2012 F150 Platinum

I have a 2012 Ecoboost, and I’ve been experiencing power loss. I took it to my local mechanic, but he said his engine specialist retired, so I need to go to the dealership because it probably needs the timing chain, tensioner, and cam phaser replaced.

I searched and found some helpful threads about the costs here. It looks like I’m looking at around $4,000, including tax, for the dealership repair.

Here’s the other issue: the air conditioning hasn’t worked this summer. So if I spend $4,000 to fix the truck, I’ll still have no A/C.

I really love this truck. I bought it when I could afford a nice vehicle, and it’s paid off and perfect for my family.

If I have to buy another car, I won’t be able to afford anything as nice.

The truck has 160,000 miles on it, and I had the transmission recall done a while ago, but I’m worried that I won’t get enough life out of it to justify spending the money. What do you think?

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I’d recommend keeping the truck and putting the money into a vehicle you like and know well. If you buy another vehicle, you might find out it needs $4,000 worth of repairs just 30 days after you get it.

I agree. From what I can tell, the next big repair cost will probably be the transmission, based on discussions and its expected lifespan. But usually, transmissions last until about 250,000 miles.

I’m in the same situation with 215k miles on my truck. I haven’t had any problems in the 5 years I’ve owned it, aside from regular maintenance. Now, I need to replace one manifold, so I’m getting both done with BD Manifolds. I’m also replacing the turbo gaskets, turbo coolant lines, and will probably do the timing chain too. Is there anything else you recommend getting done while the cab is off?

It sounds like you’re jumping to conclusions.

I can’t remember if there’s another thread or if I didn’t post it, but you should try to do some actual troubleshooting instead of assuming it’s the timing chains, phasers, etc. Is it making a rattling noise from the phaser when you start it? Can you describe the power loss better than just saying “seems down on power”? Is there a check engine light or anything? If so, do you have any codes? And has your “butt-dyno” been calibrated recently?

Also, @Mason , if the vacuum pump on the back of the passenger side head is leaking, you should replace that too.

I’m waiting for confirmation from the dealership. My local mechanic diagnosed the problem but said he couldn’t fix it.

It does have the phaser rattle and a check engine light. I had the code checked at O’Reilly’s, and it showed the cam position sensor.

I’m hoping I haven’t jumped to the worst-case scenario. I appreciate the feedback!