I recently purchased a 2018 5.0 with high mileage (100k) and am looking to tune with the Omega tune. When I purchased the truck it had a decent service history from the previous owner, oil changes every 7,000 miles on average. About 1000 miles after purchase it started to run rough at idle and I received a single P0012 code for cam position. The selling Toyota dealership said they serviced the truck but to be safe I changed the oil with a quality synthetic, changed the plugs and flushed the cooling system. The rough idle is much better and it appears to be getting better over time, my guess is either they had the wrong viscosity oil or the previous owner used cheap oil and it gummed up the VCT/phasers. Only other issue I have with the engine is a knock sound on the lower rear passenger side area which seems to be common and goes away just off idle.

My question is am I safe to tune at this point, do I need to wait and flush the system a couple more times until the idle smooths out or skip the tune in fear of hurting the motor?

 

I wouldn’t recommend adding that layer of complexity when you’re already having issues. It’s like installing a lift when you already have suspension problems. Get the truck squared away before you start making changes.

 

These engines turn at very low RPMs. They are performance engines de-tuned for a truck. I used to get my Cadillac NorthStar engine running really good again with an "Italian" tuneup. Do some carbon-cleaning driving. Get it up to operating temp and get the RPMs up high for extended driving. At least 3-4k RPMs. I haven't done it on the F-150 yet but for my Caddy I would lock it in 2nd and drive it around 45-50mph at as much wide open throttle as I could. Noticeable better after the "tune up".

 

stock trucks are not even 100% safe .. everytime you increase the performance of anything beyond the stock level's there is a Risk .. even with no issues its not safe to tune .. only you can determine if you are willing to take the risk

 

100% agreed. Nobody can say for sure thats its safe, there are going to be lots that have tuned with no issues and then there will be lots that tuned and had major issues. If you got the money for potential repairs then go for it but if you dont have extra money to burn then stay away

 

Personally, I'd have everything looked at that you think needs looking at. If you have E85 in your area, try a few tanks of that and go do some WOT pulls and get out on the highway and get everything up to temp for extended period of time. Fix what needs fixin' then tune that thing! Maybe consider 5Star since they offer a warranty, not sure about mileage restrictions but a phone call can get you that info.

 

Thanks guys, I'm aware of the inherent risks in general in modifying a vehicle and I'm willing to go down that road. In the case of this vehicle since it has higher mileage and I'm not the original owner I'm going to keep it mild with just a tune and maybe some other minor bolt-ons. This being my first Ford I'm not as familiar with the common major issues these motors have though I've read that previous generations had VCT and phaser issues, haven't seen too much on the gen 3 yet. I think to be safe I'll change the oil a couple more times and see if things continue to improve.

 

Good luck getting a tune. As of yesterday most tuners announced they would no longer be offering tunes due to some EO's signed by the current administration that allows tuners to be fined by the EPA for tampering with emissions and such.

 

Do you have a link to this? First I have heard of this for gas engines, diesel yes not gas. I would be interested in reading up on this.

Thanks WB

 

All these vehicles are man made and designed...they can fail at any time. I would fix the basic problems, do all the maintenance and tune away!!!

Also would like a link to this EPA tampering emissions. 5 Star just done a revision for me and just was about to order another tune from them.