I have just bought a 2005 ford f150 xlt 5.4 2WD truck with 70,000 miles that was a leased vehicle according to carfax. On the way home from buying it we noticed a wineing sound coming from the engine we slowed down and we heard a higher pitched wining sound and then the engine began knocking, the check engine light sounded and oil pressure was dropping to nothing and then coming back. We pulled over to the side of the freeway. There was an intense knocking sound coming from the engine at this point so we shut it down and had it towed by the dealership. So far dealership has found a broken tim9ing chain tensioner. They said the timing chain tensioner shouldnt have broken on its own accord and are worried that other damage was done to engine.

What else should i expect them to find and what else should i have checked on this truck once it is out of shop?

 

Well if the tensioner broke its possible that the timing chain jumped links. I'm not sure what their definition of a tensioner failing is. It could mean it collapsed or completely broke apart. If the chain jumped links then you almost certainly will have bent valves and maybe damaged piston domes where the valves made contact with them. The loss of oil pressure presents a whole list of possibilities from spun rod and main bearings to damaged cyl head cam bearing surfaces and scuffed bores. All this could happen after the tensioner broke. God only knows what caused it to fail in the first place. If I was you I would either get my money back or demand a factory remanufactured replacement engine unless they assure you no other damage was done and prove it. I would not let them have one of their mechanics rebuild this engine. Now everything I just explained may not have happend but the low oil pressure and loud knocking noise concerns me. Sometimes damage can be done that may take several thousand miles before it fails. Keep us informed on what they tell you regarding their findings. Good luck.

 

Under the lemon law it states I have to allow them to fix it first. I do not know if I have the ability to demand a new engine under their warranty. I do beleive I can get my monet back. have you had any dealings with what the consumer can do under the limits of the warranty?

 

I believe some of those laws are specific by the state. You had this truck for only a few hours it appears. I would discuss the options with the dealer. You won't get a "new" engine but if the one you have is damaged bad enough then you should be able to get a remanufactured one. Was there a warranty with your truck or was it as is? Hopefully this dealership makes every effort to satisfy you with the repair. I believe that in some states a new car can be returned within 3 days not sure about used however. Do a little research,get some answers on what your rights are so you have ammunition for your cause when you both discuss the repair and what options they will offer you. Take care.

 

I would be comfortable getting a used engine one with LESS then 70k you have. 2005 engines with very low miles are avalible for around 1500 dollars. I would rather have one of those then have the dealer repair that one. The truck would be very good with an engine out of a wreck that only had say 35k on it. cost less then fixing the one you had I'd bet.

 

we had the truck for 48 hours purchased in California. It has a 6 year/100,000 mile warranty on transmission and power train. I believe the new engine is the best choice. I spoke with an old Ford mechanic he said they should be motivated to do all they can to fix this since it all falls back on the manufacturer as a Ford certified used vehicle. It supposedly doesnt come out of the dealership's pocket. Still I am skeptical as truck was purchased for Wife and Son (new driver) to drive as a safe and reliable truck to use. I will push for the new/remanufactured engine. Will keep you posted

 

Well I almost jumped on here and said congrats on the purchase! lol I agree with all the above, you should be covered under the warranty. There is always a bad apple in the bunch and I think you just found it. Good luck with the repair and keep us posted.

 

Oh guys, I hold Fords generally in high esteem since my other vehicle is a 1998 ford explorer sport with 213,000 miles on it. I just know I need to push for my best interest. By the way the ford explorer sport is due for a service what should i have done now that i have reached 200 plus k miles on it?

 

okay guys, they have changed the cam phasers and the timing chain and tensioners but it is still losing oil pressure, any Ideas what else is wrong?

 

Is it actually losing pressure or is it a defective pressure sending unit? Does it still make a noise when the pressure drops on the gauge? They can install a manual pressure gauge and make a determination regarding the first question. Sometimes when a tensioner fails the timing chain will tear up (shread) the nylon pad on the chain guide. This material will drop down into the oil pan and plug the oil sump pickup screen giving you intermitten low oil pressure. They may want to remove the oil pan to check for that condition.

 

Thanks Dynotech I will follow up