Debris in motor from timing chain?

ALICIA.MAHA

MEMBER
2008 FORD F-150
5.4L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

My truck stopped running. Took to mechanic who said the timing chain exploded. He replaced the timing chain after 3 weeks ($3,600) and then said it was running rough, so he had to drop the oil pan ($600). He said the truck was good but less than 2 miles from his shop, the truck stumbled at the red light like it wanted to quit. Took it back to him, he said he would rip the pan one more time for free. Once done he said the problem is debris from the timing chain in the engine. He said I have 3 options: flush all the engine components which was expensive, replace the engine or pray and hope for the best.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Those aren't good choices and could have been avoided if the pan was dropped when he realized the timing chain "exploded". Now that it was driven and run, debris is likely throughout the engine.

What or how does he suggest flushing the engine components? How much did he say it would cost? If the chain exploded as he described, it is odd that he would have recommended checking in the pan. With that in mind, maybe the flush shouldn't be expensive since you paid a professional so much to fix the issue.

Let me know. I would consider requesting the "flush" at no charge or at cost only. This wasn't your fault. Also, $3600.00 to replace a timing chain is a bit hard to swallow. It does require 11 hours labor but the parts, including new tensioners, guides, and so on wouldn't be more than $300.00. Maybe there was more involved.

Take care,

Joe