2012 MKS Timing Chain Warning light- 5W30 instead of 5W20 Poss Problem?

J

jmack18

New member
Purchased 2012 MKS with 32,000 M in 2014. 1st couple oil changes at dealer using 5W20 Oil. Switched to Ford dealer for next oil changes & shows using 5W30. Had another Lincoln dealer use 5W30 also.  Computer program comes up to use 5W20, Owners Manuel calls for 5W20, Oil Fill cap shows 5W30. Check engine light came on & code for Timing Chain warning came up.  Lincoln dealer diagnosed as replace timing chain. Going to need to pull engine, $4,500.00.
Any thoughts if non-specified oil could be a contributing factor?
Jim M
 
I am certain that use of 5W20 or 5W30 had nothing to do with your timing chain issue.  How many miles are on the car now?
 
Yeah I agree with Bruce, highly doubt that this is an oil issue.  It was probably a bad chain to start, just like motorcycle chains.  Some go quick, some last a long time. 
 
The ecoboost 3.5 started out with 5w-20 but then Ford found that it would be better for 5w-30
Timing chain is unrelated

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 
FMC was merely trying to meet CAFE standards, which the 5W30 provided them with meeting same (i.e. better MPG).

It's not that they "found" anything out per se.

Agree with all the replies, the two are not likely related. At all.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 
Going to be hard to pinpoint cause and effect.  Switch back to 5W20, see if it makes any difference, whether the codes (what are they?) go away or not.

But agree, in general, with the statements above.  Changing from 20 to 30 should not have caused this.  There might be a slim chance that there was varnish buildup in the system that got dislodged and is clogging the VCT solenoids, but really that should be about it.  Could be the sensors are just too sensitive, so they need to wear into the new weight oil.

the owner's manual for 2011 and 2012 EB MKS states 5W30 btw.
 
Interesting,  I heard they changed from 20w to 30w strictly because of the turbo heat issue. Nethertheless the change should not effect you with timing chain issues. That's usually a stretch sensor to set the code. How many miles now, what symptoms are you experiencing now that your chain to so stretched out to set a code and, has the code come back. May be nothing.....
 
There isn't a stretch sensor per se.  The PCM does know the timing requested and the timing actually implemented, the difference being the timing error.  Once the timing error exceeds a threshhold, it sets codes.
 
I should note that sometimes replacing a cam pos sensor resolves the issue, but most of the times, it ends up being a timing chain/water pump issue.  Definitely do not ignore this one.
 
I hate to say it and probably should not NOR suggest that anyone follow what I have done but my 13 has been throwing that code for about 20k mile and it rattles like crazy on start up. I have replaced the sensors and the code went away for 6 months but came back I have cleaned the sensors and it came back in 2 months.  Only reason I haven't done anything is because it has been tuned (ajp) for 110k and has 198k on the car right now. Needs all new suspension and I mean ALL.  Turbos are probably going out as well.  Way I see it is I have bought the wrong car to commute but it still pulls hard.  When it does blow to hell it will be in the garage for 6 months getting full build.  Dealer friend of mine quoted 2500 to do motor work(chain and h2o pump) but I have a used motor now so just going to build that.  My opinion is that if it is rattles you need the work done if you don't view it the way I do.  Even though these things have issues I have to say that with almost 200k and tuned for this long I am very happy with it.  And still get 21.5 mpg!! Lol
 
The danger with letting it go is that the seal in the water pump will break down and let the coolant into the oil.  The two outside seals will leak coolant through the weepholes, as designed.  But the timing chain/WP shaft seals will leak into the oil.

Maybe changing the sensors helped in your case.  Which sensors did you change, the cam position sensors?
 
Correct cam sensors but it was simply an experiment to see because there was no noise at that time. I doubt that it is ever the sensors. I just think they do there job. I think Ford just never learned from the 5.4 days
 
Last post for this past owner. Timing chain never made a sound or ran rough till on the way to last mechanic for quote on changing out chain.  Started running rough when dropped it off. Shop hooked up to their computer, now showed P0016 & P0018 codes. Diagnosed with timing chain stretched & jumped teeth. Recommend replacing engine. Best I found was used engine & install, $5,500.00. Had to borrow against Home Equity to write check to bank to get the title.  Sold beautiful 2012 Lincoln MKS for $3,000.00.
Most Unfortunate.
Good luck all you with the Ford 3.5 ecoboost engine.  After lots of research, way too many of these engines having this same problem. Ford service told me Ford knows it has a problem, fixed it for the 2017 model.
Out
 
Sorry to hear.  A timing/water pump job is about 2000$ or less at an independent.  A new engine was not needed.  What did you buy as replacement?
 
SHOdded said:
Sorry to hear.  A timing/water pump job is about 2000$ or less at an independent.  A new engine was not needed.  What did you buy as replacement?
Click to expand...
I think it's because there was evidence the timing chain skipped teeth they are recommending new engine

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

I
15' Lincoln MKS - Quick Daily
Replies
2
Views
6K
Broodingrage
B
S
ACES IV - An effective octane booster and anti-wear additive?
12 13 14
Replies
264
Views
232K
SHOdded
S
E
Torque PIDs...Take 2
37 38 39
Replies
777
Views
697K
ecoboostsho
E
Back
Top