HIGH milage 04

[Whisper]

Have found a ok deal on a 2004 bird. However im concerned about the engine timeing belt or chain. What does the factory say about changing this. How far will the engine go without the change. Not sure if it has a belt or chain. Car has 90k on it but looks very good. To me a nice looking Retro bird convertible with hard top is worth 10-12k even with 200k on it. There has to be a bottom on high milage cars.Anyone have an opinion on this??

[ThunderBubba]

Re: HIGH milage 04

The engines are driven by a timing chain. I always ask that question when I'm buying a vehicle. You'd be surprised by the puzzled looks on salesmen's faces when you ask.

[00mustng]

Re: HIGH milage 04

....I think the AJ30/35 engines are gear driven? no belts or chains...

[JAB02LHS]

Re: HIGH milage 04

Ford 3.9 liter DOHC engine

[Whisper]

Re: HIGH milage 04

Ford 3.9 liter DOHC engine

WEll that clears that up. Chains are good!!! Anyone on here had any trouble with the chains on high milage cars??

[Rondor]

Re: HIGH milage 04

I had same concens having had a couple old mercedes. It's a big isssue with them because of the breakdown of the guides and tensionor which are teflon and deteriorate hrom heat. Any other vehicle I have had with a chain it's not been an issue.with good service record. What are we calling high mileage? I wouldn't worry before 2-250 K miles.

[XCR440SP]

Re: HIGH milage 04

We don't see many T-Birds on the lot, but have a lot of high mileage Lincoln LS's running around with suprisingly few problems. The stuff we all know about (COP, Heater valves, Valve cover gaskets, etc), but I haven't seen one with an engine failure yet. Early cars seem to have transmission longevity issues, but the later ones (which would include T-Bird) don't seem to give any more trouble than any other car (they do fail, just not at a high rate).

Big issue I see with high mileage (or all 'Birds now due to age causing wear, just like mileage) is the cost of "nickle and dime" repairs. Repair costs have skyrocketed for minor items that are common (starter, alternator). I guess Ford learned from Toyota/Honda because parts have gotten way outa hand.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: HIGH milage 04

Bottom Line here is............ If that is your ONLY concern. Don't let it be. get it!!!!!!!!!!!

[NotU]

Re: HIGH milage 04

My son's 2000 LS has over 267,000 miles. The engine's never been opened up so I'm not worried about it.
Good Luck!
Randy Mattson

[Whisper]

Re: HIGH milage 04

My son's 2000 LS has over 267,000 miles. The engine's never been opened up so I'm not worried about it.
Good Luck!
Randy Mattson

Wow 267000 miles!! Good to know that this car has 90k on it. Think I can get it for 10500. Melot with Melot. Not sure about soft top color. I just think about any running Retro bird should not go below 10k unless its trashed. Waiting on the dealer to cvall me back now.

[HKS]

Re: HIGH milage 04

There are 4 timing chains. Two long ones and two short ones.

[steelblue5505]

Re: HIGH milage 04

$10500?????
Any flood damage?

[E'sBird]

Re: HIGH milage 04

That is about what I paid for a 2002.....105,000 miles on the clock and working with COPs.