2005 Expedition timing chain kit replacement. Can a (fairly capable) newbie do it? (moral support thread)

[aldub516]

Hello all, new comer here, and looking for advice/help, so thank you in advance. A quick backround, I have close to no real knowledge or experience working on cars/engines etc. I am a vehicle dummy, but have had great success on things i did repair via youtube videos and lots of research, so i am a very handy, and capable person. Im very comfortable with Building, repairing, tools, carpentry etc. So im capable of doing this type of work, with the right guidance. I recently received a $3800 estimate/kiss of death for a timing chain replacement kit +phasers for my 2005 expedition king ranch edition, which has 230,000 miles on it, but has run like a gem for the 5 years i had it (zero problems aside of general maintenance). The truck is currently running fine, but with some rattling in the timing chain area that started awhile back. The problem recently began with a check engine light and error code p0340. I started trouble shooting with the camshaft position sensors, crankshaft sensor, and finally had to bring it to a pro. The timing chain is his diagnoses. So I have 4 options-
1) Pay for this repair ($3800 + whatever comes up during the repair)-- not a great option for a 2005 with 230,000 miles on it
2)Sell the truck for a few grand since its still running and is a beautiful truck, and try to put a down payment and finance something newer
3) Put a newer engine in it if i can for under $6k and get a few more years out of her (assuming everything else is in decent condition)-- Being a vehicle dummy, i dont even know if this is a realistic option
4) try and repair it myself.

Money is not a giant issue as far as finding a solution. I have the money to do whats best, but figuring out whats best is the key. Im not "balling" as they say, so if i could get some more life out of this girl for $2k or less, id love to, anything above that is worth considering moving on.

I have a first initial (and silly) question so i can begin doing the research and effort on my own. I found a great 4 part video on you tube here - YOUTUBE FORD ENGINE REPAIR
It states this video is for a ford 5.4L 3v Engine. But my 2005 expedition engine is a 5.4L V8. Aside from the differences in these engines, can anyone please confirm if this video walkthrough would work on my engine as well? or just the 3 valve. It seems a lot of people have had success following that video, and ive had a lot of success with my truck repairs via youtube help. I feel confident this video along with a lot of other reading up will get me to my goal. I just cannot find a solid answer on if this repair on the 5.4L 3v will work on the 5.4L V8. If this is stupid/obvious, im sorry. But this is my starting point.

With that being said, generally, can anyone offer any small tips/lessons while attempting this? I intend on buying the ford oem parts, and the necessary tools. I have a large workshop full of tools, and plenty of capable and smart friends with relative experience in this stuff, just not timing chains specifically. My fear is once I get into the repair, i dont know enough to observe any other issues or problems, but alas, my mechanic was going to do a timing chain kit and phasers, so thats what id like to attempt. The mechanic said until he actually gets into the timing chain and looks at it, he cant say exactly what it may need, but that was beyond the normal diagnosis. He DID do a oil pressure test which he says is the first thing to check to see if its even worth saving the engine. Oil pressure came back at 35 psi and he said thats good, and onto the timing chain. Thank you so much for reading this and any time you have to offer some guidance. Im confident i can get this done with a little help.. and thus far, figuring out if this video applies to my engine is the first small hurdle.. Thank you!

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Weldome to the forum. I think you should leave it to the pros. Yes, 5.4L 3v is in your truck. That means 3 valves per cylinder. Every Expedition with a 5.4L has 3v after 2002. Timing chain is something that can be detrimental if you install it wrong and it could cost you more in the long run. This is something youtube can not teach, and that is experience.

 

[aldub516]

I do appreciate your advice, and also your response to my question. It's hard to justify spending that money to have it repaired.. In the condition its in (the king ranch is a beautiful truck) I believe I can still get a decent price for it, and put that towards a newer vehicle + $4k cash that i'd otherwise spend on the repair. $10 k down should get me going in something decent with a good monthly payment. Ideally even for $2k, if I COULD do this myself, and give the truck a little more life that would be the best case scenario, but I also know how easy it is to mess this up and end up with a pile of parts and being lost. I will confer with some people I know that work on cars, and dig a little deeper. Unless I am 1000% sure I can do this, I won't. It seems the most reasonable move is to sell the truck and move on. I would just love to "kick the bucket down the road" a bit and not have to spend thousands right now. Thank you again!!!

 

[Hamfisted]

If you really like the Expy and it's in good shape overall, investing in a new motor may be your best option. The 2005 model year was the first to come out with the 3V motor, and many issues were discovered by unfortunate owners. Anybody that does any research on the early 3V Expies would not buy them. But if you already have one and all it needs is a new motor, that is a lot cheaper than new car payments, and then you have a new motor that you know the history of and can have confidence in it's reliability for many years to come. You would also increase the value of the vehicle if you ever did decide to sell it down the road, if you can show receipts for a new motor and all maintenance history. But as to your original question. If you've never done a timing chain job before, the 3V 5.4 motor is not the place to start. There's just too many opportunities for mistakes, and one mistake can cost you a motor anyway.







.

 

[aldub516]

I watched through the entire video, and although there were no parts that made me think "this is impossible", it simply became a time/ risk vs reward thing. Basically the entire engine comes apart and i could see me saying "i shouldve just spent the money at the mechanic"....Now, I did NOT consider a new engine until my friend mentioned it, and that might be a very reasonable option. I love this truck. The king ranch has such beautiful leather, interior, etc. The idea of putting roughly 4-6 K into this old truck as a repair sucks, but putting 4-6K into a new engine that will give this truck a few more years is not a bad option. I am going to look into the new engine option as my new first option. With that being said, any advice you may offer into what to look for now that im upgrading? What might you do in my position? Like I said its not like im flat broke, but I also enjoy NOT having a new monthly bill. If a few grand for a new engine will get me EVEN A FULL YEAR out of this truck id be content.. Just trying to kick this issue down the road until Im ready to spend money on something new. Thank you all for the input!

 

[Hamfisted]

Do you have a shop in your area willing to do the engine swap ? See what rebuilder they like to use. Some shops will only use certain rebuilders to warranty their work.

 

[mhg1]

check out this site for a replacement

Ford 5.4 3 valve 3 engine 2004,2005,2006,f150,3 valve,vin 5,expedition

FORD 5.4 04-06 COMP ENGINE. VIN 5. F150, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, SOHC. BLOCK # . HEAD #2L1E-6090-DA- 3 VALVE PER CYLINDER. THIS ENGINE COMES DRESSED WITH THE OIL PAN & TIMING COVER AND ALSO THE NEW UPDATED CAM PHASERS INSTALLED ON THE HEADS

www.powertrainproducts.net

Was reviewed on Power Nation TV here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGPIYu9Oltk
Mike

 

[BlackBetty]

Checkout FordTechMakuloco on YouTube. I follow his channel. Have gained a wealth of information. He’s a prior Ford tech that branched out on his own; now has his own shop.

Look through his posts… I guarantee you there is something else you have an issue with that he has covered.

I saved this particular series (4 parts) of videos covering timing chain swaps for my old Eddie Bauer. Never did it because the daughter drives it now. Tried to tell her 305k miles is an impressive number to reach, but it won’t last. Was hoping to get my truck back once she’s able to get a new vehicle. It’s so ratted out now I don’t think I want it back.

Back to the topic at hand… I think you’ll find the information in the videos either inspirational, or discouraging, depending on your abilities, access to tools, and proper working environment.

I am a Government contractor that spends a lot of time away from home, my tools, and garage. So, there are many things I put off until I get back home. Sometimes I get lucky and will be at a military installation that has an auto craft shop that I can use (retired Army). But, with something as involved in a timing chain I don’t have the time. Nor, will I have the option to “run back out” to the dealer, or auto parts store, to exchange out that wrong part they gave me, get the part I forgot, etc.

With that said, I’ve actually got an appointment with FordTechMakuloco later this month for a timing chain replacement (and all the upgraded parts involved), and walnut blast of my valves.

Oh, might need this…

Ford 5.4L 3v Engine Timing Chain Kit Replacement Pt 1 of 4: Getting to the Engine

These are the Tools and Parts needed for the job:Updated Latest Ford Timing Kit-https://amzn.to/3Y725xy2004-2014 Engines Latest Roller Followers x24-https://...

youtu.be

 

[BlackBetty]

One other thing… Brian, the guy in the video link I sent, does not speak highly of remanufactured engines. He’s really big on genuine Ford parts. He also will let you know when Ford does something crappy, too.

He’ll warn you of some of the companies that sell replacements. Just be sure to get a good warranty. You can surf through the videos to find more info on that subject.

Whatever you decide good luck.

 

[SafariGoneWrong]

It’s a time consuming and tedious job. In addition to phasers, chains, tensioners and guides, replacing the oil pump, roller followers and lash adjusters are a must. I did this myself over 5 years ago but have about 45 years of experience doing all kinds of car mechanical work. Of course there are more design problems with this engine, the passenger side exhaust manifolds warp and crack and are very difficult to replace…. The timing and cylinder head work is something I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do but me, having done the job. If I had a 230K mile Expedition that needed a timing job, I’d probably go with a Powertrain Products reman with new exhaust manifolds and some other new peripherals. Good luck and if you keep it, be sure to get the Ford shop manual—a must.

 

[proftomda]

It sounds like you are a capable guy so I would ask 2 questions. 1. Do you have a decent place to work on it and 2. Do you possess patience when working on mechanical things? With all the information available to do this job, it really a matter of following directions carefully. I did this job about 5 years ago on my sons truck. I methodically removed every part and laid them out on tables in the order removed and it still took me multiple days. Truck runs perfectly with that improved oil pump and cast iron timing tensioners. I did not do the roller followers because the truck only had 100k on it. You definately want to do those at your mileage. 5W-30 oil is this engines best friend.

 

[clbaseballa25]

I found this through a Google search and here’s my situation:

2006 Expedition Limited 131k. Paint is faded from AZ sun and front seats are torn. It ran smooth for 3yrs and I have only put about 4K/yr on it as I have a short work commute and only really use it for towing my motorcycles to the local track(10mi round trip) other than commuting.

Back in Dec while driving to work I swerved to avoid some road debris and afterwards I couldn’t accelerate above 50mph. I got a check engine light and shut down the motor. I ran the codes and got 3 misfire codes but stupidly cleared them and haven’t been able to get the codes to come back as the engine will crank but not start.

I noticed an oil leak from the passenger side VCT and replaced it. Still doesn’t start. I had a mobile mechanic look at it and he couldn’t determine root cause only that there was no spark. He determined it might be PCM but couldn’t say for certain. Since then I have done an oil change, changed crank angle sensor and cleaned throttle body and both cam position sensors. I had another mobile mechanic look at it and he determined it’s low compression and most likely timing chain issues(possibly skipped). Before the breakdown it ran fine however I noticed a rattling noise from passenger side that I thought was alternator but now think it was the chain tensioner.

Like OP I can do replacement work but wouldn’t know what to check while doing it. I have done a timing belt before but not a chain. I am willing to put maybe $1500 into this as due to the paint and front seats it’s worth maybe $3-4k max in running condition so no point paying $5k+ for a quality rebuilt motor.

That said, where would I go to get the timing chain set? I found this kit on Amazon and it looks like OEM parts but a few reviews have said it is missing some of the parts needed: https://a.co/d/5dPjNOv

 

[SafariGoneWrong]

I’ve been using Varsity Ford Parts online and have been very pleased. Of course you have to get the individual components but at least you know it’s Ford.

 

[clbaseballa25]

2 days in of taking my sweet time and accumulating a few tools in the process and have the timing cover off.

It looks like it’s just the passenger side guide that failed and don’t see any other damage, but haven’t dropped the oil pan yet. I have done an oil change while it was sitting and didn’t see any shavings in there, however, it looks like the video suggests changing from 5w20 to 5w30.

In addition I need a new A/C compressor and was able to get the passenger side head cover off without evacuating the system, but now need to do that before I go any further.

Other than dropping the oil pan and pressing on the rocker covers to see if any are bad what else should I check while in there?

I also pulled a couple of cam caps on the passenger side and saw what looks like normal wear and tear with no major scoring.

Here’s a few pics

 

[proftomda]

Hard to tell by the photos but does the 2nd to the bottom cam lobe in the picture have a groove on it or is smooth and flat across the lobe? If smooth and flat, everything else appears normal for the mileage. Definately go with 5w-30 oil, keep that oil level full and no more than 5,000 miles oil changes.

 

[mbtech2003]

Freedom racing has all the parts needed as kits. Some come with tools too. Being a 2005 I would replace camshaft phasers too lifters and followers oil pump. Piece of mind.

https://www.freedomracing.com/5-4l-3v-2004-2010-ford-oem-cam-phaser-timing-chain-upgraded-oil-pump-and-vct-solenoid-replacement-kit.html?___store=default&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3tCyBhDBARIsAEY0XNkPo0CcjDAOr7Cqcx9kk0Dq7AV_N39v3-jDmzppapGSkFGI8ejceicaAnU0EALw_wcB

 

[clbaseballa25]

As I posted in my other thread it turned out the damage was beyond what I was willing to repair and sadly had to cut my losses. If the paint and front seats were in better condition it may have been worth throwing another $4k in a junkyard engine with a 2yr warranty and having the shop put the new timing parts on but even at 131k I imagine the max value would’ve been $4k in that condition.

Thankfully I was able to return a few of the parts that were bolted on but I’m still stuck with $800 in labor and $1000 in parts I can’t return(timing kit and camshafts) and will be lucky to resell for half of what I paid.



Oh well, at least I got 3yrs of service even if I only put 13k on it and ended with 131k on the clock. Here’s the fondest memory of ol’ Expy who when she ran could haul my bikes to the track with the greatest of ease…

 

[proftomda]

What was the engine damage you are referring to?

 

[clbaseballa25]

Apparently the metal from the end of the cam that sheared off got in the bottom end and resulted in enough damage that a rebuild was necessary