Disclaimer: This is general guidance. Specific steps might vary slightly depending on your exact Explorer model and its condition. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year, make, and model for precise instructions and torque specifications.
Tools and Materials You'll Likely Need:
* Repair Manual: Absolutely essential for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams. A Haynes or Chilton manual for your vehicle is a good investment.
* Socket Set: A complete set with metric and SAE sockets, extensions, and ratchets.
* Wrenches: Combination wrenches in metric and SAE sizes.
* Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specifications to prevent damage.
* Timing Chain Tool Kit: This often includes a crankshaft holding tool and camshaft alignment tools. These are absolutely necessary to prevent damage to the engine.
* New Timing Chain Tensioner: Ensure you get the correct part for your engine.
* New Timing Chain Guide(s) (if needed): Often, these wear out along with the tensioner and should be replaced.
* Jack and Jack Stands: To safely lift and support the vehicle.
* Wheel Chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Drain Pan: For draining engine oil.
* Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect yourself from oil and debris.
* Clean Rags or Shop Towels: For cleaning up spills.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Drain Engine Oil: This is important to minimize oil mess.
3. Access the Timing Cover: This usually involves removing various components like belts, pulleys, and possibly the upper intake manifold. Refer to your repair manual for the exact sequence and steps.
4. Remove the Timing Cover: Once everything is out of the way, carefully remove the timing cover.
5. Align the Timing Marks: This is critical! Use the crankshaft and camshaft holding tools to properly align the timing chain and components. Incorrect alignment will lead to significant engine damage. Your repair manual will show the precise locations of these marks.
6. Remove the Old Timing Chain Tensioner: This may involve removing bolts or other fasteners. Pay close attention to how it's installed so you can put the new one in correctly.
7. Install the New Timing Chain Tensioner: Ensure it's correctly seated and oriented.
8. Reassemble: Carefully reassemble everything in reverse order of disassembly, ensuring all components are properly aligned and seated. Pay close attention to the timing marks.
9. Install the Timing Cover: Make sure the gasket is properly installed and everything is aligned.
10. Refill with Engine Oil: Use the correct type and quantity of engine oil as specified in your owner's manual.
11. Reconnect the Battery Cable: Double-check all connections.
12. Check for Leaks: Carefully check for any leaks around the timing cover and tensioner.
13. Run the Engine: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises.
Important Considerations:
* Timing Chain Replacement: If the timing chain itself is worn or stretched, it's highly recommended to replace it at the same time as the tensioner. Replacing the chain and tensioner together is more efficient than doing it twice.
* Professional Help: If you're not completely comfortable with this level of automotive repair, it's best to have a qualified mechanic perform this work. The potential cost of engine damage far outweighs the cost of professional labor.
This process is complex, and this response is a simplified overview. Again, a repair manual specific to your 1997 Ford Explorer is absolutely essential for safe and successful completion. Improper work can result in serious engine damage.
