The 3.5 ecoboost timing chain replacement cost question comes up a lot for good reasons. let’s face it: every truck driver knows the importance of a timing chain to their machine. If your engine’s timing chain is bad and you are looking to fix it, it might just be okay to splash some money on the problem, however with the Ecoboost timing chain you can simply set it yourself.
Whichever way, the problem persists, and it needs solving. This article will highlight to the novice what an Ecoboost timing chain is and provide you with the price range. This should be fun!
3.5 ecoboost timing chain replacement cost: What is the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost timing chain?
A timing chain coordinates the crankshaft and the camshaft of the engine valves with precise timing for each of the engine cylinders to fire without any hassle. These chains can be found inside the engine, and they are one of the reasons why you should oil your engine. It is essential because it keeps these chains serviced. Moreover, the ford 3.5 Ecoboost timing chain is particular and cannot just be used for any truck engine.
Why should I replace the timing chain of Ford 3.5 Ecoboost?
Engines are pretty much not eternal. They need to be serviced from time to time.
There is an increase in the likelihood that your timing chain might need to be replaced, especially after using it for over 80,000 miles. If your 3.5 Ecoboost engine can be maintenanced properly, the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine lifespan can be over 250,000 miles. Furthermore, in older vehicles, it is more common to see signs of a bad timing chain.
It should be pretty evident that your engine has a problem if you have a bad timing chain. Now, this problem can mean that your machine will not work correctly. Or it might give you some signs. Nevertheless, it is essential to heed the warnings once you start getting them.
Here are some of the signs of a bad timing chain:
- For the more recent models off VVT application engine codes might be generated, and the dashboard will prompt the check engine light
- Older vehicles without VVT application create a rattle
Is the timing chain worth fixing?
Even though timing chains are not likely to break easily, From time to time, it eventually does. Since most of the engines built today are interference engines, meaning that engine valves come in and out of just the same tube space as the pistons and the timing chain coordinates this action. If the timing chain is broken, the engine will also do the same.
It is vital to fix your timing chain as it is what keeps your engine functioning properly. Without a working timing chain, your engine might jump, and that might portend an escalated issue that you don’t want. So, it is crucial that once you see the signs of a bad timing chain, fix it. Most times, the signs do not indicate how bad it is until it knocks down. So, since it is pretty hard to tell the extent of the damage from the symptoms, it would be advisable to fix it once you see the first signs.
What causes a bad timing chain?
There are a few reasons why your timing chain gets bad. Here they are:
- Age
Everything eventually gets old. Timing chains are no exemptions. Your timing chain will typically get worse over time due to wear and tear. From the tensioners to the guide, there are many components of the timing chain that, over time, will break down.
- Oil Quality
Another cause of a bad timing chain is the oil quality you use to service your engines. Poor Oil quality is one reason why a timing chain might not complete its life cycle and get bad quicker. Most vehicle makers usually specify a specific oil viscosity, a minimum API rating, or a specific oil brand. For example, if you use an oil viscosity that your manufacturer did not recommend, it can have some catastrophic effect on your timing chain tensioner, VVT, and the actuators. In short, bad engine oil can lead to an immediate CEL (check engine light) which can be signs of engine damage.
- Under tensioning
When the timing chain is not properly tensioned, then it can lead to slacks, leading to chain-slaps and premature slagging. This can lead to chain saps and result in engine failure
- Over tensioning
Just as an under-tensioned timing chain is bad for your engine, an over-tensioned timing chain is equally bad. With over-tension comes friction which leads to excess heat within the moving parts of the timing chain, which can break your engine down.
- Engine seizure
It should be pretty clear now that timing chains are breakable so, engine seizure leading to a sudden halt of rotation will not do the timing chain any good as it can lead to engine failure.
How much does it cost to replace the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost?
When compared to other brands of timing chains, the Ecoboost is relatively cheap.
It generally costs between the ranges of $1000 to $2000 just servicing the timing chain, which can be a lot for the average working-class citizen. However, because of the availability of a timing chain kit, any handy person can fix it themselves. The timing chain kit is an affordable and reliable solution to truck repair as it gives the user the ability to work on their timing chain themselves. It generally costs from $50 to $200 to get a timing chain kit.
Furthermore, it does not matter if you will use the timing chain kit to fix your vehicle yourself. Some mechanics and OEM dealerships can repair your timing chain with the gear you provide at a knockdown cost.
Sum up:
Timing chains are a handy innovation to keep your vehicle running. However, you have to keep your eyes grounded to the device’s functionality as a bad timing chain can kill your engine, which means that you have to buy a new chain. So, to save cost and time, it is necessary to keep your engine serviced with the right oil, and once you notice that you have traveled lengths of miles ranging from 80,000 to 120,000, you need to service or change the timing chain. They might be expensive but ultimately cheap when you have the kit ready.
