Pulled the trigger……………
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Other Topics
Forum Name: Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks
Forum Description: anything you want to talk about except politics
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=208634
Printed Date: 07 Dec 2025 at 4:36pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Pulled the trigger……………
Posted By: Lars(wi)
Subject: Pulled the trigger……………
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 12:27pm
|
And acquired a 2012 Ford Expedition. 2wd, Limited. 143,000 miles, original owner got nearly every ‘upgrade’ option available at the time. Will be going into a shop, to deal with the ‘Cam Phaser’ issue that plaques the 5.4L. The shop has given us the option of the ‘stock repair kit’ or, for an additional $1,000.00 the ‘delete kit’. Will more than likely opt for the stock repair. ------------- I tried to follow the science, but it was not there. I then followed the money, and that’s where I found the science. |
Replies:
Posted By: Darwin W. Kurtz
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 12:33pm
| how is the stock repair kit better than the original - if the phasers went bad before, won't it happen again. A local mechanic told me to steer clear of anything Ford for the reason of the phasers going bad |
Posted By: Lars(wi)
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 3:26pm
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The the stock, would be Motorcraft. The delete would aftermarket. The aftermarket kit basically eliminates the VVT, and there are some sensors that are also eliminated, and a couple hours of re-configuration of the onboard computer. The stock option is basically replace with factory. My mechanic says the worst thing people do with those VVT engines is extending oil changes. Sensors get dirty, cam phaser gets sluggish. He says to ignore the computer telling ‘oil change needed’, those generally will signal at 8,000-9,000 miles, that’s way too long for those engines, 3,500 mi, with full synthetic oil is the best, and cheapest thing. ------------- I tried to follow the science, but it was not there. I then followed the money, and that’s where I found the science. |
Posted By: Darwin W. Kurtz
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 3:37pm
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Thank you Lars, That explains alot - so if you change the oil regularly at a lower interval say 3500 miles. you have very little trouble? So if a person is buying a used vehicle, one needs to check how often they changed the oil to avoid having to fix the problem |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 7:40pm
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Lars... your Mechanic is 100% on base... The variable cam timings is controlled by oil pressure thru a couple of small orifices.. Works GREAT if the oil is clean... Causes problmes and WEAR when oil plugs the ports... Some have trouble at 100K miles, some dont have problems at over 200K..... Go with the MotoCraft parts and change oil regularly. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 7:42pm
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GOOGLE search pretty well spells it out......... ------- A 5.4L Ford engine with https://www.google.com/search?cs=0&sca_esv=0fc9a65a01d87240&sxsrf=AE3TifMu6vq37LudpklROB_Qvdwggdy2aA%3A1761180102109&q=Variable+Cam+Timing+%28VCT%29&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjtiM2Si7mQAxXYjIkEHTZFIQYQxccNegQIAxAB&mstk=AUtExfBOuEra-C3IzUd6XsGDGw3byZp7g8tYtX6dYbqqbzFNHYhKI5yy78C8tAsLNFX8epBSg72x5gOE2uR1CrXB4i-_CGNJAXoUsdcTa4EHzFM5IjD2kx_rT56LcJc1YGGsN3jpfx6oiVyRX_NLGXaSXrF3X3tZN3bJc_v_x3cdRpPhHqA&csui=3" rel="nofollow - Variable Cam Timing (VCT) can last well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, but its longevity is heavily dependent on addressing known issues like cam phaser problems and performing timely oil changes. While some owners have had issues, many report their engines are reliable when cared for, with some achieving 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: Darwin W. Kurtz
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 9:49pm
| What should the oil pressure be? |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2025 at 10:03pm
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hot idle should be 25 psi... may run up to 60 psi at full throttle... Problelm is dirty oil can plug the ORIFICES and main galley might be OK, but no oil getting to the VCT units... they wear out, then cam timing is BAD. There are also aftermarket pumps (Melling??) that are often used during rebuilds to up the VOLUME to maintain good pressure ..... The SENSOR for oil is an on- off switch that closes at 8 psi, so you really cant use the Factory Gauge ( it is just a yes- no , if you have over 8 psi).
------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: Wispitfiremike
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2025 at 7:17am
| I have had several of these engines without problem. 225k on current and 250 plus on previous changing oil at 5k intervals. Usually end up changing vehicles because body rots off before engines go bad enough to not be worth fixing. I also run these just about every day which I think helps. |
Posted By: Darwin W. Kurtz
Date Posted: 26 Oct 2025 at 8:57am
| I think it hurts a vehicle to just sit and not be used practically every day |
Posted By: Ed (Ont)
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2025 at 8:23am
| Not sure if you pulled the trigger! But maybe pulled pin out of the hand grenade. You will have the cost of a new unit there before you are done. Or at least more than what it is worth. Which may be okay if you can drive it for a few more years! |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2025 at 9:20am
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dont know what you figure is a NEW UNIT.... dont know what Lars paid... but lets say $5000. for the truck and $3000. for the rebuilt motor.... The engine and trans should last another 150,000 miles EASY... So he basically has a new truck for $8000. ....... not a bad plan.. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: Ed (Ont)
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2025 at 8:12pm
Been a long time since I have seen a $3000 motor. However our stuff is more expensive up here in the great white north! Hopefully Lars can update us a bit when the project is done. 
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Posted By: Ed (Ont)
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2025 at 7:45pm
| Have you decided on a course of action for this vehicle? Curious what the outcome will be? |
Posted By: Lars(wi)
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2025 at 9:20pm
We bought the Expedition for $4,200.00. Got word back today the repair will be $2,010.11 ------------- I tried to follow the science, but it was not there. I then followed the money, and that’s where I found the science. |
steve(ill) wrote:Posted By: Darwin W. Kurtz
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2025 at 6:09pm
| Lars- I think you did quite well - sounds like you had an honest mechanic and got treated extremely right |