Ford F150-I'm Done.

Diamondpilot · Dec 20, 2016

dragoneggs said:
CRAP!!! you all ain't gonna believe this. I have 80K on my truck and shortly after my post above, my truck started to intermittently sound like a diesel at low rpm and then the oil pressure would drop to zero then recover. Pulled into Firestone and let them run a diagnostic check. Got a call this morning that they think it is the timing chain and there are chips in the engine. Recommendation... new engine. $11K installed! WTF?

Got online and it appears there is quite the history with cam phasers, etc. Now I am in a dilemma of what to do. Maybe limp it to the Ford dealer and trade it in? Suggestions?

My guess is its the timing chain tensioner. The chips are probablyaluminum and have caused no damage.

It happened to my BIL'S F150 that went over 30K miles between oil changes. I posted pics on this site in a write up.

Diamondpilot · Dec 20, 2016

Diamondpilot said:
My guess is its the timing chain tensioner. The chips are probablyaluminum and have caused no damage.

It happened to my BIL'S F150 that went over 30K miles between oil changes. I posted pics on this site in a write up.

I just bumped the thread for you. It's called "Why you should change your oil"

By the way the truck is still going strong to this day with no other repairs or issues.

dragoneggs · Dec 20, 2016

Another quote... $7500 re-man and install. Wonder if it's worth having someone tear into it first to have a look?

ovrszd · Dec 20, 2016

dragoneggs said:
Thanks... probably best option as truck is in great condition otherwise. Wondering if I should drive it home at this point?

What you are risking is the "core". If for some reason it ruins the block, then your core is gone. Otherwise, don't think it matters much.

Labor versus parts in these deals is usually 50/50. So figure $5K and up.

If you otherwise like the truck I'd have an engine put in it.

As I said earlier, they'll rape you if you try to trade it in this condition. You'd actually probably make money by leaving it home and buying a new truck straight out.

MinnesotaEric · Dec 20, 2016

Diamondpilot said:
I just bumped the thread for you. It's called "Why you should change your oil"

By the way the truck is still going strong to this day with no other repairs or issues.

Cam phasers are a common problem with the 5.4L. When the ticking is first heard in the 5.4L, one may try running a quart of transmission fluid in the engine to free them back up. It has worked in the past with people I know.

downsizingnow48 · Dec 20, 2016

I had a f350 and a F150 with the 5.4 engine. Both traded at 100k with zero issues. Maybe just lucky.

94BULLITT · Dec 20, 2016

EricTheOracle said:
Cam phasers are a common problem with the 5.4L. When the ticking is first heard in the 5.4L, one may try running a quart of transmission fluid in the engine to free them back up. It has worked in the past with people I know.

I know a guy that let a quick lube flush his engine. It was a 5.4 3V. We ended up putting a rebuilt engine in it because it did not carry any oil pressure.

94BULLITT · Dec 20, 2016

dragoneggs said:
CRAP!!! you all ain't gonna believe this. I have 80K on my truck and shortly after my post above, my truck started to intermittently sound like a diesel at low rpm and then the oil pressure would drop to zero then recover. Pulled into Firestone and let them run a diagnostic check. Got a call this morning that they think it is the timing chain and there are chips in the engine. Recommendation... new engine. $11K installed! WTF?

Got online and it appears there is quite the history with cam phasers, etc. Now I am in a dilemma of what to do. Maybe limp it to the Ford dealer and trade it in? Suggestions?

Get a shop to put a mechanical oil pressure gauge in it and see how much oil pressure it has. The variable cam timing works off of oil pressure.

coobie · Dec 20, 2016

My 2006 ford 5.4 triton is just OK in my 2006 F-150 not the best motor I have owned but not the worst at 126,000 miles.Both manifolds have been replaced to the tune of $1200 bucks,spark plugs changed at 60,000 miles for $200.Gas mileage sucks at 15mpg but I knew that before I bought the truck.

dragoneggs · Dec 20, 2016

Apologies to the Goose (OP) as I sort of hijacked the thread but it was relevant at least. I finally tracked down a knowledgable person at Silverdale Transmissions and the place happens to be only a block from where my truck is resting tonight in town. They are very familiar with the 5.4L 3v Triton and are telling me that it is probably 50/50 on a fix or replace engine scenario. They will do an in depth diagnostic w/digital photos, etc. and share every detail with me. Then I can decide on what to do. I do really like my truck and a quick walk around the new F-150s on the lot gave me sticker shock anyways.