Fellow F150 owners. Greetings. I have a '05 SCREW Lariat w/128,000 miles that the engine is going to be removed for head removal to access a broken spark plug. Since the timing chains are going to be exposed should I have the shop go ahead and replace both timing chains while they are at it? Thanks for your advice.

 

The Lisle tool could not remove the plug?

 

jamie, I ended up breaking 7 of 8 and was only able to remove 6 of them. I went through 3 lisle tools with the newest one unable to remove the last broken plug out of cyl #4. I ended up pushing it to far into the head so now the head has to be removed in order for it to come out. I know I'm a dumb***** but it is what it is.... lol.

 

If you're phasers or chains are making noise, then go for it. That is if you don't want to do it yourself, and don't mind paying extra for the parts.

 

My phasers have been making noise for a while but I don't think my chains are. I already screwed up changing the plugs I can't imagine what I would do with timing!

 

Fair enough man. It is a tedious job. Get a quote. If you like the price, then do it. I am a big fan of getting stuff taken care of while you're in there. I will say that if you get the phasers done, get the whole timing system done! Just make sure they don't try to charge you to much extra for labor. It's only going to add maybe an hour to the labor.

 

X2 on getting the whole timing system done, I did the lash adjusters and followers at the same time with my phasers and timing components and she runs and sounds great right now. More power and gas mpg went up to about 15 from 11.5mpg. Just wondering though, isn't it cheaper just to remove the head while the engine is still installed? Seems like that is the route that I would go myself.
Tom

 

yes. Replace the guides and tensioners as it is inevitable they will fail once you get it back up and running. Murphy's law!

 

Well I ended up pushing the plug from #4 cylinder so far into the head that I cracked the piston. Of course it was at TDC. Now getting the piston, rod, rings etc replaced. Also, since the motor is torn apart anyway I'm having them replace the guides, tensioners, VCT, and phasers. They are only charging me parts and not labor.

 

Wow, that's something. That was a stroke of rotten luck to have the piston at TDC. It's a good thing you're getting the rest of the stuff taken care of since the engine is out. Let us know what the final bill is for that job. Won't be pretty.