New to me bought from friend, knew about idle and code, researched it beforehand, went ahead with purchase. Not some ditzy chick. Changed out of oil filer to WIX old one was too tight and too small, new high mileage synthetic blend added. Did not resolve as it sometimes can. Took to mechanic for timing chain replacement, cam phasers and tensioner replaced. 2 days in and was told no it didn't jump a tooth, but when tearing down found actuator that could have been causing issue, took out and it began disintegrating on them, and they feel like it's the motor.... Timing didn't even get looked at, did not think to ask to see cylinder read outs and levels before tear down or PIDS. Then was told all 4 cylinders on left bank "misfiring or not firing" didn't get that clarified for some reason. I know it wouldn't turn over if all cylinders on 1 side not firing. So asked to check solenoids, spark plugs and coils instead. Again was told these are just bandaids, needs a new motor. Again I sent a list of things they needed to resolve before we jump from 2600 to 10k price tag.....camshaft sprockets, timing chain and tensioner, oil pump because oil pressure is extremely important for ford, vct, and any sticking that could be happening instead. Again told no it has to be motor. So we are getting new oil pump, and solenoids ourself and having another mechanic install to determine if that resolves. If still not then looking at timing and cylinders to see how they are firing and adjust timing to 11 and noon for the chain to ensure proper timi g. Am I missing anything?

 

A whole bank of cylinders being off tell me the timing wasn’t set right.

The 3V Triton God himself will tell you that:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hW9vsYXnlmc

As for a $10K job...say what?

You can can find a remanned engine for around $3500 or so and get it installed for about $5000 total when it’s all said and done, depending on local rates. Someone will chime in with recommendations on vendors, I’m sure. No need to pay for a Ford logo as they get their remanned engines from the same folks everyone else does.

 

I am not there to evaluate but i can tell you this , dirty oil build up causes a lot of problems with this engine . Don't let it go low ,over 5k between oil changes or 3 months . I do an engine flush every other oil change , you have to get that carbon and sludge out of there. Vcts are a maint item 100k is enough . Your new oil pump should be a hv melling , tensioners should be steel racheting type with no seals to fail . All the rest should be oem .
Rollers and lashs are very important over 100k put new improved rollers in . Never use non oem phasers or chains . .I like syn oil but not expensive hi mileage oil you have to dump it often no matter what .
That 11 oclock 12 oclock nomenclature messes a lot of people up . the true timing point are gear dot at 6 oclock - number one cams pointed at factory position , number 5 is pointed per factory position .

A lot of places will tell you you need a new engine and sometimes its true .

 

Thanks for the info on both replies. We finally got the PIDS and it's showing cylinder 5 misfire, in addition to code. We were able to see exactly what is happening in idle amd while driving. Neighbor is willing able and knowledgeable *mechanic* in his own right and im buying all the things I need, oil pump, spark plugs, ignition cylinder. Going to pay him to do it while I help to learn even more. Have a flush scheduled soon.