Mechanic says I need a new engine.. 04f150
08-06-2013, 01:18 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mechanic says I need a new engine.. 04f150
First off, hello. I've been browsing this forum over the past few days, trying to find similar issues to mine, and now I'm questioning my mechanic's opinion..
His advice: Replace engine because it's sludged up and this has caused the timing chain to get eaten up. He says he doesn't think cleaning it will help.
Truck history: I am the 2nd owner of the truck, so i can't attest to how regular the oil was changed prior to my ownership but while I have owned it, the oil has been changed every `~5k miles, except for one time it was stretched to about 8k. I have always had the "diesel ticking sound" since I purchased it. Everyone said "that's just the way they sound", which from reading on here, it doesn't seem like I should have accepted that answer (hindsight 20-20).
Beginning of the issue: The truck started having issues (mild jumping, like it was missing) at idle and low RPMS, 1800 and lower and I immediately took it to the mechanic. He hooked it up and the error code that he received led him to believe that it was the cam sensor. He replaced it, felt confident that had fixed it, and sent me on my way. Less than 2 hours later, I brought it back. This did not fix the issue. They popped the valve covers, said the engine was horribly sludged, and the timing chain chewed up, and said I need a replacement engine.
Where I am: I am wondering if this is truly the only solution. after looking at
http://tinyurl.com/k4thux4 (don't worry, it links to a post on this forum, tinyurl just looks cleaner)
and
http://tinyurl.com/f150sludge
I am hoping that I can get out of this situation without having to drop 5300 into a rebuilt engine. {this price is engine, labor, and tax}
Now I know that I have probably not supplied enough information, I am not a mechanic, I am a computer guy with less than shade-tree knowledge of automotive mechanics. So what other information do I need to add to recieve thoughts and opinions from you mechanic savvy folks?
Pictures of the sludge? {Pictures are below} Error Codes? I can try to obtain what you ask for and edit it in here.
Thank you so much if you took the time to read this, I know it's a large bit of text.
His advice: Replace engine because it's sludged up and this has caused the timing chain to get eaten up. He says he doesn't think cleaning it will help.
Truck history: I am the 2nd owner of the truck, so i can't attest to how regular the oil was changed prior to my ownership but while I have owned it, the oil has been changed every `~5k miles, except for one time it was stretched to about 8k. I have always had the "diesel ticking sound" since I purchased it. Everyone said "that's just the way they sound", which from reading on here, it doesn't seem like I should have accepted that answer (hindsight 20-20).
Beginning of the issue: The truck started having issues (mild jumping, like it was missing) at idle and low RPMS, 1800 and lower and I immediately took it to the mechanic. He hooked it up and the error code that he received led him to believe that it was the cam sensor. He replaced it, felt confident that had fixed it, and sent me on my way. Less than 2 hours later, I brought it back. This did not fix the issue. They popped the valve covers, said the engine was horribly sludged, and the timing chain chewed up, and said I need a replacement engine.
Where I am: I am wondering if this is truly the only solution. after looking at
http://tinyurl.com/k4thux4 (don't worry, it links to a post on this forum, tinyurl just looks cleaner)
and
http://tinyurl.com/f150sludge
I am hoping that I can get out of this situation without having to drop 5300 into a rebuilt engine. {this price is engine, labor, and tax}
Now I know that I have probably not supplied enough information, I am not a mechanic, I am a computer guy with less than shade-tree knowledge of automotive mechanics. So what other information do I need to add to recieve thoughts and opinions from you mechanic savvy folks?
Pictures of the sludge? {Pictures are below} Error Codes? I can try to obtain what you ask for and edit it in here.
Thank you so much if you took the time to read this, I know it's a large bit of text.
Last edited by omzo; 08-07-2013 at 02:44 PM. Reason: Clarifications and Pictures
08-06-2013, 08:36 PM
#2
Senior Member
First off, hello. I've been browsing this forum over the past few days, trying to find similar issues to mine, and now I'm questioning my mechanic's opinion..
His advice: Replace engine because it's sludged up and this has caused the timing chain to get eaten up. He says he doesn't think cleaning it will help.
Truck history: I am the 2nd owner of the truck, so i can't attest to how regular the oil was changed prior to my ownership but while I have owned it, the oil has been changed every `~5k miles, except for one time it was stretched to about 8k. I have always had the "diesel ticking sound" since I purchased it. Everyone said "that's just the way they sound", which from reading on here, it doesn't seem like I should have accepted that answer (hindsight 20-20).
Beginning of the issue: The truck started having issues (mild jumping, like it was missing) at idle and low RPMS, 1800 and lower and I immediately took it to the mechanic. He hooked it up and the error code that he received led him to believe that it was the cam sensor. He replaced it, felt confident that had fixed it, and sent me on my way. Less than 2 hours later, I brought it back. This did not fix the issue. They popped the valve covers, said the engine was horribly sludged, and the timing chain chewed up, and said I need a replacement engine.
Where I am: I am wondering if this is truly the only solution. after looking at
http://tinyurl.com/k4thux4 (don't worry, it links to a post on this forum, tinyurl just looks cleaner)
and
http://tinyurl.com/f150sludge
I am hoping that I can get out of this situation without having to drop 5300 into a rebuilt engine.
Now I know that I have probably not supplied enough information, I am not a mechanic, I am a computer guy with less than shade-tree knowledge of automotive mechanics. So what other information do I need to add to recieve thoughts and opinions from you mechanic savvy folks?
Pictures of the sludge? Error Codes? I can try to obtain what you ask for and edit it in here.
Thank you so much if you took the time to read this, I know it's a large bit of text.
His advice: Replace engine because it's sludged up and this has caused the timing chain to get eaten up. He says he doesn't think cleaning it will help.
Truck history: I am the 2nd owner of the truck, so i can't attest to how regular the oil was changed prior to my ownership but while I have owned it, the oil has been changed every `~5k miles, except for one time it was stretched to about 8k. I have always had the "diesel ticking sound" since I purchased it. Everyone said "that's just the way they sound", which from reading on here, it doesn't seem like I should have accepted that answer (hindsight 20-20).
Beginning of the issue: The truck started having issues (mild jumping, like it was missing) at idle and low RPMS, 1800 and lower and I immediately took it to the mechanic. He hooked it up and the error code that he received led him to believe that it was the cam sensor. He replaced it, felt confident that had fixed it, and sent me on my way. Less than 2 hours later, I brought it back. This did not fix the issue. They popped the valve covers, said the engine was horribly sludged, and the timing chain chewed up, and said I need a replacement engine.
Where I am: I am wondering if this is truly the only solution. after looking at
http://tinyurl.com/k4thux4 (don't worry, it links to a post on this forum, tinyurl just looks cleaner)
and
http://tinyurl.com/f150sludge
I am hoping that I can get out of this situation without having to drop 5300 into a rebuilt engine.
Now I know that I have probably not supplied enough information, I am not a mechanic, I am a computer guy with less than shade-tree knowledge of automotive mechanics. So what other information do I need to add to recieve thoughts and opinions from you mechanic savvy folks?
Pictures of the sludge? Error Codes? I can try to obtain what you ask for and edit it in here.
Thank you so much if you took the time to read this, I know it's a large bit of text.
I would take it to another shop or upload some pics for further help. Oh, and welcome to forums and hope you stick around.
08-07-2013, 12:38 AM
#4
Dude, you could get a rebuilt from ford direct or jasper for way cheaper. Either that or rebuild the one you have. I got quoted 5300 for a brand spankin new engine labor included by the dealership. Someone is taking advantage of you. Would like to see the sludge they are referring to.
08-07-2013, 02:52 AM
#5
King Lariat
Rebuilding an engine that's been sludged is a massive pain in the ***. Just pop the heads and take a peek at what it truly looks like. Otherwise drop in a new one.
08-07-2013, 08:18 AM
#6
Mark
iTrader: (1)
agree on the second opinion...
08-07-2013, 01:17 PM
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
$5,300 is a lot for a rebuilt engine. It's difficult to say whether your sludge issue would warranty a complete engine rebuild. But if the timing chain wore into the other parts to the point where there is irrepairable damage, then a new shortblock may be the way to go. I can't imagine that you would have extensive damage to the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft etc. due to the sludge issue. However, I could be wrong as I haven't seen it.
I would take it to another shop or upload some pics for further help. Oh, and welcome to forums and hope you stick around.
I would take it to another shop or upload some pics for further help. Oh, and welcome to forums and hope you stick around.
Trending Topics
08-07-2013, 02:37 PM
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
$5,300 is a lot for a rebuilt engine. It's difficult to say whether your sludge issue would warranty a complete engine rebuild. But if the timing chain wore into the other parts to the point where there is irrepairable damage, then a new shortblock may be the way to go. I can't imagine that you would have extensive damage to the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft etc. due to the sludge issue. However, I could be wrong as I haven't seen it.
I would take it to another shop or upload some pics for further help. Oh, and welcome to forums and hope you stick around.
I would take it to another shop or upload some pics for further help. Oh, and welcome to forums and hope you stick around.
. I should have clarified the 5300, that's for the complete jasper engine as well as labor to pull my current engine and put in the jasper. I spent some time at the shop yesterday, talking to the mechanic, and he let me see under one side of the valve covers and I got some pictures that I'll upload following this. The pictures aren't that good but maybe it will help.The only damage that they've found has been with the timing chain. The top guide is partially broken, so I would need to get a new assembly for sure and probably new VCT solenoids. I'm hoping that we can replace that and clean the sludge.
here's the pictures
The pictures aren't that great but that was the best I could get when I was there.