mat_riley1243

i bought a 1999 lincoln navigator (2wd, V8[5.4 liter]) off a guy who was too beside himself to attempt to fix the odd knocking/rattling noise under his hood... me, and my ignorant bliss, accompanied with a Chilton's Manual to this model, hopped in an assumed the position to -attempt- to fix it myself..

I've since determined that the "right-side" timing chain is loose and plan to replace the chain and tensioner... but while reading through the procedures, the manual clearly stated to remove the valve covers, set the first cylinder to TDC, place special tools to keep the crank and cams solid, and then remove the tensioner, guide, and chain....

My question is: Is all of that REALLY necessary? can i just remove the tensioner, guide, and chain without having to due that? i understand i run the risk of damage to my valves, but is that risk really that bad?

any input you could give me will be greatly appreciated and please disregard my ignorance of terminology...

Bert

It has to be done correctly. If the chain is off one tooth it can cause running issues even if it isn't far enough off to cause valve or other engine problems.

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Bert