The dreaded waterpump leak...

[Kevin81]

Well, folks....it happened. I have developed a significant coolant leak out of the weap hole behind the alternator.

So...I've gotta do the water pump/timing service. I'm a pretty standard shade tree mechanic, so this one is going to be beyond my skill and tool set.

1st question...has anyone had to have this done recently, and if so, how much was it? Did you go to a dealership, or some other shop?

2nd question...is there any other work that makes sense to be done, since the motor will be out and half the engine bay gutted?

 

[luigisho]

I will just say that I have noticed the aftermarket 3.5 ecoboost timing kits that were the only available chains etc during pandemic supply chain breakdown are having issues. Especially noted in f150 but also across other platforms. Especially seeing the Cloyes kit mentioned

 

[Devin]

I will just say that I have noticed the aftermarket 3.5 ecoboost timing kits that were the only available chains etc during pandemic supply chain breakdown are having issues. Especially noted in f150 but also across other platforms. Especially seeing the Cloyes kit mentioned

Are they stretching or something?

 

[luigisho]

I think they are prone to stretch and break along with tensioner issues. The 3.5 chains, oem and others, actually look a little too thin in design to me. Older chain run vehicle chains used to be easily capable of several hundred thousand miles. VVT may have something to do with it but I would have to look across vehicle manufacturers to get a better picture. I look at Ford stuff most of the time. The length of the chain on these engines looks pretty long.

 

[Jake0811]

The cost for the timing chains and water pump will run you about $3k IF that's done at a shop due to time & labor parts included of course. While youre down there have them inspect both front & rear turbos for any leaking or play. They're dependant on oil pressure and there's a screen that can be cleaned out i forget off hand what it's called but it prevents buildup. Id also suggest getting a catch can for your car as these engines can get oil deposites building up on the valves and that in turn will blow out the exhaust and you have that blackened exhaust tips. Also, change your oil frequently. Do not do the manufacturer's suggested 5k oil change. Do a 3k fully synthetic and you shouldn't have any issues. Goodluck! These water pump jobs aren't impossible but are time consuming.

 

[Kevin81]

The cost for the timing chains and water pump will run you about $3k IF that's done at a shop due to time & labor parts included of course. While youre down there have them inspect both front & rear turbos for any leaking or play. They're dependant on oil pressure and there's a screen that can be cleaned out i forget off hand what it's called but it prevents buildup. Id also suggest getting a catch can for your car as these engines can get oil deposites building up on the valves and that in turn will blow out the exhaust and you have that blackened exhaust tips. Also, change your oil frequently. Do not do the manufacturer's suggested 5k oil change. Do a 3k fully synthetic and you shouldn't have any issues. Goodluck! These water pump jobs aren't impossible but are time consuming.

Thanks!

I'm not doing this one myself...I'm pretty handy, and adventurous, but this one is beyond me. I already installed a catch can, but good advice about the turbos.

 

[Jake0811]

Thanks!

I'm not doing this one myself...I'm pretty handy, and adventurous, but this one is beyond me. I already installed a catch can, but good advice about the turbos.

No problem!

 

[Highway Star]

Almost all of these pre 18 have leaks at the exhaust manifolds. They twist. At some point they added an extra bolt hole which allegedly stops the twist. We usually add the extra stud and use a washer under the nut and over the edge of the manifold casting

 

[SHOdded]

up oil to 10w30 full synthetic.

do normal maintenance like plugs etc while engine is out.
if you have access to the trans main cover, do the tss oss sensors + install a new solenoid body filter, completely exchange the trans fluid.
am assuming full coolant exchange will be done.

oxygen sensors and engine oil pressure sensor may be sensible too.