise coming from the timing chain cover area in 2000 to 2003 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis with the 4.6L V8. According to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 03-15-7, excessive wear in the timing chain tensioner arms can cause a noisy condition. The tension arm has an aluminum base with a nylon surface. So if you find nylon and/or aluminum particles in the engine oil it probably means the tensioner, tensioner arms, timing chains and gear set all need to be replaced. The Ford part numbers for the 2000 model year tensioners are F6AZ-6L266-DA (RH) and F6AZ-6L266-CA (LH). For the 2001 to 2003 model years, the tensioner part numbers are 1L3Z-6L266-AA (RH) and XL1Z-6L266-AA (LH). The tension arms are 1L2Z-6L253-AA (RH) 1L2Z-6L253-AA (LH).

 

you can always call the dealership and have them look up your vin for recalls.

 

After seeing those pics WOW! It amazes me how they can take a good design and screw it up.. Timing chain problems were virtually unheard of on the earlier '93 - '98 engines.. They must have started using parts similar to the 4.0L sohc engine.. Those things had all sorts chain problems...

I'd take Slymer's advice and call the dealer with the vin.. They can give you all the recalls on the car and whether or not they were performed.. I don;t think Ford has a web site to do this yet.. Oddly enough I think the only manufacturer to make recalls available on their website is Chrysler...

Don;t hold your breath on a recall.. Unless it makes the car unsafe, or if alot (and I mean alot) of cars had major failures under warrenty because of this they aren;t gonna want to eat any repairs.Especially at the current time..

How mechanically inclined are you feeling? I could probably post the timing chain replacement procedure from Alldata somewhere... Book time on this is about 6.6 hours...

 

I called the local Mercury service and talked with the service manager. He doesn't believe it's the timing chain. But I'll have him check it to be certain. After replacing the idler and tension pulley (and spring) the noise persists.

If it's the timing chain tensioner, the dealer service will be around $1,300

Unless I can do it at my driveway on the weekend my only choice is to trade it for a new car. As much as I like the Grand Marquis this is a big let down.