Head gaskets etc.

[98BABCobra]

So I'm going to be replacing my head gaskets in the next couple of weeks. Ive decided im going to go ahead and pull the engine for this project. Im already planning to go ahead and order new oil pan, valve cover, and timing cover gasket sets too. The car has about 160, xxx mikes on it.

Is there anything else you guys would suggest I replace while I'm in there? Timing chains? Rear main seal? What do you guys recommend. Thanks in advance.

 

[Murder Snake]

may want to consider the timing chain, tensioners and guides.

 

[98BABCobra]

Could I get new timing chains and use my old tensioners and guides?

 

[Murder Snake]

Could I get new timing chains and use my old tensioners and guides?

I cannot recommend that. the tensioners and guides are what give people problems. with that mileage, I would replace them while you are in there.

I think this is the kit part number: M*6004*A464 timing kit and if I recall, goes for around $400. not cheap but in the long run it is.

just looked and that kit also has the gears in it and it says not for sn95's although there are people on here that will say there is no difference. the kit says it will not fit the sn95 and comp cams told me the same thing when I did mine. so you should be able to get the stuff minus the gears cheaper.

 

[98BABCobra]

I saw that kit from FRPP. Anyone have a link to a kit that doesn't come with all the sprockets? I looked into buying the chains, guides, and tensioners separately and it ends up being more than the cost of the whole kit from FRPP. I just don't wanna pay for parts that I can't/ won't use (the sprockets)

 

[Murder Snake]

if nothing else, maybe you could sell the parts you don't need and get some of the money back. have you contacted Tousley Ford on here to see what they would charge?

 

[CJK440]

Could I get new timing chains and use my old tensioners and guides?

Probably the first items that wear are the plastic tensioner pads when the chains chew into them.

I'm sure you can buy the parts piecemeal but you might find you will pay more than the kit.

 

[Martin6107]

1++ for Ford Racing Parts

I've used that Ford Racing kit on 2 different 96 DOHC rebuilds. The cam gears are made with integrated keys that will not fit the early style cams so you will have to reuse your old cam gears. Everything else fits. The kit comes with detailed instructions and all new bolts.

While you are in doing all this you may want to think about degreeing your cams too.

 

[Martin6107]

What is needed to 'rebuild' IMRCs?

I've seen several IMRC threads that mention replacing bearings and o-rings on the ends of each shaft but have not found any specifics on the parts.

Maybe someone will chime in with details about replacement bearings and o-rings for the IMRC.

I suspect many of the problems with IMRCs getting 'stuck' open or closed could be attributed to bearing wear not to mention the opportunity for vacuum leaks if the o-rings are dried up or broken.

UPDATE: Another posting mentions a bearing number 688-2RS fitting the IMRC plates. I ordered a set of stainless steel bearings from VBX (S688-2RS). Still no luck finding a post on the procedure so I will make one.

 

[98BABCobra]

I've used that Ford Racing kit on 2 different 96 DOHC rebuilds. The cam gears are made with integrated keys that will not fit the early style cams so you will have to reuse your old cam gears. Everything else fits. The kit comes with detailed instructions and all new bolts.

Do the other gears fit? The crank gear and the cam timing gears? If so, then the 4 cam gears for the secondary chains are the only thing in the kit that wouldn't be used. I don't feel so bad about that. I was thinking there would be more unused parts.

It says the kit also comes with the timing cover gaskets and seal. Is this correct?

 

[Martin6107]

M-6400-A464 Parts List

Do the other gears fit? The crank gear and the cam timing gears? If so, then the 4 cam gears for the secondary chains are the only thing in the kit that wouldn't be used. I don't feel so bad about that. I was thinking there would be more unused parts.

It says the kit also comes with the timing cover gaskets and seal. Is this correct?

Here is a link to the parts list & install sheet ....this is an amazing kit ... get one

http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-6004-A464.pdf

 

[98BABCobra]

Ya. That's the kit I'm planning to buy. I just want to make sure the 4 cam gears are the only parts that will not be used. I just don't want to waste money on parts I'm not going to use. If the 4 cam gears are the only parts I'm not using then I'm ok with that.

Side note I read through those instructions last night. Doesn't seem too difficult.

 

[Martin6107]

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. For the price, this kit can't be beat. Good luck.

 

[98BABCobra]

Thanks guys. Im just anxious to get my car up and ready for this spring/ summer

 

[Murder Snake]

Here is a link to the parts list & install sheet ....this is an amazing kit ... get one

http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-6004-A464.pdf

that's the same kit I was speaking of earlier.

 

[03bluemach]

I just got that kit from www.fordracingparts123.com
and it was 428.00 shipped best price I found

 

[CJK440]

So I'm going to be replacing my head gaskets in the next couple of weeks. Ive decided im going to go ahead and pull the engine for this project. Im already planning to go ahead and order new oil pan, valve cover, and timing cover gasket sets too. The car has about 160, xxx mikes on it.

Is there anything else you guys would suggest I replace while I'm in there? Timing chains? Rear main seal? What do you guys recommend. Thanks in advance.

Personally, I think that with 160k and you are already going thru the trouble of pulling the motor and stripping it down to a shortblock, I'd go the little bit extra and re-ring and bearing the bottom end while its apart.

Have the cylinders dingle ball honed to de-glaze the walls (doubtful it will need to be overbored unless there was component failure) and R&R the rings and bearings assuming the crank is OK.

 

[98BABCobra]

CJK440, If I was able to, I would actially gp ahead and plan a full rebuild, however with my son being born in may and also attempting to buy a house this year I'm trying to keep the cost of this project/repair as low as possible, so I'm really only wanting to address the immediate issue at hand.

Thanks for all the advice guys.