Mechanic in DFW, TX experienced in 5.4 3V timing jobs

[Dennis_H]

I've decided I don't want to tackle this thing. I know a chain tensioner seal is leaking, but once up to pressure, all is good. If it is apart, might as well do the whole thing. I usually do minor maintenance myself, brakes, alternators, water pumps, etc, but use a local mechanic for more in depth stuff like swapping a motor, etc. Not sure how many of these timing jobs he's done, but want someone that has experience in it in DFW, TX. They look to be a little finicky and want it done right the first time.
Anyone have experience in the DFW area with recommendations?

 

[eddytheexpy]

Booooo! If it's not your primary/only vehicle and you have a garage to work in, go for it!!! Just take your time, follow the procedure, and once you have the engine open, don't get creative. It's really not all that scary once you get into it. I prepped for about a year before doing this job and in retrospect, that was wayyyyyy overkill. Researching the work while building your shopping list and waiting for the parts to come in is absolutely an appropriate amount of time spent studying. If your vehicle has lived in the TX/SW region its whole life, rust and snapped bolts are off the table making the whole thing easier. The juiciest vehicle work I did before this timing job was either a radiator replacement or rebuilding my suspension while putting in the 2.5" lift. I feel that was a totally adequate amount of wrench operating experience to get into this especially considering how much material there is out there on this job's procedure. Feel free to message me about my experience if you think that info might sway you. I'm happy to help

Whichever way you wind up going, good luck!

 

[Dennis_H]

Booooo! If it's not your primary/only vehicle and you have a garage to work in, go for it!!! Just take your time, follow the procedure, and once you have the engine open, don't get creative. It's really not all that scary once you get into it. I prepped for about a year before doing this job and in retrospect, that was wayyyyyy overkill. Researching the work while building your shopping list and waiting for the parts to come in is absolutely an appropriate amount of time spent studying. If your vehicle has lived in the TX/SW region its whole life, rust and snapped bolts are off the table making the whole thing easier. The juiciest vehicle work I did before this timing job was either a radiator replacement or rebuilding my suspension while putting in the 2.5" lift. I feel that was a totally adequate amount of wrench operating experience to get into this especially considering how much material there is out there on this job's procedure. Feel free to message me about my experience if you think that info might sway you. I'm happy to help

Whichever way you wind up going, good luck!

I thought about it, but without having a good space to work in, no backup vehicle, and planning on being gone for a week while they could work on it kind of put me over the edge. Or... with over 200K, not needing the 6 seats anymore, maybe it's time for a replacement vehicle in the explorer size. Would like 6000lb towing though, so used F150 is also on the table. Not sure what I can get out of this since I just started down that path.

 

[eddytheexpy]

I thought about it, but without having a good space to work in, no backup vehicle, and planning on being gone for a week while they could work on it kind of put me over the edge. Or... with over 200K, not needing the 6 seats anymore, maybe it's time for a replacement vehicle in the explorer size. Would like 6000lb towing though, so used F150 is also on the table. Not sure what I can get out of this since I just started down that path.

oh yeah, not having the space or a backup vehicle really shoots you in the foot. The reason I prepped for a year is because I was living in an apartment complex and finally moved into a house. Once we settled into the house it was game on for the timing job so I totally get it. It actually took me 2.5 weeks to do the work (not due to difficulty, it was hot as all hell in Phoenix so the garage was a survivable temperature only between the hours of 9PM and 8AM and I was only getting 1-2 hours of appreciable work done a day since I kinda need to sleep too haha), even half of that amount of time is an unacceptable duration to not have an operable vehicle.

 

[vurt777]

I've decided I don't want to tackle this thing. I know a chain tensioner seal is leaking, but once up to pressure, all is good. If it is apart, might as well do the whole thing. I usually do minor maintenance myself, brakes, alternators, water pumps, etc, but use a local mechanic for more in depth stuff like swapping a motor, etc. Not sure how many of these timing jobs he's done, but want someone that has experience in it in DFW, TX. They look to be a little finicky and want it done right the first time.
Anyone have experience in the DFW area with recommendations?

DTX Automotive in Dallas. Look them up their reviews speak for themself.

 

[Dennis_H]

DTX Automotive in Dallas. Look them up their reviews speak for themself.

Thanks, I will see what they can do for me.

 

[Dennis_H]

Thanks, I will see what they can do for me.

Talked to them and they sound like they will do a great job and it includes everything including new plugs, but certainly more than I was expecting at 4700 - 5200 range... Need to decide whether to do that, or get a Promar or PowerSource rebuild for under 4K and drop that in.

 

[vurt777]

Those guys know does and are good about taking care of everything else for you while they’re in there. And stand behind their work faithfully. Yeah my dad had a 5.4 timing breakdown but it threw the chain through the oil pan and was an engine replacement. Ironically about the same price they quoted you. Didn’t do the work at DTx though. I’ve got a gen 3 EB and waiting for the cam phasers to kick me in the n**s. Good luck.

 

[Dennis_H]

It's at their shop and sound like they are going to do great job replace everything and melling 360 pump. They said my oil pressure at 205k was still 50 psi, so there shouldn't be any damage in there.

 

[Dennis_H]

Looks like passenger side cam is scored up. Got some pics and it does not look good. Motor was quiet and plenty of pressure, so big surprise for them and especially me... That definitely adds a big cost in money and time since it is Christmas.