Scotty, we have a 2009 Ford F2 50 with a three valve 5.4 L engine. It has some issues and we took it to a trusted mechanic and they said that it has a cam phaser issue and has a timing chain problem. Should we get these issues fixed or get a new engine for the truck? We have seen some videos on YouTube and gotten the opinion of some mechanics that say we should just get a new engine and it is not worth having it repaired. What would you think? Thanks!
In my opinion, it would depend upon factors such as odometer miles, overall condition of the engine, and others. But without that information, I would make the following general recommendations:
If less than about 120K miles, and engine otherwise in good shape, fix it. But don't just do the cam phasers, get a full kit and do the timing chains, idlers, phasers, just do it all. Cost about $190.00 before tax/shipping. Labor about 6.5 hours (in our shop), owner hours ??? And doing a full kit is actually not that easy for an average owner to do.
Over about 220K miles, I'd recommend a long block w/full valvetrain and pumps.
Conditions of other elements, such as transmission and drivetrain as a whole would impact a decision.
You have probably already seen the following links:
