I've been doing a lot of research on the timing chain setup in the Ecoboost Engines to try and understand why many folks are reporting a 'startup rattle' issue. Also, to help improve my understanding of how to preserve engine life on the EB engine.
Part 1: Timing Chain Types/Overview
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/338
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/339
Part 3: Broken Guides/Symptoms
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/115
The first link explains the function of the chain and the differences between the 'roller' chain and a 'silent' chain. The 2010 EB has the 'roller' chain setup and the 2011+ has the 'silent' chain.
The second link defines timing chain 'stretch' as well as what happens when the tensioner position changes (moves out to keep tension on the chain) to compensate for guide wear or chain stretch. One major take away is that these adjustments can cause the camshafts to move slightly out of optimal timing position as the chain elongates. This could impact fuel economy and overall engine performance. Further, the article specifically mentions a few Ford engines which suffer from timing chain problems (e.g. the modular 4.6, 5.0 and 5.4 engines). Also, the article mentions the GM 3.6 direct injection engine which has been suffering from timing chain failures (e.g. Lambda platform and Camaro).
For me there were a few key take-aways from the AGCO article:
1. Take preventive measures to preserve the chain and guides.
2. Worn chain components can cause a loss of performance and/or fuel economy.
3. Noise/rattle at startup can be an indication of excessive chain or chain guide wear and can be an expensive repair.
Measures that one could consider taking to slow the chain and guide wear may include the following:
1. More frequent oil changes.
2. Oil with a higher HTHS specification (High Temperature High Shear).
3. Oil with high levels of Molybdenum.
4. Oil with a lower cold viscosity rating for faster flow on cold starts (shift to 0w instead of 5w weights).
4. Synthetic oils which meet rigorous manufacturer specifications that exceed Ford's minimal oil spec (especially oils meeting rigorous BMW, MB and/or VW requirements for wear). Link to oil spec tool: http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/ori ... index.html
5. Better oil filters which may use synthetic media (e.g. Mobil 1, K&N, Royal Purple, Amsoil, MicroGreen)
- Ford F-150 Ecoboost Video
- Youtube Download Ford F150 Ecoboost Timing Chain Replacement
- Ford F-150 Ecoboost Used
- Youtube Download Ford F150 Ecoboost Timing Chain Part 4
- Ford F-150 Ecoboost Test Drive
- Youtube Download Ford F150 Ecoboost Timing Chain Kit
Feb 26, 2017 My 2012 54.800 miles F150 3.5 Ecoboost being started after sitting for 20 hours. Starting to get the timing chain sound upon start up after vehicle has been sitting overnight. This is the only. Mar 03, 2017 A reader asks whether he should buy a Ford EcoBoost given reports of timing chain noise. It sounds as though Ford made a change to the timing chain that. Mar 27, 2017 2011 F-150 timing chain stretch part 5 the finale - Duration: 29:06. Flmmaz 9,164 views. 2018 F-150 EcoBoost Vs. Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost Timing Set Replacement Part 1.
One of the best explanations I've found online about timing chains is on the AGCO website here:Part 1: Timing Chain Types/Overview
- Feb 01, 2019 Two problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2012 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2012 F-150.
- Two problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2012 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2012 F-150.
- Jul 08, 2019 Ford F-150 owners have reported 13 problems related to timing tensioner (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the F-150.
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/338
Ford F-150 Ecoboost Video
Youtube Download Ford F150 Ecoboost Timing Chain Replacement
Part 2: Chain Stretch/Timing Issueshttp://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/339
Part 3: Broken Guides/Symptoms
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/115
The first link explains the function of the chain and the differences between the 'roller' chain and a 'silent' chain. The 2010 EB has the 'roller' chain setup and the 2011+ has the 'silent' chain.
The second link defines timing chain 'stretch' as well as what happens when the tensioner position changes (moves out to keep tension on the chain) to compensate for guide wear or chain stretch. One major take away is that these adjustments can cause the camshafts to move slightly out of optimal timing position as the chain elongates. This could impact fuel economy and overall engine performance. Further, the article specifically mentions a few Ford engines which suffer from timing chain problems (e.g. the modular 4.6, 5.0 and 5.4 engines). Also, the article mentions the GM 3.6 direct injection engine which has been suffering from timing chain failures (e.g. Lambda platform and Camaro).
For me there were a few key take-aways from the AGCO article:
1. Take preventive measures to preserve the chain and guides.
2. Worn chain components can cause a loss of performance and/or fuel economy.
3. Noise/rattle at startup can be an indication of excessive chain or chain guide wear and can be an expensive repair.
Measures that one could consider taking to slow the chain and guide wear may include the following:
1. More frequent oil changes.
Ford F-150 Ecoboost Used
2. Oil with a higher HTHS specification (High Temperature High Shear).
3. Oil with high levels of Molybdenum.
4. Oil with a lower cold viscosity rating for faster flow on cold starts (shift to 0w instead of 5w weights).
4. Synthetic oils which meet rigorous manufacturer specifications that exceed Ford's minimal oil spec (especially oils meeting rigorous BMW, MB and/or VW requirements for wear). Link to oil spec tool: http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/ori ... index.html
5. Better oil filters which may use synthetic media (e.g. Mobil 1, K&N, Royal Purple, Amsoil, MicroGreen)