2012 engine fix options?

[papaweely]

I have watched Fordtechmakuloco videos.
1) I am concerned if changing to 5w30 oil would blow out the tensioner seals quicker? Seems that 5w20 would flow faster and reach the heads quicker, or, if the seals are already blown, 5w30 would bleed off less and reach the heads quicker?
2) I see some have replaced tensioners with metal ratcheting style. Best option?
3) What about the cam phaser lock out option? Cost effective?
I am undecided if to do all the preventative repairs, run till it won't and install an updated long block or trade it off?

 

[S20Workstation4]

Switching to 5W-30 is your best bet to get good oil pressure and volume. I've been using 5W-30 since i bought my 2010 new, and it didn't blow a tensioner seal until 218k miles.
Metal tensioners have the possibility of contributing to timing chain stretch issues, it's best to go with the factory OEM Tensioners.

The Cam Phaser lockout's are really up to you. If you lock them out, you'll lose a couple MPG and some performance, but you shouldn't have to worry about them failing again. I never locked out the phasers on mine; I installed new phasers 13k miles ago, and have had no issues.

-Joe

 

[rwmorrisonjr]

I switched to the metal non-ratcheting Melling tensioners after my second set of OEM tensioners blew out with less than 10k miles on them. No issues with chain stretch or rattle. 5W-30 is speced for the 5.4 3v outside North America; 5W-20 is speced in North America for CAFE compliance.

 

[callwill]

2011 1with 125k miles. Ive owned it for about 18 mos. I use 10w30 for summer oil changes.

 

[papaweely]

Not sure I need a new thread for this question/same topic;
Anyone know of a 5.4L 3V specialist in or near Virginia? I really don't want to drive 12 hours to see FordTechMakuLoco. Would like to diagnose the health of my engine to see if an oil pump/timing update is a good investment, or just wait till it fails and go PowerTrain.

 

[papaweely]

Come on guys. Someone has to know an excellent 5.4L 3V specialist within Virginia or nearby. I occasionally have a startup rattle, and need to decide if to refresh or let go till failure and replace engine.

 

[rwmorrisonjr]

Come on guys. Someone has to know an excellent 5.4L 3V specialist within Virginia or nearby. I occasionally have a startup rattle, and need to decide if to refresh or let go till failure and replace engine.

I don't know of a good 5.4 specialist in VA, but I don't letting it run until is fails is a good idea financially. $3k-ish for the timing, phasers, tensioners, and roller followers (incl. labor)) vs. ~&$8-10k for replacing the engine is a much better plan.

The 5.4 3v is a good engine if you treat it well. Don't kill it on purpose.

 

[papaweely]

Has anyone compared dealer cost for the service vs privately owned shop?

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Has anyone compared dealer cost for the service vs privately owned shop?

DON'T........

Unless you have a defib machine and/or EMT's standing right next to you, cause your heart will skip more than a few beats (or stop altogether) when you see what the stealership charges

IMHO, the ONLY reason to go to a stealership for this work is if you absolutely cannot find a quality shop nearby that you can trust to do it right without jackin you up....