papa tiger

In the first 3 seconds of cold start up time the motor runs at about 1200 RPM or actually 60 Revolutions total giving the camshaft 30 revolutions. This means the HPFP pulses high pressure 30 times to deliver the fuel to 6 injectors for injection and ignition 180 times. That's what the chain is feeling. The added pulse load on the driver side camshaft rotated/being pulled first from the crankshaft not getting sufficient early oil flow would cause wear to the guide and chain especially where the wrong spec. oil was used.
I used whipping action to refer to when you first pull back on the whip not the snap. The pull or jerk transferred from the HPFP plunger load to the camshaft.


I have no way of knowing the oil change interval or the type of oil that was used on the ones that fail. I do know what happens if not done.
I no way infer it is your fault. For all I know it was run without oil in it during a Ford thing.
Heck I once checked my oil to find the engine cover missing, called the dealer and it was leaning against the wall of the shop. They forgot it. Left me to wonder what else they forget.

SUVette

So...I am back for an update.


My cold start timing chain noise is back...and it has been only 2k miles since I replaced everything.


Does anybody have any ideas as to what is causing this nonsense? My truck still runs fine and has yet to go into limp mode. Only thing different is that holding the engine at a steady 1k rpms creates quite a bit of what sounds like lifter clatter. Above or below that rpm and it is perfectly quiet.


Needless to say, the thought of tearing this thing apart again does not excite me.


I also saw in the tsb for the timing chain that it could be covered under the emission warranty. Really true?

Cord

Yes, the chain is being covered under the emissions warranty. Getting Ford to open their wallet is proving to be almost impossible though. If you don't have a CEL on, they're not fixing it.

Your experience pretty much parallels mine. Did you use the updated parts?

SUVette

Cord...I didn't use the latest timing chain, which I see on the tsb ends in C. I specifically asked them when I ordered it if that was the latest rev and they said yes at the dealer I used. But...you can't tell me the chain is stretched enough to slap and make this sound after 2k miles. Is there something else going on here too??


So, looks like if your CEL isn't on and they can't show the degree difference in cam timing, we are screwed. I am even happier to know this could have been covered under a warranty and I could have those hours of my life back. Especially now that it was all for nothing.

papa tiger

U got a problem with your lubrication being not there probably due to a plug or leak right at the tensioner/adjuster area /that wear on your picture is your first problem. U need to have that problem solved. Either the parts are faulty or the oil is not there to begin with properly. A leak would be my first thought. Then the load on the chain just adds to the wear.

Cord

I hear your pain. I changed mine a year ago and it's still rattling. Currently have 35,000 miles on the replacement chain. Dealer says I have 3 degrees if incorrect timing, 6 are needed to qualify for the TSB. This means I'll be looking at replacement at 140,000 miles. I know it sounds bad, but just run it.

SUVette

Papa - I wondered about an internal leak/restriction of some sort also. I still think that might be an issue, but I don't understand why changing the chain makes the sound go away for a while. If there is an oil restriction I would think it would do it all the time?


What are you guys thoughts on running some seafoam in the oil to maybe clean out any small orifices that may be a little clogged for a few hundred miles then changing the oil. I just worry about it thinning the oil too much.


Cord - I think I will just be driving it until the CEL comes on. Then figure out what to do. Maybe by the time it comes on, someone will have a definitive answer of this is what causes this and here is how to fix it.


This is really a bummer.

papa tiger

Straight on picture of the timing chain on a brand new 3.5L
before the guide or adjuster/tensioner are installed. It is really sloppy to begin with to get enough chain links on the lower crankshaft gear is my estimate after the guide and adjuster/tensioner are installed.
Change oil more often most needed remedy.

Viking1204

Please tell me this will be covered under the extended powertrain warranty? My truck is showing the service engine light and spitting out error code P0016: Crank-Cam position correlation. With all the problems of this Ecoboost engine since I've had it I'm seriously going to consider trading this truck in. Sucks, I don't have a truck payment and really like my truck, just tired of it never running correctly and always having to go into the shop. Even with the extended powertrain warranty I'm out $100 for the deductible. If there's a damn TSB for a know problem Ford should cover it 100% no questions asked.

Cord

The point of the TSB is clearly intended to push vehicle beyond the warranty period. It would appear that Ford is more concerned about all the engines which would be on their dime vs losing a few buyers.