TSB for GT500 / GT350 secondary timing chain tensioner [Service Guide attached]

[The Chairman]

My guy just called me to say there is a new Inspection and Delivery Hold for the GT500 engine - secondary cam chain tensioner.

Even though my car fits the window, it’s not on the VIN specific list. I’m sure I would have noticed if I have this problem.

Added the Inspection Guide referenced in the notice.

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[Chris2020GT500]

Mine falls within this date and I have to wonder if this was the cause of some of the failures I have read about. I am not excited to take my car in however, I guess I can have the initial oil change performed.

 

[kilobravo]

Don: Many thanks for that, I missed it by a bit over a month.

 

[Houston Kid]

Mine was built 11/6 but not released until 12/09. Guessing I’m in the clear????

 

[The Chairman]

Mine was built 11/6 but not released until 12/09. Guessing I’m in the clear????

Probably. Check your Ford Pass App after 30 April, or wait for your letter, or do the simple inspection noted.

 

[AngelDeath]

Welp mine is in the timetable 7/2/20, guess it will be off to the dealership now for this to be checked and the parking brake battery issue check.

 

[Houston Kid]

Probably. Check your Ford Pass App after 30 April, or wait for your letter, or do the simple inspection noted.

Guess I need me a mirror on a stick then.

 

[Chris2020GT500]

My guy just called me to say there is a new Inspection and Delivery Hold for the GT500 engine - secondary cam chain tensioner.
Even though my car fits the window, it’s not on the VIN specific list. I’m sure I would have noticed if I have this problem.
Added the Inspection Guide referenced in the notice.

Thank you once more!

 

[likeaboss]

So which engine builder is no longer employed?

 

[Champale]

Wow so it includes the GT350s also? Great . . . my car fits in that time frame.

Mr. The Chairman (or, since we are both in South Texas, I should call you Señor The Chairman) - would you please post this in the 350 section, too? Thank you.

 

[Epiphany]

I had this sent to me hot off the press but didn't get the opportunity to go through it and post. This is a big deal and a major f*** up. Thanks for posting it.

We have seen a number of GT350 engines as well as a few GT500's with broken off valve heads in the combustion chamber. I sensed it was due to defective valves, a supplier issue. This "customer satisfaction program," not a TSB, has changed my view. It now looks as though a chain tension issue may have led to valves making contact with pistons and it just got worse from there.

What is difficult to understand is how this could take place years after GT350 engines were produced at the Niche plant. Was there a procedural change in the assembly steps that allowed this to happen, even if only randomly? Or even worse, was this related to a certain builder(s) not activating the tensioner(s)? Begs the question as to whether engine builders work on both GT350 and GT500 engine assemblies.

I just missed the window for this and am thankful but feel awful for any of you that are impacted by this one. I encourage any of you that might be affected to take a look (at the very least) yourself, using the linked pdf's, to see if your tensioners are in the proper position.

 

[Chris2020GT500]

Just checked mine and it looks good however, I will still let Ford look at it when the TSB comes out in case anything should happen.

 

[Snoopy49]

I have 3 dental mirrors and none them fit through the hole in the filler tube. Does anyone know how to remove the plastic filler tube from the valve cover? The service manual was of no help.

 

[Tomster]

I guess there is going to be a run on dental mirrors.

 

[Tomster]

I had this sent to me hot off the press but didn't get the opportunity to go through it and post. This is a big deal and a major f*** up. Thanks for posting it.

We have seen a number of GT350 engines as well as a few GT500's with broken off valve heads in the combustion chamber. I sensed it was due to defective valves, a supplier issue. This "customer satisfaction program," not a TSB, has changed my view. It now looks as though a chain tension issue may have led to valves making contact with pistons and it just got worse from there.

What is difficult to understand is how this could take place years after GT350 engines were produced at the Niche plant. Was there a procedural change in the assembly steps that allowed this to happen, even if only randomly? Or even worse, was this related to a certain builder(s) not activating the tensioner(s)? Begs the question as to whether engine builders work on both GT350 and GT500 engine assemblies.

I just missed the window for this and am thankful but feel awful for any of you that are impacted by this one. I encourage any of you that might be affected to take a look (at the very least) yourself, using the linked pdf's, to see if your tensioners are in the proper position.

Window or not, I'd still verify it for myself.

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