The debate on swapping out timing chains vs just the tensioner at 150k miles

I did my buddy's 2012 Ford Focus timing chain at 152,000 miles last month. He wanted me to just swap the tensioner and save $300 on the full kit. I told him no way, the chain had stretched a quarter inch already. But then my other mechanic friend says he's done just tensioners on three Escapes past 180k and they ran fine. I'm in the middle here because on one hand the full job takes forever but on the other hand you don't want it skipping teeth. What do you guys usually do when a customer comes in with high mileage - full chain and guides or just the tensioner?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason_knight8d ago

Wait, you said the chain stretched a quarter inch already? Dude that is crazy. If its stretched that much then the guides are probably chewed up too. I just dont see how you can trust just a tensioner when the whole system is that worn out. Like yeah maybe some guys get away with it, but that quarter inch stretch means the chain is done and the tensioner is just masking the problem. Youre rolling the dice if you dont do the full job, especially at 150k plus miles. Why risk the whole engine over a few hundred bucks and some extra labor?

rose_young8d ago

Oh come on, a quarter inch ain't that bad if you catch it early.