Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain & Cam Phaser Service in Calgary

Is your Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine making a rattling noise at startup or while running? Are you experiencing a loss of power, poor fuel economy, or a check engine light with timing-related codes such as P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, or P0018? If so, your vehicle may require a timing chain and cam phaser service—a common issue with the EcoBoost platform.

Symptoms of Timing Chain & Cam Phaser Issues

• Rattling sound from the engine at startup or constantly.
• Check engine light with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), most commonly P0016 (Crankshaft Position-Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A').
• Loss of power, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe engine damage and costly repairs. If you're in Calgary and experiencing these issues, contact us today for professional diagnosis and repair.

Common Causes of Timing System Failure

1. Timing Chain Wear & Tensioner Failure

• Over time, the primary timing chain stretches, throwing the engine out of time.
• Chain tensioner failure can lead to slack in the system, causing improper valve timing and rough engine performance.
• Chain guides made from plastic can become brittle and break, allowing the chain to skip teeth and disrupt engine timing.

2. Cam Phaser Malfunction

• The locking mechanism in the cam phasers can fail, leading to excessive noise on startup due to oil pressure loss.
• Faulty phasers can result in erratic timing advance/retard, leading to misfires and inconsistent performance.

3. Oil System Issues & Lack of Maintenance

• The EcoBoost engine is heavily oil-dependent for timing function.
• Infrequent oil changes, especially when towing or under heavy load, cause sludge buildup, starving the timing system of oil.
• Contaminated oil brimming with hydrocarbons accelerates wear on the timing chain, raising the likelihood of stretching and premature failure. We identify this as the primary issue. We encounter a significantly higher number of ECO BOOST engines requiring timing chain service compared to the Coyote 5.0. Both share a similar design in components and timing. The key difference is that one is turbocharged while the other is naturally aspirated. The turbocharger, when under boost, introduces more hydrocarbon contaminants into the oil than the naturally aspirated Coyote, leading to quicker degradation of the chain and guides.

4. Ford Manufacturer Defects

• Certain components in the timing system have known defects, leading to premature failure.
• Using updated OEM parts is critical to ensuring the longevity of the repair.
• Some models suffer from poorly designed variable camshaft timing solenoids, which can fail and disrupt timing control.

5. High-Temperature Engine Stress

• The turbocharged design of the EcoBoost engine generates higher operating temperatures, which speeds up wear on vital components.
• Prolonged high-temperature operation can cause oil degradation, reducing lubrication to the timing system.
• Turbo heat exposure can cause oil coking, leading to blockage of vital oil passages that supply lubrication to timing components.

6. Extended Idle Time & Stop-and-Go Driving

• Vehicles that spend a lot of time idling or in traffic experience lower oil flow and pressure, leading to excessive wear on the timing chain and phasers.
• Stop-and-go conditions prevent the engine from maintaining optimal lubrication, accelerating wear on moving components.
• Excessive idling can lead to low oil temperature, causing increased viscosity and reduced flow, leading to premature wear.

Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Service in Calgary

Our shop specializes in EcoBoost timing chain and cam phaser replacement. This is a labor-intensive job requiring the removal of multiple engine components, and the process differs between the Ford F-150 truck platform and car-based models such as the Ford Flex, Taurus, and Explorer.

Please be aware that, unlike others who may offer a low initial quote only to later disclose extra parts and costs, we ensure complete transparency by providing all necessary information right from the start.

Parts Included in Our Timing Chain Service: (This may vary between generations of Eco boost engines)

Timing System Components:

• Primary Timing Chain
• Timing Chain Tensioner
• Chain Guides (Upper & Lower if required)
• Intake Cam Phaser (x2)
• Exhaust Cam Phaser (x2)
• Intake Phaser Bolt (x2)
• Exhaust Phaser Bolt (x2)
• Camshaft Timing Chain Sprockets 

Oil Control & VVT Components:

• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoids (x2) (Optional, recommended if dirty or failing)
• Camshaft Timing Control Valves (if required)
• Oil Control Solenoids (x2)
• Oil Pump (if worn or low pressure issues exist)
• Oil Pickup Tube & O-Ring (if sludge is present)
• Oil Filter & Fresh Oil (Motorcraft 5W-30, 7L)

Gaskets & Seals:

• Intake Gaskets
• Driver-Side Valve Cover Gasket
• Passenger-Side Valve Cover Gasket
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump O-Ring
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Mounting Gasket
• Water Pump Gasket
• Water Pump O-Ring
• Coolant Inlet Seal
• Front Crankshaft Seal
• Front Cover Radial Seal

Additional Required Hardware & Fluids:

• Crankshaft Pulley Bolt
• Motorcraft Front Cover Sealant
• Motorcraft OAT Coolant (15L)
• Motorcraft 5W-30 Engine Oil (7L)
• Serpentine Belt (if worn)
• Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner (if required)

Optional Parts to Consider:

• Turbocharger Oil Feed & Return Lines (if sludge buildup is found)
• Cylinder Head Camshaft Bearings (if excessive wear is detected)
• Harmonic Balancer (if worn or damaged)

Why Choose Us for Your Ford EcoBoost Repair in Calgary?

• Experienced Technicians: Our team has performed countless EcoBoost timing chain repairs.
• OEM & High-Quality Parts: We only use updated Ford components to prevent repeat failures.
• Competitive Pricing & Warranty: Transparent pricing with guaranteed workmanship.
• Fast Turnaround Time: We understand the importance of getting your vehicle back on the road quickly.

Book Your Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Timing Chain Service Today!

If you’re in Calgary or the surrounding areas and experiencing rattling noises, timing-related check engine lights, or loss of power, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today to schedule your Ford EcoBoost timing chain service and restore your engine’s performance!

📞 Call us now to book an appointment!