HI All
2015 f150 4x4 sport off road, 3.5 Ecoboost, 124k miles, runs perfect. wife saw a quarter size spot of red under truck so she took it to the dealer today (I am out of the area)
they checked tranny fluid and stuff all levels are good. but said the "timing belt cover" was slightly leaking and if she wanted it would cost 2040.00 to change the "timing belt" she called me and I said no freaking way.
doesn't this truck use a timing chain? and how hard/long would it take me to replace it? I have overhauled aircraft turbine engines for 17 years and the last 17 have been repairing and building planes so I have some mechanical abilities... I do no my limits and I am not a truck mechanic hence why I am asking the questions on here. are there any special tools needed or is it straight forward of a job? thanks for any help on my questions and any advice on what extra would be needed if I change it. DOES IT NEED CHANGING THIS SOON?
THANKS
Larry

 

If it is only weeping I would just let it leak. Yes, it is a chain, not a belt. Actually there are 3 chains, a primary which runs from the crankshaft to each intake cam, and two secondary that tie the exhaust cams to the intake cams. If you are not having problems with the engine then I wouldn't change anything.

And yes, you should be able to perform the timing chain R&R yourself with the help of a proper repair manual. It is involved, but not overly complicated except for lining up all the appropriate timing marks.

 

Have not replaced timing components on my 3.5l gen 1 yet. Experienced mechanics with a lift get the job done in +/- 10 hours. So for me figure 2-3 days.

Yes there are a few special tools required. Check out Ford Tech Makuloco 3 part series on YouTube.

Sounds like your truck has an oil weep and the dealer is taking advantage of the wife. Computer will set codes when timing components are worn out. Even that isn’t an emergency, just means it is time to start planning to do the repair.

So back to red spot. 6R80 trans leak for a couple reasons. Let’s rule out fluid expansion from excessive heavy towing out the overflow. A few early 2011 trans had a pump leak. And all potentially leak at the control cable bulk head fitting. Trans tail shaft seal leak can get into the area between the trans and transfer case. And the transfer case uses the same fluid.

I’d tell my wife to keep an eye out for excessive leaks and just drive it. When you get home crawl under and figure it out.

 

THANK YOU ALL
Larry