So what I thought was just a spark plug ejection (shop fixed a year ago and it backed out recently) has turned into a bigger nightmare.

Took it to a different shop (Denton, TX), and this shop wanted $540 to repair the previously repaired cylinder. They got it together and called me and said that the cylinder is not holding compression at all. They said they think it could be a broken valve spring but want to pull the valve cover first and that'll be another $300 just to remove the valve cover and put it back if I decide enough is enough.

I asked him if they had to remove the head to repair valve seats etc what would we be looking at and he said a minimum of $2000 in labor not including parts.

I am completely at a loss. These rates are ridiculous, and I really don't know what to do.

2001 F150 screw 4x4 with 157k. I probably am just venting at my complete loss but am also seeking advice I guess.

TIA

 

Complete loss? Nahhh....

300$ to pull a valve cover? Eff that. It's no picnic, but it's not worth 300$ for that. I'd only pull that head if the valve is bent. I've seen them break before and just get replaced... and everything is hunky dory again. But... you still need to pull the cover.

 

If the valve spring broke I can promise there has been piston to valve contact. For 2k you could have a lower milage used engine swapped in.

 

I know this shop is way over priced, but I got a funny feeling I won't find 2k labor, motor, installed out the door. Thats more than I really wanna put into this truck, but if I knew of a shop that would do it then I might consider it.

 

I guess the real question is how long it was ran with it broke?

 

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. If it's broke and it was run, chances are there's gonna be something else damaged

 

I believe I would get it out of that shop no matter what you decide to do.

 

Just went through this with my Son's 03 5.4 Expo motor with 215K miles on it.. pulled the valve cover and found the rocker laying on top of the head and a broken spring...replaced theses and fired it up...no good. broke right away..pulled the head and had a cracked piston... found a motor on CL with 145K miles on it for $400 ...paid for the swap out and new gaskets.

 

I had a 2007 5.4. The exact thing happened to me. I made the mistake of trying to repair my truck at a local shop and it turned out to be a mess. The more they took apart the more damage was found because it was driven like that for awhile. I was there at the shop most of the time and actually saw the broken/damaged parts. I ended up spending 3500 bucks. Basically have top half rebuilt and replaced catalytic converters. All started with a broken that little spring. My 5.4 only had 80k miles and was well taken care of. I ended up selling it later. However, if I had to do over again I would do an engine swap. Good luck.

 

Yeah...for the price they quoted him just to look at it, he could add $1500 to that and buy a re-man.