Hi y’all! I currently have a 2018 F150 with a 2.7l Ecoboost in it, currently at about 56,000 miles. During a cold start, the cam phaser is rattling for about 4-5 seconds and then the sound goes away. It’s been noticeable for probably about 3 months now. I don’t really hear it after I restart it once it’s warm. How much longer will it last before it completely fails? Also, the local dealer is looking at charging about $8,000 for the repair ($5,000 for 21 hours of labor and $3,000 in parts). Does that seem fair or a rip-off? Thanks for your thoughts!
It’s a little high IMO.
Xian said:
It’s a little high IMO.
The price or the priority? I definitely feel like the price is pretty steep, even for the area (Atlanta, Georgia).
Xian said:
It’s a little high IMO.
The price or the priority? I definitely feel like the price is pretty steep, even for the area (Atlanta, Georgia).
The price. I paid about $6800 this past July for the timing job and exhaust manifolds.
I did not use the dealer. I live in 30044.
@Xian
Good to know! There’s a mechanic that I’ve used for a while before I got something with a warranty, and I’ll probably see what he says tomorrow! (If not, I’ll just get the parts and do it myself over a weekend or two)
21 hrs?? I’m only getting around 13, it’s not that big of a job.
Rafe said:
21 hrs?? I’m only getting around 13, it’s not that big of a job.
Yeah! That’s what the guy said the techs said, but it does seem awful high, especially with all the room for activities on the front the V6 gives you in that engine bay.
@Kai
I lift the cab to make it easier on my back and be able to make sure everything is perfect when it goes back together and can still do it in less than 12 hrs.
Rafe said:
@Kai
I lift the cab to make it easier on my back and be able to make sure everything is perfect when it goes back together and can still do it in less than 12 hrs.
Yeah, taking the better part of a week definitely sounds way too long for the job. (If I have the time, and I don’t get a significantly better price, I’ll probably just do it myself)
21 hours is outrageous, that’s the “we don’t want to do it” price. So is $3,000 in parts.
Any way to post a video of the sound?
Ainsley said:
21 hours is outrageous, that’s the “we don’t want to do it” price. So is $3,000 in parts.
Any way to post a video of the sound?
I should get it back in a day or so (it was in for some recalls too), and I can try then. It’s 100% the classic sound of one of those phasers going out on it right after you start it up.
I got quoted $4500 for parts and labor for timing chain and water pump, tensioners and guides the whole job. At a Ford dealer here in Michigan. I would say depending on where you are you could find cheaper. I got quoted 3,500 from a local mechanic and this was all since 2/18/25.