Hello all, I have 2017 3.5 Ecoboost Expedition. The engine has 144,000 miles on it. On my past two towing trips, the vehicle has thrown P0019, which is a VCT issue on the driver side exhaust cam. The issue only crops up while towing for an extended period of time, usually over > 100 miles. When the trailer is not hooked up, the engine runs fine with no signs of chain rattle or other issues. While looking into this, it seems the notorious timing chain issue is commonly associated with this code. But in many instances, it appears that several other codes appear. In my case, I only get the P0019 and subsequently limited boost. I tried cycling the solenoid with 12V in case it was clogged, but it did not address the issue.
The truck is at the dealership to evaluate this issue, along with a few others. One of the other issues is low coolant in the reservoir, which was worrisome, as I had the head gasket replaced at 118,000 miles. The dealership tech said he thinks that the oil may be thinning or shearing after extended towing due to elevated temps. The temp gauge has always been in the normal range while towing, but perhaps the oil is absorbing some of the heat. I also have a manifold leak on the same bank, but it seems to seal up and is inaudible when the engine warms up.
Can anyone offer any insight into whether moving to a 5W-40 might resolve this issue? If so, what brand of 5W-40 would be optimal? I've been using Magnatec 5W or 10W-30 (now GTX) exclusively for the 86,000 miles I've put on the truck. I'm in Houston so it's generally warm here. I'm looking at Castrol Edge 5W-40 for a test tow.
Would timing chain wear show up in a UOA? I had two done in the past and the numbers were within normal range. The truck is primarily our tow vehicle, so I would to keep it for another few years if possible, but between potential timing chain and manifold leaks, I'm looking at over 5K in repairs and I'm concerned other issues may crop while the camper is hooked up. I discussed with my wife and we agreed that up to 10K would be reasonable rather than trying to replace it, provided that it would be reliable after repair. I am contemplating Full-Race manifolds, Powermax turbos, timing chain and intercooler upgrades at the same time. I would hate to replace a single manifold, then have the other side or a turbo go out.
The truck is at the dealership to evaluate this issue, along with a few others. One of the other issues is low coolant in the reservoir, which was worrisome, as I had the head gasket replaced at 118,000 miles. The dealership tech said he thinks that the oil may be thinning or shearing after extended towing due to elevated temps. The temp gauge has always been in the normal range while towing, but perhaps the oil is absorbing some of the heat. I also have a manifold leak on the same bank, but it seems to seal up and is inaudible when the engine warms up.
Can anyone offer any insight into whether moving to a 5W-40 might resolve this issue? If so, what brand of 5W-40 would be optimal? I've been using Magnatec 5W or 10W-30 (now GTX) exclusively for the 86,000 miles I've put on the truck. I'm in Houston so it's generally warm here. I'm looking at Castrol Edge 5W-40 for a test tow.
Would timing chain wear show up in a UOA? I had two done in the past and the numbers were within normal range. The truck is primarily our tow vehicle, so I would to keep it for another few years if possible, but between potential timing chain and manifold leaks, I'm looking at over 5K in repairs and I'm concerned other issues may crop while the camper is hooked up. I discussed with my wife and we agreed that up to 10K would be reasonable rather than trying to replace it, provided that it would be reliable after repair. I am contemplating Full-Race manifolds, Powermax turbos, timing chain and intercooler upgrades at the same time. I would hate to replace a single manifold, then have the other side or a turbo go out.