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

[Joetwint]

Here's one solution: The inspection camera has a tiny mirror attachment, set at 45 deg. on the tip. It gave me a slightly out of focus image, but was good enough to see that the plunger was extended. These cameras are $75 at Harbor Freight, and can be found for under $50 at discount outlets. These suckers pay for themselves when you're in a pinch.

Exactly how I did it after I figured out my inspection mirror did not fit the oil filler hole.All is good!

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[hbjones65]

Autozone has small telescoping inspection mirrors; I bought one today on the way home from work. This one is about 1-1/8" dia.; fits just fine without removing the fill tube. Best $1.99 I have spent in a long time; it was well worth it for the peace of mind given Fordpass was indicating that my car was one of the possible victims and mine still is in the break-in period. All clear; here. Whew. Thanks to the Chairman for starting this thread here and on the GT350 sub-forum.

 

[Chris2020GT500]

WOW! I'm not sure if I'm excited, relieved, and/or scared sh!tless to take to the dealer and trust they will do this.

You can check this yourself before taking it to a dealer, or find someone near you who can help.

I don't know but my filler tube is loose. You can wiggle it around and pull it up a tad but not out. I am guessing it just snaps in. I tried turning it clockwise and counter clockwise but it did not turn so that is why my guess is it snaps in.

This can be removed, it's similar to the oil plug (same attachment) However, my understanding is there is a tab which the fill tube in place so, if you twist, it will not be fully released. My concern is anything falling into the engine if I try to pull it out.

SOLUTION: Order a #3 or smaller dental mirror and it will fit. Another easier option is to use an extension stick and attach a battery such as a 2032 as one of the sides has a mirror finish and also works, this is what I used initially and it worked (just make damn sure it's secure!).

 

[Houston Kid]

There is a locking tab and it will break off. Luckily mine was still hanging on by a small piece.
And no, the piece you see in the pic is not the locking tab. It’s another piece that sheared off.

My tensioner seems to be in the correct position.
My finger is pointing to where the locking tab was located.

You can check this yourself before taking it to a dealer, or find someone near you who can help.



This can be removed, it's similar to the oil plug (same attachment) However, my understanding is there is a tab which the fill tube in place so, if you twist, it will not be fully released. My concern is anything falling into the engine if I try to pull it out.

SOLUTION: Order a #3 or smaller dental mirror and it will fit. Another easier option is to use an extension stick and attach a battery such as a 2032 as one of the sides has a mirror finish and also works, this is what I used initially and it worked (just make damn sure it's secure!).

See above.

 

[Snakecollector]

Safe here also.

The groove was clearly visible after not starting the car up for a while - out of curiosity I started it up for a few minutes this morning and the tensioner shaft is even higher now (if my eyes aren't playing tricks).

 

[kilobravo]

What, no banjo?

Ask and ye shall receive...

Dueling Banjos

 

[RJ787]

First time posting, this FSA warrants it haha. Got the notification on FordPass app. 1,863 mile GT350R, built on 7/20. Looks like it’s active so feeling safe about it, built by Doyle F. Nanney. Got a small telescoping mirror from AutoZone for 1.99. Best of luck to everyone.

 

[Chris2020GT500]

First time posting, this FSA warrants it haha. Got the notification on FordPass app. 1,863 mile GT350R, built on 7/20. Looks like it’s active so feeling safe about it, built by Doyle F. Nanney. Got a small telescoping mirror from AutoZone for 1.99. Best of luck to everyone.

Doyle built my GT500....cool seeing a signature on another motor.

 

[dirty-max]

I take it I'm in the clear? Mine doesn't stick up as far but from what I can tell I can see the groove.

 

[ABADHBT]

The dealer can't do anything until your VIN shows up in their system. Ford isn't even going to notify the potentially affected customers until after May 20, 2021. So you can sit back wondering if your car has the problem and drive it around until it might drop a valve or you can get a #4 dental mirror for a couple of bucks and check it out for yourself. I know that I feel a lot better knowing that my car is safe to drive.

Remember, the Bulletin that @The Chairman posted was not meant for us to see, it was to advise the dealers who had new 2020 GT350/500's in their inventory that they could not sell those cars until the inspection was performed and logged with Ford.

It takes longer to open the hood than it takes to do the inspection.

Agree and will conduct my own inspection.

 

[Houston Kid]

I take it I'm in the clear? Mine doesn't stick up as far but from what I can tell I can see the groove.

From reading the TSB if you see the groove you should be good to go.

 

[kilobravo]

Could someone point out (with an arrow or something) WHICH "groove"?

 

[dirty-max]

From reading the TSB if you see the groove you should be good to go.

I actually cranked the car and checked it again after it warmed up and you can see the groove even less now lol guess I was expecting to see it sticking out more than it was.

 

[dirty-max]

Could someone point out (with an arrow or something) WHICH "groove"?

LOL I must admit I was being a bit paranoid.

 

[Tomster]

yes, show me this groove....

I'm in Long Beach, CA and will be home on the 30th. If I can inspect the tensioner when I get home, I may participate in the parade lap at the track event.

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