Just a note to mention that last weekend I changed the timing chain, water pump, radiator fan, and the primary belt. The job provided a few challenges. I untorqued the crankshaft bolt by holding the crank pulley with a strap wrench, but I got the strap around the crank position sensor and broke it. New one is installed. Torquing the camshaft pulley requires holding the pulley itself with a special tool Snap on or Mac tool. I couldn't hook up one of those reps quickly enough to suit me, so I was prepared to have the machine shop make me a tool. However I found that 1/2" emt tubing is EXACTLY the correct outside diameter to fit the holes in the pulley. I put two three inch long pieces in opposite holes, and a screw driver across them to hold the pulley while torquing. I use the Snap on Torqueometer (sp?) torque wrench. I clear coated the gorgous aluminum water pump (brand new Motorcraft part), but couldn't bring myself to bolt it on that nasty timing chain cover, so I took the cover to the machine shop and had it hot tanked and bead blasted and flattened (it was 6 thou out of flat). I then clear coated that too. Unfortunately, replacing the timing chain did not fix my rattle engine sound, so I'm pretty sure it's in the valve train, and I can't wait to do a compression test and to pull the valve covers to look. Let's hope I didn't smack a stuck valve. I'll keep the list posted! M.

  Hi - how many miles on yours - v6 or 8?  many people get over 100k on pump and chain.  George On Sat, 11 Jan 2003 06:40:10 -0000 "itisallone <

I had over 150K on my 92 4WD XLT before I dumped it (4L-6). Original water pump, original timing chain. Both were fine. I did have the cracked fan hub, but never bothered with it. Didn't seem to hurt anything. The serpentine belts need to be replaced periodically, and take nothing to replace. Curious about the "burping" issue w/ thermostat(?) replacement. I replaced the thermo on that 92 at some point - a bit of a pain getting to one of the housing bolt heads - but I don't recall having any issues with the cooling system and/or having to burp it afterward. Replaced a little lost fluid and that was it as I recall. I think it's great you're wrenching on your truck yourself, but I gotta ask - are you looking for things to work on or change out? You're mighty industrious. Do appreciate the feedback as you do these things though - for future reference.