1998 Mercury Sable timing chain

GARCIAS45

MEMBER
1998 MERCURY SABLE
191,000 MILES

I have done everything changed head gasket found it was bad, and a mechanic told me he believes the timing chain jumped a tooth. I have it apart to where I can remove the timing damper and am ready to use my puller to get to the cover. Do I have to remove the oil pan which will make me have to remove the exhaust and a lot of time. I see where I can take the cover off without the oil pan but I want to make sure I wont have to do everything else and do a bunch of work I don't have to. The cover is accessible and seems like I will be able to do it without everything else. The question is can I just remove the cover and access the chain.

5 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Exhaust and oil pan must be removed timing chains of this type don't jump a tooth before going any further put engine at TDC and check to see if in time

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 12:59 PM

GARCIAS45

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Well I am really lost now the #1 piston is TDC and at the marks I was hoping this would be the problem but now I don't know I am afraid I have a bigger problem because my compression was all over the place. #1 45 lbs #2 50 lbs 3 95 lbs, #4 60 lbs #5 55 lbs and #6 70 lbs what do you think I still need to do a wet test. Thanks

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 1:24 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Do wet test about 10cc oil let me know results. So chain appears to be correct?

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 2:01 PM

GARCIAS45

MEMBER
12 POSTS

I did a wet test and now I seem to get less pressure than the dry is that right or what I am not getting any leaks around the plug hole I checked while I was cranking and seemed to be snug but the needle jumps up and back almost to 30 lbs. Is this the valves.

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Friday, July 12th, 2013 AT 12:57 PM

DOCFIXIT