I guess this is more of a rant then anything else. I am frustrated, aggravated and soon to be broke. I have an 05 F150 Crew Cab with the ever popular 5.4 V8 Engine that died on me at 93,000 miles. The shop put in a re manufactured engine , with a 3 yr. 100,000 mile warranty. Thought I would get my truck back last Saturday, but nope...turns out the Variable Valve Actuator is bad and I have to get a new one. $561 more.... on top of the cost of a new engine. I love my truck, but I tell ya, she is really testing my patience and my wallet. .

 

I understand your frustration. 93K is very low miles for an engine to go bad. You will always take a chance on putting a new motor in an old truck but economics often force us to make the move. As for extras, I'd ask for the old parts back and make sure you're not getting the shaft. You might even have the old parts looked at by someone else you trust. Good luck

 

Well the actual miles was LESS than 90,000 miles..more like 87,000. Guess my eye sight is worse than I thought. I got the truck back, and it seems to be running fine. The old engine was used to get the new Jasper engine. Which looks smaller that the one it replaced. I am happy to have my truck, but my savings and 401k are not happy about it.

Thanks for the advice Marc, that makes sense. The challenge I face is I don't trust the shops I have used in the past. This shop came highly recommended by AAA and Angie's list...I keep to myself and don't know a lot of folks around town so I used this guy. Now unfortunately the first time I had to use him it was to replace an engine....and you know Murphy's law always applies in these situations....

 

Well I have to take the truck back to the shop...Walked out and she is leaking oil. The owner told me to watch and see if it was leaking and if so contact him immediately so he could take care of it. This sucks. I know it's maybe weird or not right but I am seriously attached to my truck. I hate not being able to drive it, and after not having it for so long then get it back only to have to take back... It just feels weird.

 

The VCT was probably what was wrong with the old motor. Now getting go that ole oil leak and UR good to go.

 

I think you just found the source of your problem. I would only go by word of mouth recommendations by friends and associates you trust. Unfortunately it seems you didn't have this luxury. It sucks having a hack make a simple problem worse and having to pay so much to get back to the starting point.