I have a 2009 F150 With 226K on it. I am debating replacing the timing chain and phasers vs engine replacement. Does anybody have any ideas that might sway me one way or the other.

 

think about how many miles are on your engine and then about how much it will cost to a timing job and phaser job. i have my ideas on what that will cost, $2500. is it really reasonable to put that much money into that high of mileage engine? that decision is yours of course but i wouldn't do it

 

If you have the tools and time, with purchasing the special "cheaper" tools, I had about 1400 USD for my timing swap to include roller, lash adjuster, oil pump, fluids, thermostat, spark plugs, etc. All OEM except oil pump and gaskets. Are you burning any oil between changes? With that many miles though and if you intend to keep this truck for a long time, it maybe worth looking at re-man but that's going to be your choice. I'd start with a compression and valve leak test before deciding. Form there, you can determine the health of the engine and whether or not it will be worth timing or new motor.

 

These engines have 500k mile bottom ends, so with a decent a maintenance history, I wouldn't replace the engine.

Timing job with Ford parts would be right around $1400, mine was more due to having to replace unforeseen parts (P/S pump, lines, front timing cover, etc.). It was also a great time doing the job, the best time I never want to have again.

 

I was going to suggest a compression test too, that will tell you if your rings are going out or not. If you have low compression then I'd be looking for a new engine, or plan to rebuild it. Also if you decide to change the timing set I'd also pull the oil pan and take a good look at your bearing caps, crank and bearings and everything down below. Any abnormal signs down there and you might want to bail on your timing change.

 

i went in thinking a timing chain/phasers would be all and went ahead and bought the parts so that i could possibly do a quick turnaround. And was I in for a shockers. After doing plenty of research I went ahead and found a good deal on phasers/timing chain, water pump, lifter/lashers and etc. But once i started to do the project I opened my valve covers and saw that the passengers side camshaft had worn into the head and i needed new heads. The passenger side was toast and some of the cam holders broke in half when i loosen them up. So instead of spending another $1500 on heads and then possibly needing a new camshaft because metal flakes may have damage it i just bit the bullet and bought a engine from Powertrain while it was on sale. So may advise to you would be to open it up and get a good look at what you are really dealing with before you buy anything and make a sound decision from there.

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