Looking at an MKS. Nervous about timing chain, should I be?

[FrayedString]

My local Ford dealer has 2 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost on their lot, a 2010 and a 2011, both right around 65k miles both almost identically equipped (fully loaded).  They've been sitting on these cars for a loooong time (9+ months) so I decided they might be desperate enough to move at least one of them that they might make me a good deal, so I went in yesterday for a test drive.

I drove the '10 because the '11 was unavailable (loaned to a customer while their car is being serviced apparently).  I loved the drive and asked them to let me know when the '11 is back so I can take a look at it.  Spent hours last night researching the longevity of these cars.  Based on the thread title I'm sure you can see where this is going.

I read a lot of information about the timing chain stretch issues with the 3.5 ecoboost in the F150, but I'm not finding as information about the MKS/SHO having that issue.  I've searched these forums and I did find a few mentions of people having trouble, but nothing like I've seen on F150 forums.

Is this something I should be worried about?  I'm no stranger to used car buying and I know that even the most notoriously reliable used vehicle could blow up in your face the day after you drive it off the lot.  I'm just trying to understand if these 3.5 ecoboosts are going to be more problematic on average.

 

[StealBlueSHO]

My local Ford dealer has 2 Lincoln MKS Ecoboost on their lot, a 2010 and a 2011, both right around 65k miles both almost identically equipped (fully loaded).  They've been sitting on these cars for a loooong time (9+ months) so I decided they might be desperate enough to move at least one of them that they might make me a good deal, so I went in yesterday for a test drive.

I drove the '10 because the '11 was unavailable (loaned to a customer while their car is being serviced apparently).  I loved the drive and asked them to let me know when the '11 is back so I can take a look at it.  Spent hours last night researching the longevity of these cars.  Based on the thread title I'm sure you can see where this is going.

I read a lot of information about the timing chain stretch issues with the 3.5 ecoboost in the F150, but I'm not finding as information about the MKS/SHO having that issue.  I've searched these forums and I did find a few mentions of people having trouble, but nothing like I've seen on F150 forums.

Is this something I should be worried about?  I'm no stranger to used car buying and I know that even the most notoriously reliable used vehicle could blow up in your face the day after you drive it off the lot.  I'm just trying to understand if these 3.5 ecoboosts are going to be more problematic on average.

I have been on the forum for a couple years at this point and not once heard of the transverse motor having any timing chain issues. FWIW..


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[SHOdded]

I find that in general the timing chain really isn't as issue on the transverse  engines.  That said I highly encourage new owners to change ALL fluids, spark plugs as soon as they buy.  Do not skimp on oil and filter changes, or coolant changes.  Use only top tier fuel.  These are not econoboxes, and should not be treated as such.

 

[SHOdded]

I would get used to tracking your ride with Torque Pro, and VCT Advance Errors especially as that can clue you in to timing chain issues.

 

[Brucelinc]

65,000 miles is barely broken in.  Yes, do all appropriate maintenance but do not worry about engine internals. 

 

[ZSHO]

It could be the fact that the F150 has gained much of the attention with TSB 15-0131 which is an updated timing chain.  Z
I agree with everyone above and you need to stay on top of your vehicle maintenance aspect from A-Z especially the motor oil changed preferably at 3-5K intervals using True-Full-synthetic oil along with a M.Craft oil filter in order to keep all four-VCT Solenoids Nice and Happy.  Z

 

[68_GT]

My timing chain began rattling at about 60,000 miles at start up. I want to say I had a broken chain guide that caused the rattle that would go away as soon as the oil pressure built up but it started sounding pretty nasty at start up. Cost $3300 to fix with new gain guides and tensioner. At 130k miles my SHO threw a rod. I changed my oil every 5000 miles with mobile one fully synthetic oil. Sometime you ha e good luck and sometime the opposite with any make, model, and year of car. I wish I had just replaced my long block when the timing chain rattled like they suggested....

 

[markssho]

Either should be a great car. I wouldn't hesitate. Just change ALL fluids.
This engine, while similar to the version in the F150, has many internal differences which is why you don't see a lot of similar issues.

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[pmezo33]

I'm at 145k miles on my 2010 mks.  No timing chain issues.  Only real issue ive had with the car is the torque converter.  Other than that, it's been good since about 50k miles.  Small stuff, but nothing too serious.  Just make sure to keep up on regular maintenance.  Still drives like the day i got it.