5.0 Engine Questions-Oil pump and timing chain

[EB70]

I am having my kids assemble the long block for my DD Bronco. It is a very low miles -almost new and started once-86 Lincoln 5.0. It has an aluminum oil pump and the nylon timing chain. Both clean and the chain is tight.

The way that I play with my cars, it is unlikely that I will drive with these for more than 5k before I put an explorer engine in it.

Should I be concerned about the timing chain and oil pump? Reason I am asking is that the timing chain is nylon on the cam sprocket and the aluminum OP makes me wonder?

Are there durability issues with those?

Thanks as always,

Rob

 

[Timmy390]

Ford used nylon so the engine would be quieter. A timing set isn't much money and considering you have 29 year old nylon, I would replace it. You don't have to go back with nylon. A steel set will work fine.

Same goes for the oil pump. Probably $30 at the parts store?

Tim

 

[EB70]

Did Ford use a lot of aluminum oil pumps? I have a fair amount of experience with 60's and early 70's 302's, but none with 5.0's. I don't recall any older engines using aluminum OP's.

 

[Timmy390]

Stock OEM pumps were aluminum not sure what year it started in. The replacement from the parts store will be cast iron.

Tim

 

[904Bronco]

Ford used nylon so the engine would be quieter. A timing set isn't much money and considering you have 29 year old nylon, I would replace it. You don't have to go back with nylon. A steel set will work fine.

Same goes for the oil pump. Probably $30 at the parts store?

Tim

I agree with ^^^ inexpensive upgrade and a selling point for the motor when you need to sell it to get a new Explorer 5.0