2010 - 2014 5.4 cam phaser parts et al end of life?

[inmanlanier]

Hello, all. We have a 2012 Expy with ~114K miles. It's been great. We've not yet exhibited any cam phaser symptoms (clatter at cold startup). We have the original cam phaser system with no failures of any of the related parts (sensors, chain, oil pressure reducing block, phasers).

I've concluded you're either unfortunate enough to have an 'early' defect (which clearly we don't have) OR unlike bearings/heads/etc - at some point in time the phaser parts should be a preventive replacement should you choose to keep the car long term. I've seen many postings for 250K mileage plus Expys with our motors.

QUESTION TO ALL WITH ORIGINAL PHASERS:
If you, like us have over 100K miles on the OEM engine internals, can you please post your miles?

QUESTION TO ALL WITH REGARD PREVENTIVE PARTS REPLACEMENTS:
If some of you have gone extended miles and have chosen to replace the parts preventively (phasers, chain, followers(?), perhaps upgraded oil pump) - please advise what the mileage was when you did this, what parts were replaced and how much it cost.

 

[Fasttimes]

I had a 2010 with 189k miles when I sold it earlier this year. Never had any cam related issues, or transmission issues and we towed a 7000 RV quite a bit.

 

[twodollars]

Did my 2013 at approx 110k. Had noise at startup rarely. In my case, both tensioner seals had failed and the pass side cam had started to wear in its journals. I replaced chains, guides, tensioners, roller followers, and added high volume oil pump. With parts and special tools I was in for about 600 in parts. Used a melling kit from rock auto, followers I picked up somewhere else.

 

[inmanlanier]

Did my 2013 at approx 110k. Had noise at startup rarely. In my case, both tensioner seals had failed and the pass side cam had started to wear in its journals. I replaced chains, guides, tensioners, roller followers, and added high volume oil pump. With parts and special tools I was in for about 600 in parts. Used a melling kit from rock auto, followers I picked up somewhere else.

Did you also replace the worn cam? All followers or just the one(s) worn?

 

[twodollars]

Some of The followers on the passenger side had play in their rollers, so I replaced both pass and driver side followers. The cam journals are aluminum, cam is steel, only way to fully address is a new head. Play in mine was about .002, really just enough to feel move. I left as it was, but that's part of the reason I added the higher volume oil pump.

 

[rwmorrisonjr]

I did mine at 150k: phasers, roller followers, tensioners, chains, guides, and oil pump. Ran like a tank and was running well when I sold it last week at 185k miles.

 

[Dennis_H]

Just had mine done at 205K. Had a tensioner that had blown and could hear the chain till pressure went up. Usually only lasted a few seconds though. They tested oil pressure before pulling it apart and was still at 50PSI. Didn't expect any other issues, but the passenger side cam had some some scoring (saw the pics) on the lobes, so went ahead and had the cam replaced also along with new roller followers on that side. Added the Melling 360 oil pump, new plugs, boots, one of the idler pulleys that was on its way out, with the rest of the timing stuff. Runs like a top now.

It was about 7K for everything with 2yr unlimited mileage warranty. I definitely debated that, but looked at replacement costs for another vehicle that I had any idea what the history was and bit the bullet. Another 2 years will be basically $290 a month payment equivalent, and there is nothing out there at that price right now...

 

[inmanlanier]

I did mine at 150k: phasers, roller followers, tensioners, chains, guides, and oil pump. Ran like a tank and was running well when I sold it last week at 185k miles.

Do you remember what you paid for the job?

 

[RobE]

QUESTION TO ALL WITH ORIGINAL PHASERS:
If you, like us have over 100K miles on the OEM engine internals, can you please post your miles?

2011 Expedition King Ranch. 188k miles. Original OEM internals. Occasionally I can hear the timing chains rattle quietly on startup, but I don't drive it daily and figure it will last a few more years so why bother? Runs good, still gets low 19+ mpg on the highway. Just drove it 1600+ miles for vacation and ran flawlessly. (Passenger front window regulator just replaced yesterday.)

 

[inmanlanier]

thanks ALL - please keep the experience coming!!!

 

[JamaicaJoe]

One year in ownership of a 2013 with 117K miles. I (retired) have driven just 2000 miles so far. As far as I know from the CARFAX only routine maintenance done previously ~5K miles oil changes. I will be doing at 3K miles in future. Oil tested at Blackstone, looks very good. Had a bit of noise on start up and it turns out the AC compressor rattles a short bit when it engages. So if you hear something that is worrisome, turn off the AC when you start up. Only problem so far is a code regarding slow o2 sensor on Passenger side. If it returns I am having both o2 sensors changed. My fingers very crossed on this and knocking on fake wood. Otherwise a very quiet and powerful ride. I did buy one of those extended warranties , ridiculous 20 years unlimited miles, only covers the parts bathed in oil. But guess what, it includes the valve train. So I guess that is something should the chain rattle or god forbid a rocker stop-a-rockin.

 

[CVguy]

My 2011 EL Limited has 270K miles on (what I strongly suspect to be) the original timing chains and phasers, bought it at 257K. The previous owner always changed the oil on time anywhere between 2,000 to 5,000 miles. Everything's documented pretty well on Carfax, there is no mention of timing chain replacement though. Never had timing chain rattle or phaser noises even if it sits for a week or two at a time.

I've been running 5W-30 Valvoline Restore and Protect for the last few oil changes, it seems to be doing a good job cleaning out varnish/buildup (to be expected after 270K miles).

I've been meaning to reach out to them and try to get some more history/info about it. I'll most likely be going through and doing the usual 3v tune-up around 300K miles (new roller followers, oil pump, timing components).

 

[inmanlanier]

Only problem so far is a code regarding slow o2 sensor on Passenger side.

You're definitely end of life for O2 sensors. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to change.

 

[Pilgrim]

2008 currently at 319,000 miles. Engine has never been touched except plugs. Runs well. Will likely rust away before it dies up here in the cold, snowy north.

 

[inmanlanier]

2008 currently at 319,000 miles. Engine has never been touched except plugs. Runs well. Will likely rust away before it dies up here in the cold, snowy north.

WOW

 

[Homer]

I have a 2013 expedition xl 4wd. Used to be SSV. Bought at 136,00. I now have 212,00 and only replaced heater hoses and a stick open thermostat along with brakes and oil. Very solid vehicle. Now that I think of it, I better change spark plugs.

 

[sully963]

2011 with 162k miles with original parts and no noise. Purchased at 89k and use 5w30 full synthetic at 3,500 intervals ever since. Original owner did 5k oil change intervals and was using motorcraft 5w20 blend.

 

[Snuffy]

2013 King Ranch 4WD.

Like clockwork, mine started ticking at 185K, there were metal shavings in the oil pan for the first time right after that, and it died a horrible death while driving about a 1500 miles later. I’m guessing it jumped timing on the passenger side given that it would sort of idle with my feathering the gas pedal but not for very long and it was making really bad noises.

Not sure whether to be “accepting of it” for having gone 185K without any issues or disappointed or angry at Ford because I took meticulous care of that truck and it was in great shape in and out, and it let me down. Full synthetic oil changes every 5K, fluids replaced ahead of schedule, etc.

When it started ticking, my mechanic said it might die soon or it might last years, but either way I was going to be buying a new engine ($9-$10K w a 4 year warranty) since replacing parts wasn’t worth it for how much needed to be done (plus labor), to still have an engine with 185K. Replacing the engine also wasn’t worth it given the value of the vehicle, even when running.

Sadly, I ended up selling it and we got a 2023 Sequoia because the new Fords have their own sets of engine issues (cam phasers, turbos, etc) and I didn’t want to deal with all that again. The sequoia has its own limitations (like any car) but it had the most pluses and fewest minuses compared to the Expy, Yukon/Tahoe, Durango, Lexus GX’s, and Mercedes GLS450, Armada, and a few other. Lots of 3 row SUVs out there until you need to tow 7000 lbs and take long trips with the family.

 

[Brons2]

I was going to do mine, but, then at 163K the transmission went out. It started going into limp mode, and if I kept turning it off and on at the stoplights, eventually it would catch and then work normally. I limped it along like that for a while but a rebuild was going to be $3K at a local well regarded transmission shop. My brother in law has a used car lot and he offered me $2K for it, so I took it. That was a lot better than some of the dealers when I shopped it around, none of them were above $1000. I'm guessing my BIL will put a used transmission in it and sell it down the road.

Melling Professional timing kit with metal tensioners and Melling M360HV waiting in the garage, maybe I'll sell em on eBay or something.

Picked up a lease on a F150 Lightning XLT for ultra cheap right before Christmas. I am loving this truck and can't see myself going back to ICE. It's not for everyone but for me and the way I use my vehicles, it's amazing. Electricty cost charging at home is about a quarter of what gas was costing me (I have an EVSE that measures consumption at the outlet). It drives a bigger than the Navigator did but the ride is also a bit cushier. Has coil springs in the back, no leaf springs.

Good luck all with your 5.4 3Vs. I had mine 4 years and 3 months and it never let me down, the engine at least. Well except for that heater hose that broke, but I should have replaced it pre-emptively since it was 10 years old when it broke.

 

[inmanlanier]

Melling Professional timing kit with metal tensioners and Melling M360HV waiting in the garage, maybe I'll sell em on eBay or something.

Please PM me regarding your parts. I may be interested.