2012 With 113k Miles Timing Job Already?

[Mediamonkey11]

I knew when I bought it it'd need a phaser and chain job at some point, though I was hoping it would last a while until needing it.

Car has 113k on the ticker and rattles a bit on startup, especially when cold, so I'm assuming it needs the whole Kit n' Kaboodle, just curious if this is normal or to be expected at this mileage or not.

I've had a 2000 Expy, and a 2020 Expy, but now have our 2012 so I'm technically new to the 5.4 3v.

Any recommendations on whole timing kits to purchase? I'll be doing this job by myself.

Thanks y'all!

 

[mr_dave]

If it's just a rattle on startup, the failure is probably one or both chain tensioners. Specifically, the weak rubber gasket fails and it can no longer build and hold pressure to keep proper chain tension.

Now, I can't say whether or not it's worth only replacing the tensioners or if you might as well do everything "while you're in there," since I haven't done it yet myself. If you do decide to do the whole timing system, I would also suggest that you replace the oil pump with a high volume Melling unit.

I recommend watching some 5.4L 3V videos from this guy so you can make an informed decision: https://www.youtube.com/@fordtechmakuloco

 

[RobE]

2011 5.4L 3V with 203k and hasn't needed a timing chain, tensioner or phaser replacement yet.

 

[Stephen Dunster]

Put me in the don't worry about it camp. I have a 2013 that I purchased with 99,351 miles. It always had a "minor" startup rattle from the day of purchase. Within 1-2 seconds of starting the noise was gone. Fast forward 4 years to 295,000. Noise lasted longer at atart up and I decided to act. The cam phasers were fine, but the tensioners had broken.