Suggestions and comments wanted.
I have a 2013 F150 with the Ecoboost motor, just turned 77,000 mies.
About 4 weeks ago I was on the freeway traveling to northern Wisconsin. About 2 hours into the trip I noticed a had no power. I would step on the gas pedal and the truck would barely accelerate. I also noticed the rpm's where extremely high when accelerating. No "check engine light" at this point so I decided to keep driving. About 30-40 miles later my "check engine " light came on. At this point at was at my destination.
The next morning the check engine light was still on but all seem normal. The next day the light was off. When I got back into town I made an appointment at my Ford dealer. I had a small list of items I was concerned about, one of those was the recent problem. It also had the common "Timing chain rattle" upon start up.
Two days later I stopped in at the dealer to see what was going on. They had half of the motor ripped apart and were in the process of replacing the timing chain and the tensioners along with what ever else needs replacing when doing such a job. I asked about the codes that were stored and the check engine light. They told me that those issues where possibly due to the timing chain and the timing being off. The mechanic also mentioned the large amount of sludge in the engine. He asked me what type of oil I use and how often I change it. I use Amsoil extended life and all ways change my oil between 8000-10000 miles.
Two weeks later I got my truck back. Last week I was on the same trip and had the same issues happened, so back to the dealer it went. They called me today and informed me they have to tear the engine apart again. They think the sludge is breaking loose and clogging the sensors.
As of today my truck has been in the shop for a total of 96 days since I've owned it. Thank god I purchased the extended warranty.
Has anyone ever experienced these problems?
Thanks in advance for you suggestions and comments.

 

I've been running the same oil, with the same changing period for 188k miles now. I have no sludge (other than the crap in the top end from before I drilled the hole in the CAC). There is nothing in my oil pan that looks like sludge.

D

 

Maybe the previous owner ran crappy oil in and didn't service it enough? Assuming you got it used?

 

I wouldn't run over 5k on any oil in the ecoboost. Have you drilled the cac weep hole? Changed your spark plugs?

What code is being stored?

 

I am the original owner. No weep hole and the plugs were changed at 45,000 miles. The dealership's, so far, has been pretty decent. Except for the fact that the truck might sit on the lot for 3-4 without anyone looking at it.
My concern is that this is going to continually happen. If theres sludge in the timing chair area there got to be sludge everywhere.

 

That oil shouldn't sludge at that mileage. You could always have an oil analysis done by blackstone to see what the internals are doing.

What codes are causing the CEL? You should drill the weep hole. It will eliminate a lot of potential problems. You should also change the plugs again. Most guys here recommend 30k on a set.

 

i agree the new plugs are needed. these trucks are hot and hard on the plugs. 30k-45k max on a set. the gap expands and it will start to idle rough. i was gonna tell u that the 13 was the last year of the thinner timing chain, but they already are doing the service lol. is the amsoil a full synthetic? also what oct fuel do you use?

 

Why Not?

 

Fuel dilution due to it being a turboed direct injection engine.

 

trade in time