Help in Sacramento, CA

[DavidRice5000]

Hi All...long time lurker. I have a 2018 Max Limited with 85,*** miles. Engine has started to make what sounds (at least to my regular mechanic) like worn lifters/bent rods. It isn't a rattle at startup that goes away. I haven't noticed any performance issues or codes. Other than what seems to be a wastegate rattle, the engine has been fine. I bought the truck used at about 70k miles so no idea whether cam phasers were done. My mechanic (good guy) said I might want to take it somewhere that specializes in dealing with this engine (although he will open it up if I want). Any suggestions for where to take it other than the local dealership? Or would I be better working with my trusted mechanic who doesn't have a ton of experience with 3.5 engines? Or something else? Appreciate any recommendations.

 

[East-TN]

Have you tried hooking up a good code reader with the engine running? Can you post a video with good audio of the engine running?

 

[BrianDA]

Have you done an oil change and taken the oil filter apart looking for sparkles? If it's not just at startup, it's probably not cam phasers (my brother is dealing with those, currently). If you're eating bearings, you're sending bearing material to the turbo filter which can plug that filter and wipe out one of your turbos. Not something to sit on.

I'd definitely be more comfortable working with someone with 3.5EB experience. Nothing against your mechanic...