Timing Chain and Phasers
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Timing Chain and Phasers
My 2012 3.5 ecoboost has a knock and power lag during acceleration. Dealer diagnosed as timing chain and cam shaft phasers. Quoted $2200 to repair. I asked if this was common and they said, "yes, it will happen to all of them at some point." Basically, he said if you baby the truck it will take longer, but still happen. Wasn't surprised I'm having it at 67k miles as he saw another recently at 70k.
Has anyone else seen this? Any advice? The power drop is dramatic, so I don't see any option, but to have the work done.
Thanks.
Has anyone else seen this? Any advice? The power drop is dramatic, so I don't see any option, but to have the work done.
Thanks.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Definitely needs to get done ASAP; if that worn-out timing chain fails you will need a new engine.
Unfortunately this is proving to be somewhat of a common issue. All of them don't fail, in fact I could point you to a couple 300,000 mile F150s that haven't had this issue. Babying the truck wouldn't help, the timing chain doesn't really care how much power the engine is making, it simply exists to turn the camshafts. I have a little theory that this is caused by following the recommended oil change intervals instead of shorter 5-6,000 mile intervals like some of us are doing. Just my WAG though, and it could be very wrong.
ON edit: Wait a minute...in another thread you mention that you only have around 50,000 miles? You have a 60,000 mile powertrain warranty that would still apply if the truck was purchased new less than 5 years ago.
Unfortunately this is proving to be somewhat of a common issue. All of them don't fail, in fact I could point you to a couple 300,000 mile F150s that haven't had this issue. Babying the truck wouldn't help, the timing chain doesn't really care how much power the engine is making, it simply exists to turn the camshafts. I have a little theory that this is caused by following the recommended oil change intervals instead of shorter 5-6,000 mile intervals like some of us are doing. Just my WAG though, and it could be very wrong.
ON edit: Wait a minute...in another thread you mention that you only have around 50,000 miles? You have a 60,000 mile powertrain warranty that would still apply if the truck was purchased new less than 5 years ago.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 17
From: New Castle, PA
I'm actually taking mine in after Christmas for the same thing. A tick/knock all the time that sounds like it's coming from something rotational . Truck drives ok, but really lags when it down shifts. I'm at 36k miles on my 2012 and still under power train warranty. Had another dealership tell me it was the injectors, I can hear the injectors behind this tick. Im hoping they come back with the same diagnosis and get the phasers fixed .
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 757
Likes: 1
It definitely does not plague every EB and it is hit and miss what years are the best to avoid this issue. 2011 has the most issues with the timing chain. 2014 not near as much. I would bet it is a combination of a cheap chain vendor and prolonged oil changes.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
I would beg to differ with you. Everyone needs to understand that the rattle they hear is actually the CAM PHASERS. They go bad and then the chain is destroyed. This affects a high percentage of eco motors and Ford redesigned these cam phasers for mid 2016. These new phasers as well as dual chains are on the new 2017 engine. So, any eco through mid 2016 will most likely get this issue. We see early failures across the board, but the higher mileage ecos are where we see the most failures now. Average normal failure is in the 95k-110k mile range.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
Yet another reason why if I had an Eco I'd be changing my oil religiously and at shorter intervals too. Anything you can do to help alleviate the wear. $2,200 seems excessive to me though. The job can't be any worse than it was on the 5.4L engines and those could easily be done in a day.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Yet another reason why if I had an Eco I'd be changing my oil religiously and at shorter intervals too. Anything you can do to help alleviate the wear. $2,200 seems excessive to me though. The job can't be any worse than it was on the 5.4L engines and those could easily be done in a day.
It's actually easier, due to the fact you have plenty of room.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
Yet another reason why if I had an Eco I'd be changing my oil religiously and at shorter intervals too. Anything you can do to help alleviate the wear. $2,200 seems excessive to me though. The job can't be any worse than it was on the 5.4L engines and those could easily be done in a day.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Lack of oil changes does indeed impact the timing components. Overtime sludge builds up and restricts these oil passages causing/adding to the problem. I have never seen the casting debris you're speaking off either. I'm not saying it's not true.
What color is the debris? Do you by chance have any pics of it?
What color is the debris? Do you by chance have any pics of it?
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
We are talking two different things.
1. Why do phasers fail? - we have found many examples with casting debris clogging the oul passages to rhe phasers. No oil change interval will correct that - it's a manufacturing issue.
2. Frequent oil changes - needed due to fuel dillution in the oil. This will destroy the engine as the oil is thinned out and has no lubricating value. Does not affect the life of cam phasers.
1. Why do phasers fail? - we have found many examples with casting debris clogging the oul passages to rhe phasers. No oil change interval will correct that - it's a manufacturing issue.
2. Frequent oil changes - needed due to fuel dillution in the oil. This will destroy the engine as the oil is thinned out and has no lubricating value. Does not affect the life of cam phasers.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
Nothing else is clogging up those particular passages. There were several reports of this casting debris across the various forums dedicated to 3.5 ecoboost problems. This has been a problem for thelast 2-3yrs for this engine.