The timing chains can stretch a little with use. Once you have the flats on the camshafts lined up you can check the timing with a straight edge, preferably a metal ruler, to see if they are in perfect alignment.

 

Because of valve spring pressure on the left side the flats will be slightly down between them. The right side will be very nearly in align. The chains do stretch a little and that's why the hold down clamps are a more precise way of aligning the cams. The zip tie method only puts them back the way they were, good or bad.

 

Hmm, I'm starting to think I should find a mechanic to do the work for me. I don't have a garage to keep the car in if the work gets prolonged.

 

Don't be pessimistic, there is not that much chance of having a problem if you're careful. Even if one of the cams is off by a fraction, it will not run worse than it does now, and you won't have to worry about the tensioners. You can always plan on doing a more through job someday in the distant future when your financial situation is better.

 

It is really not difficult. You will spend more time getting the valve covers off than replacing the tensioners. Read everything, read it again, do the work and you will be posting advice next week.

 

Haha, well alright. Thanks guys, let's just wait for the parts to arrive. I guess I should stock up on zip-ties and ziploc bags.

 

Hi,
You will have no problem, you will also save yourself a load of money and know your engine far better when you have finished.

Good Luck

Steveeasy

 

You also need a new set of valve cover gaskets, and purchase the spark plug o rings.

There are 3 different valve cover gasket shapes for these engines i believe. You will need a bit of gasket smear stuff for the edges of the block.

make a point to take your time torquing the cam back down onto the valves, apparently the cams are brittle and if you break one you are up shoot creek

 

Wait, why do I need new gaskets and spark plugs o rings?

 

You have to take the valve covers and valve cover gaskets off to do the job so replacing the gaskets while you are in there makes sense. Trying to reuse them will likely lead to oil leaking from them fairly quickly. The spark plug seal replacement (O-rings) is the same logic. While you are there with the covers off it makes sense to replace them. Typically this would be less critical than the valve cover gasket itself but they are cheap and easy to replace so if you can, "just do it".

 

Some members have reused the gaskets without leaks developing, but the odds aren't good. I think you can use the Ford set, which is not expensive, but someone with more experience should confirm.

 

Oh sweet lord! Well, I might as well. How much do those parts cost? What are the part numbers?

 

If you can use the ford gaskets get the Fel-Pro VS 50724 R which fits the AJ27 engine. Available at parts stores like NAPA. I just can't confirm that is your engine.

 

If the gaskets are not leaking now, there is a good chance you can get away without them. Just clean them off and lubricate the mating face with a finger dabbed in oil. This lets the gasket squirm so that it can conform better when the fastener is tightened.

If you work really, really slow, cleaning everything and shuttle up and down an elevator to use the bathtub as a cleaning sink ... it might take 4 half days.

Treat each side as a separate 4 cylinder engine. Do one side completely before moving on to the other.

Don't forget to pull the shipping retainer pin on the tensioner that holds the piston in a retracted position.

The shorter bolts should be, if memory serves correctly ... 30mm. Test by threading them down finger tight. They should not bottom in the hole before torquing.

You do not have to undo the coil wiring. Just loosen all coils from plugs and pick them up like a handful of spaghetti ... lay on paper towel towards the rear of the engine. Don't close the hood unless you know that all coils are below the level of the hood.

 

The FelPro set will fit your engine. I have had both sided off twice and the right side off an additional time without replacing the gaskets. No leaks.

 

RJ, I've never in my life seen a NAPA store. Is that part available at Pep Boys?

 

Should be, or available overnight at most any auto parts store.

 

And here I thought NAPA was everywhere. But you may not need the gasket set, given the low mileage on your car. It'[s a tough decision when money is tight.

 

Trust me, money is tight.

 

The tensioners have arrived. I have noticed that one of them is bigger than the other one. Is this a mistake or is that how it's supposed to be?