I'm new here and to be honest, not very knowledgeable about repairs. My F150 5.4 has just over 327K miles- original motor, trans, everything. Over the years, I've noticed the same timing chain noise that everyone else has. Yesterday, after startup, I put the truck into reverse, I notice serious vibration. I mean serious! I drove a few miles before taking it directly to indy mechanic- I trust. He checks the cam sensors(phasers?), then the solenoids (inside the valve covers?). Not sure exactly- but nothing has worked. He believes the timing chain has skipped cause of the massive misfiring.

I guess where I'm going is...what should I do? Sounds like replacing the timing chain is gonna cost $2K due to hours of labor. New motor is out of question because I still have original trans...I'm afraid that I'll end up spending for both too quickly.

If I have the timing chain replaced, will the truck run well enough to drive for a short time while I put it on the market? Thoughts? Advice? Anything?

 

With 327k a new motor seems like the most logical answer. I understand the worry of blowing up the tranny after attaching a new motor. Maybetry to locate a used motor/tranny combo that is in good condition

 

Man that's some serious mileage. I'd be looking to get another truck if it was in the cards. If it's not possible I'd replace the motor. The newer the better.

 

find you a motor/trans combo @ a junk yard for cheap.

 

I seen a 04 Ford F150 5.4L just like mine with a little over 450k, it ticks like mad but its the original motor and trans. Its used by a place called "Discount Tire" to pull heavy loads of tires. It has had the rear end replaced but that is it. These motors are tough, and so many people want to put them down due to the timing issue, but a phaser job and timing chain is probably well worth it. Especially if the the transmission isn't slipping. I however would get that fixed, and put the truck on the market asap. My truck shook and ran terrible when I got the motor wet washing it. It was the coils... Any sort of misfire can cause the truck to seem bad. I'd have the codes pulled and it should show a timing issue if it has indeed jumped time. Also VCT Solenoids need to be checked.