** Aaah....there is something I do know and can answer ....
**
** No, it has a timing chain which has to break to be replaced and generally it
** lasts the lifetime of a car...
**
** - Shardool
**
**
** > Does the 5.0 have a timing belt that wears out?
The 5.0 has a timing chain that wears out, and while it may remain serviceable beyond 100k, it should be replaced at that point, as camshaft timing will become erratic, and it can break or skip a tooth unexpectedly.
Some of the older 5.0's used a nylon-coated crank timing gear that was short-lived. After about 100k, the nylon begins to come apart, ending up as tiny pieces in the oil pan to clog up the intake screen, and the chain soon fails as well. Symptoms usually include sudden engine failure and no restart; often a TFI module failure code will be set. Extensive diagnostics are required to accurately determine the problem.
Newer 4.6L modulars use overhead camshafts and 2 separate double-roller chains with tensioners. These seem to hold up extremely well, and generally never need replacement under normal circumstances.
My advice to you is that if your 5.0 is older than 100,000 miles and is otherwise in good condition (good compression, does not burn oil or use coolant), consider spending a few bucks to change out the timing gear/chain set. The parts run about $30 bucks; the labor can run several hundred, depending on where you have it serviced. This can add many years to the life of the engine, IF and only if it is otherwise in very good mechanical condition.
-JD
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