DIY timing chain
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Junior User
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DIY timing chain
Over the years, I have replaced several timing belts and/or timing chains on Ford, GM, Mercedes, and Honda vehicles. I am wondering why I am not seeing any posts about owners replacing the timing chain on the F150 trucks themselves. What makes this truck special—what am I missing? The answer may be in the service manual but I am still trying to find out the best one to get. I am also trying to find the best scan tool for 2013 F150. I welcome any thoughts, opinions, or suggestions.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
I can't answer the timing chain question, but I would count this as a good thing that we aren't seeing any reports of issues.
It seems that ForScan is the latest craze among Ford owners for a scan tools. It is currently in beta testing and is offered up for free download. I have the software on my laptop. I use it on my '13 5.0 and it works great. You will need to buy a Bluetooth, wifi, or wired dongle to communicate with the DLC. It allows you to read codes, run diagnostic tests, and data log live parameters. The software also allows you to make changes within in the modules of the vehicle, i.e. programming for tire size changes and DRL configurations when you apply, and receive, an extended license.
Here is a link to a thread on the ForScan software on F150 Forum, of which I am also a member. https://www.f150forum.com/f38/forsca...ations-349018/ Enjoy the read! It is rather lengthy.
It seems that ForScan is the latest craze among Ford owners for a scan tools. It is currently in beta testing and is offered up for free download. I have the software on my laptop. I use it on my '13 5.0 and it works great. You will need to buy a Bluetooth, wifi, or wired dongle to communicate with the DLC. It allows you to read codes, run diagnostic tests, and data log live parameters. The software also allows you to make changes within in the modules of the vehicle, i.e. programming for tire size changes and DRL configurations when you apply, and receive, an extended license.
Here is a link to a thread on the ForScan software on F150 Forum, of which I am also a member. https://www.f150forum.com/f38/forsca...ations-349018/ Enjoy the read! It is rather lengthy.
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Joined: May 2004
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There are many issues with the 3.5 ecoboost... this being one. The cam phasers go bad and the result is the dreaded cold start rattle. When this happens, it stretches the timing chain. This is a $3k fix and many fight their dealer/ford to pay for it since it typically happens just outside the 60k warranty.
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Thanks for info.Thinking of buying 2013 f150 ecoboost over 100k with minimal but acceptable maintenance.No rattle at this time. All my other ford trucks except for electrics have higher miles.Now having 2nd thoughts. Seek opinions.
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you do NOT want to buy a high mileage (defined as anything out of warranty) ecoboost... that is opening a can of worms.
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Mountain Pass
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ed, please note 93cobra hates the ecoboost. Check his past post here, there is nothing in them but bashing the ecoboost. I have a 3.7L so I have little 1st hand experience, but there are many post here and elsewhere with people that have a lot of miles with little or no trouble out of an ecoboost. Don't let one tainted person give too much leverage to your decision.
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2009
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From: Clarksville, IA
Before I bought my 2010, I haunted CL, Autotrader, Cars.com, etc. searching for an F150 4x4 for under $20k. I was amazed at the number of high mileage EB trucks there were available. I'm talking 150k+ miles. The highest I recall was a 2011 that had 260k miles on it! There were MANY approaching the 200k miles mark. I know that doesn't guarantee there won't be any serious issues with a high mileage engine of ANY description, but there sure seem to be a lot of EB trucks getting those miles on them somehow.
I didn't end up buying an EB truck, but it was more about my budget than it was the engine. If I could have found a SCAB 4x4 EB with similar miles to my truck that I could afford, I'd be listening to the turbos whine instead of V8 rumble. An EB with 73k miles would be a budget buster for me though, so I'm happy with my 4.6 at this point.
I didn't end up buying an EB truck, but it was more about my budget than it was the engine. If I could have found a SCAB 4x4 EB with similar miles to my truck that I could afford, I'd be listening to the turbos whine instead of V8 rumble. An EB with 73k miles would be a budget buster for me though, so I'm happy with my 4.6 at this point.
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