Chris74

......There's no doubt I have some "problem" drivers that I am aware of (I'm sure all fleets have them). That is a performance issue in itself - And it certainly now looks like oil change intervals may need to be tightened up with the ecoboosts...........at least in a heavy service fleet application.

But like I said, I do believe Ford has a timing chain problem on their hands here (so do I ) and something smells funny when there is already a different timing chain as a replacement.
I will try to keep you guys posted as we move along here and I work through this with my rep.

LastResort

I did the belt on my WRX.... that was a huge bitch. Dual overhead cams on a horizontal opposed motor. I think they have moved to chains on the new motors.

Watt-maker

Yep, they are in every fleet. At my last job, I knew there was a problem when they started breaking Dana 70 & 80 axle shafts. Also had a few snapped transmissions input shafts and some twisted driveshafts among other things.

EricTheOracle

OP: is weather a consideration? Cold starts on oil starving engines?

EricTheOracle

I'm screwed.

I do the same thing. And here i was concerned about the hanger bearing and U-joints.

awdturbo4

So is there a write up of the replacement procedure and part number for the updated timing chain?

awdturbo4

Even the 5.0's have problems
https://www.f150forum.com/f70/no-more-fords-me-242499/

So not just Ecoboost .
I believe most people that drive their trucks and don't have problems are not even on these forums. So we don't have a number of satisfied owners. Most owners on here mod their trucks or have problems. I'm sure there is some percentage of a failure rate in 5.0's ,ecoboost and even super dutys..
Just my two cents.. 45k on my 2011 Ecoboost no problems yet.

Truck owner

If there is a truck maker out there that can build a truck w/o failure.. let me know, I will be first in line to buy one. You can go to every truck forum and read the same kinds of threads..They may not have the same issues as FORD trucks but have issues just the same..We chose to buy fix or repair daily. The QC of the parts suppliers and there failure rates along with poor QC at plant and unrealistic testing with engines that don't stick around long enough to prove there worth is why we see so many issues as the miles start to rack up or a truck truly being used as a work truck.

Cord

I was hoping to do the repair this weekend. To do this I paid for a 3 day subscription to Helm. Unfortunately, the site is clearly web based. It's not practical to print the procedures (plural), read, high lite and then follow. It's intended for you to have the laptop on the fender and you do the work. Annoying, but OK. I decided to ask for a refund when I couldn't view a single image. Apparently either the 72 hour subscription or the non-commercial user has the images blocked. The procedure is of no use when you can't see the image! Although, not the procedure, I attached an image of what the procedure did look like. Of course, that was only the procedure for removing the front cover. You also need one for removing the valve covers, intake manifold, water pump, alternator, etc! It was easy to manage on a computer, but not easy to print out. After two hours, I gave up and asked for my money back.

It would appear that Chilton has the manual available on-line. Price is about the same as Helm, but you get 30 days instead of 3. Chilton might not be as good as Helm, but it might be more user friendly. No local library had the book which is what I'd prefer.

I know that there is no less than two special tools required. 303-1530 and 303-1248. The first tool isn't expensive, like $30. The second tool ranged from $175 to over $450! It's just a piece of flat steel with some notches! Google the part number with the word "tool" in the criteria. These two are just to install the timing chains. I saw several other tools in the front cover procedure, so these are not the only ones. Now, what I don't know is if these tools are required for the job or if they just make it easier. Nobody has been able to answer that question for me.

Because I don't have a parts list pulled together (other than the two tools, timing chains, tensioner and that I'll need a new crank bolt), I don't see how I'll be able to do the job this weekend. Due to dead lines, this means it will need to be a shop job. Of course, my preferred garage is hesitant to take the job on because they don't want to buy the tools either.

Smokin Joe

I think one of the tools is a bar used to lock the cams in place while chain is off. This saves you from having to retime the engine. I have seen these tools used before on German cars.