Car been in storage for approx. 2 years . When started initially ran smoothly , but I stopped quickly to allow oil to circulate around bearings , etc .When restarted rough running with a mechanical nocking noise , not loud at which I stopped motor. Unit older 1997 unit , suspect has plastic chain tensioners . I concluded that chain timing was out .
My problem is that someone has offered to purchase unit as a "project ", advice given to him is that that the motor likely scrap , but motor has to " be removed from the car" to check timing chain timing , to confirm same ??
However someone with some motor experience , tells me that it is known that the Ford V8 motors , after not being used for a period , the hydraulic lifters will not work properly , will make a nocking noise , untill being run for a period , and I should just run the motor , if it is scrap , nothing to lose , advice which I am somewhat sceptical about with this motor .
Any advice appreciated , if motor is scrap , thats what it is , but would hate to part with it if not a totally catastrophic uneconomic repair .
Thankyou

 

John, don't panic yet.
Do not rev the engine, but starting it might just let you know it's not as bad as think.
The timing chain tensioners, if original are red (maroon) and if you take the valve cover off not a big problem to see if that is what you have.
Look for cracks that start at the bottom of the circle.
If it jumped timing just one tooth, you might just get away with changing the old for newer metal ones.
Make sure the oil is up to the line. After two years a complete oil and filter change would be my recommendation.. The oil filters have a hold on the pressure on the tensioners.
Good luck.

 

Thank you for your reply with helpful advice . Have given some reflection on the matter , and intend to act to check to see if motor is not reasonably repairable , along the line you suggest .
Once again thankyou
JohnSnush

 

If we knew where you lived, one of us might be willing to stop by and give a hand.

 

Thanks really appreciate the offer , but certain in my mind now it still has the old tensioners fitted . We are in the latest Covid " Red-Light" cat. in NZ at the moment .
When this eases , intend to take it to a suitable qualified mechanic person , for their examination of motor .I live 120 miles from a city centre likely to have same , so will need to arrange suitable means to get the care there , also.
Thanks again
JohnSnush
( have updated my profile to include my location , etc , in the rush to join the site , neglected to include same .)

 

You are wise to put off running the engine until the tensioner issue has been put to rest. Not an especially expensive repair if done before the timing chain slop gets to the point that contact is made between the pistons and valve train.

while you are having the repair done, it would be prudent to replace the water pump at the same time. The pump with the plastic impeller are well known for failure after so much time has passed. The metal impeller pumps are more reliable.

another item that comes to mind are the myriad of coolant hoses, several of which are under the intake. Things do add up I realize, but they are a well known trouble area and replacing them gives you one less thing to worry about


Z