OK, I'm keeping the truck until the wheels fall off (figuratively).



Time to pull some preventive maintenance. F-150 4.6L 160,000m. Suppose I have a week to do the work myself, what should I replace? I'm competent, but I'm not messing with the valve train.

1) All the hoses
2) All the belts
3) Timing chain
4) I've got to pull the alternator to do 3), should I stick a new alternator on?
5) Since I'm doing 3), might as well do the water pump, right?
6) Drop the oil pan and replace the oil pump
7) The heater hose runs under the intake manifold through the top of the block. Pull the intake, replace the hose, stick in a new intake gasket
8) PVC, thermostat, plugs, (plug wires are new)
9) flush radiator and block
10) transmission fluid and screen
11) do I need to bother changing the axle oil? I want to fix the stuff that is likely to break. What am I missing?

 

If you are going to do "all" that you have listed, you have a "hand full" already! I have 87000 on my '02 S'crew and I don't even want to think of haveing to do that much "PM" when th mileage doubles. Does your truck run like it actually needs all of this work?

 

I would change the axle fluids, but it is low on your list of things to do. I would first bleed and replace the brake fluid (assuming that has not been done), and the power steering fluid. Include the brake hoses in your "all the hoses". I would also replace the water pump, but the life of the alternator (and the replacement!) is too variable, and it's too easy to do later. Also, it is unlikely to cause you or your loved ones to be stranded.

The timing chain is probably a good thing to do, but I think it may be a bigger job than usual because of the overhead cam. In my experience (assuming good maintenance), you don't need to start worrying about timing chains until around 200,000 miles. At that point, I'd probably want to do a valve job, or maybe its cost effective just to replace the (aluminum OHC) heads. But be careful; the old, "might as well while we're at it", can make a weekend project into a month long disruption. I'm trying to correct that tendancy myself.

With good luck you should be able to double your current odometer!

PS: I would also want to have the suspension checked for wear. Pay somebody who is good for their time, with the understanding that they will not be doing the work. Also, you should replace wheel bearings where possible.

 

I think that the 4.6 uses two timing chains, one for each cylinder bank. I would also consider cleaning the EGR valve ports. If the truck is a 4x4, I would add changing the transfer case fluid to the list. At 160k, I would change every single fluid that the truck possesses. Well...maybe I would leave the windshield washer alone, but that's it...

 

The truck runs fine, I just want to stay ahead of trouble. If I can schedule the time I'd like to do it all at once rather than a day here and a day there. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

I wouldn't do anything major unless you identify a problem. Change the fluids, maybe the driveshaft U-joints (don't forget to lube the front yolk) and check the front suspension. My truck goes through lower ball joints every 2 years and I had the unfortunate experience of breaking a tie-rod while driving. Doing the timing chains is a major job with potential for downtime.