4.6 3v front seal, timing chain, cams?

[duststang]

I was changing my oil Saturday and noticed small amount of oil under the balancer. I am assuming the front seal is seeping and will need to be changed soon. I have not noticed any oil on driveway or any missing so it is very small amount. I have a few questions was looking for advice. I assume the seal is in the timing cover and fairly easy to replace? While I am in there should I think about replacing timing chain and components? If I am replacing timing chain should I go ahead and do cams? I mean realistically the car has about 60,000 miles (Auto no stall) so I was thinking that timing chain probably good for a while and wouldn’t be needed. On the other hand I eventually wanted to do cams and not sure if it makes sense to swap cams using current timing chain? I also was wondering if the timing chain and cam install is similar to the 4.6 2valve or are there many differences? What are your guys thoughts and has anyone did chain or cams their self?

[redfirepearlgt]

Suggest you contact someone like Brenspeed who specializes in S197 3V 4.6L engines for answers on the life expectancy of timing chains. After all they are chains and not belts so the 60K thing may not apply in this case. Brenspeed can also advise you on cams and they have a great selection of Comp Cams including there Custom Grind series called Detroit Rocker Cams which are made for them by Comp Cams.

The 3V uses VCT (Variable Cam Timing) which is much different that the setup on the 2V. Read up on it. IT has the ability of varying timing +/- 30 degrees during engine operation using oil pressure (never use anythign but 5/20 or 5/30 oil BTW) controlled by a proportional control valve. The oil is routed through a port in the cam from a journal via (prop valve) ineto the VCT gear which can rotate how the cam is degreed in the gear thus creating a true mechanical change in the timing (not just spark timing whic hI thought was the original theory). read up on the process if you plan on doing your own cams and make sure you have all of the tools as well that Ford sells to handle the job correctly or you WILL have issues.

Good luck.

[bobtsgt]

I wouldn't even worry about chains right now unless you have a problem. The seal for the crank are just like the 2vs so there is no need to remove the cover to do it. Just use a puller tool to remove the old one. Dab some RTV around the new one and knock it in with a big socket and reinstall the balancer. Will take about an hour or so.

[Mbubby61]

3v Timing chains ! Just ordered a set for mine.. Cloyes finally started making a set.. I called Trick Fllow and asked why they didnt have a set for the 3v.. Trick Flow said not enough of a market but they had just come back from SEMA and Cloyes is making a set.. So I called Cloyes,,,, Part number is 9-0387sk.. Google it.. or here it is at rock auto
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1397639
Was around $220-230 wayyyyyy cheaper then what Ford wanted..

[Brandon Alsept]

In all my years with Modulars I have never found any issues with chain wear or stretch. Just replace the seal and rock on ;)

[duststang]

thanks guys

[na svt]

In all my years with Modulars I have never found any issues with chain wear or stretch. Just replace the seal and rock on ;)

I agree, no need for the Cloyes stiff either as the stock gears/chains are not known to break.

[akagreg3]

na they dont break, in less you have had a ptv problem, and yes iv broke chains before, and you'll have more problems the chains if you have a ptv issues or even remore the timing chains with out the ford cam locking tool