Catastrophic engine failure, what would you do?

[NickSim]

I'm hesitant to even post this, but here goes.

My 2017 with 34k miles has intake, catch can, downpipes, 5 star '91 daily' tune and NOT ABUSED was making a slight diesel sound between 1500-2500 rpms for a minute and then low oil pressure warning. Uh-oh.

Luckily I was within eyesight of a Ford dealer, so I left it with their service department. Bad news, they're saying catastrophic failure, most likely spun a bearing hence the low oil pressure. They're assuming metal shavings ruined turbo bearings. Quoted replacement long block, turbos and install 13K.

Need to talk to Livernois Motorsports, but they have "Pro" series short blocks for $5,800 and "Race" series for $8,000... Pending miscellaneous cost and what-not, I'm gonna guess somewhere around 15K will get me a bulletproof engine and upgraded turbos.

But, to be honest I don't use the Raptor as intended. I'd be served perfectly fine with a regular F150.

So what would you do? The way I see it I have a few options... to be honest I miss having a V8 and I absolutely love the Coyote motor, I'm leaning towards trading the truck on a Nightmare or just a Lariat and put a Roush/Whipple on it eventually. I'm waiting on the dealer to give me a trade-in price before making any decisions.


***Update***


Dealer offered 37k for trade as-is.

Currently they’re dropping the oil pan to inspect, cost of $763.

 

[Rusty Deavers]

Ugh. Sorry to hear about your truck.

I don't know about the Livernois offerings, but I would also be considering RMB Motor Works if you opt to rebuild your block.

I totally understand and identify with your distaste for the Ecoboost. I can't find the voting button for Whippled Coyote Aluminator swap the Raptor. Kidding. Not kidding? Someone has to be the first.

 

[DrippinRaptor]

Factory warranty 3yr/36k?

 

[NickSim]

Factory warranty 3yr/36k?

Yes of course, but they're arguing that 5 star tune = no warranty.

I haven't made a counter argument yet.

 

[DrippinRaptor]

Yes of course, but they're arguing that 5 star tune = no warranty.

I haven't made a counter argument yet.

How did they know it was tuned?

 

[NickSim]

I can't find the voting button for Whippled Coyote Aluminator swap the Raptor. Kidding. Not kidding? Someone has to be the first.

One can dream right?

I fear electrical gremlins in performing such a swap, my truck already has multiple electrical issues.

 

[NickSim]

How did they know it was tuned?

Because I'm honest.

 

[jaz13]

Factory warranty 3yr/36k?

Powertrain is 5/60.

 

[Rusty Deavers]

One can dream right?

I fear electrical gremlins in performing such a swap, my truck already has multiple electrical issues.

No doubt. Sounds like the trade-in offer will be the biggest factor in your decision. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Truckzor]

I voted for Livernois. It just seems like the best option for you at this time. You're going to have to pay to have this truck fixed regardless and the price difference between the two options, though I think it will realistically be more than the $2k you are estimating, is still going to be small enough that it just makes sense to build it better, faster, and stronger.

 

[Jeff-Ohio]

I voted for Livernois. It just seems like the best option for you at this time. You're going to have to pay to have this truck fixed regardless and the price difference between the two options, though I think it will realistically be more than the $2k you are estimating, is still going to be small enough that it just makes sense to build it better, faster, and stronger.

I agree.

 

[Rusty Deavers]

I agree.

I voted for Livernois. It just seems like the best option for you at this time. You're going to have to pay to have this truck fixed regardless and the price difference between the two options, though I think it will realistically be more than the $2k you are estimating, is still going to be small enough that it just makes sense to build it better, faster, and stronger.

+1 vote for built Ecoboost motor option with bigger turbos. Like I said, I don't know that Livernois would be my engine builder, but a dealership replacement OEM spec motor would definitely not be the choice for me. You don't want to do this again in 34K more miles.

 

[NickSim]

Got off the phone with Livernois, one of their issues is parts availability.

So say it spun a bearing, they can’t buy a crank (I thought you could weld-up and machine a crank back to specs?) so they would have to buy a complete short block from Ford and build it from there. Cost with labor estimate is 15-17k, upgrade turbos and it’ll be more like 20-21k out the door.

 

[NickSim]

You don't want to do this again in 34K more miles.

Exactly my sentiment, you know if I ran it hard or did something stupid to it then I’d blame myself... but I’m **** retentive, I had the dealer change the oil at 1,100 miles cause I figure that way every fine metal particle from the break in would be flushed. I babied this thing, I’ve lost what little faith I had in the 3.5L and just the thought that another factory engine could just as easily blowup gives me the shivers.

 

[BajaLaz]

Go to another dealer. That’s ********.

 

[BBQPorkins]

So if you dont use the Raptor as it should as you said. Then why go the Livernois route? just trade it in and be hassle free

 

[NickSim]

Go to another dealer. That’s ********.

I don’t disagree, I’m not ruling out that option.

I literally gave my truck to service and walked into sales and bought a 2019 Bullitt, so I have some faith that they’ll work with me here.

 

[NickSim]

So if you dont use the Raptor as it should as you said. Then why go the Livernois route? just trade it in and be hassle free

I’m definitely leaning that way, I just don’t wanna get bent. I should see some numbers soon here....

 

[realjones88]

Exactly my sentiment, you know if I ran it hard or did something stupid to it then I’d blame myself... but I’m **** retentive, I had the dealer change the oil at 1,100 miles cause I figure that way every fine metal particle from the break in would be flushed. I babied this thing, I’ve lost what little faith I had in the 3.5L and just the thought that another factory engine could just as easily blowup gives me the shivers.

Maybe if you didn't put some shady aftermarket tune on it it would not have blown up? Not really a factory engine anymore in that case. Anyway I agree with your forthcoming argument that a mild tune should not blow an engine and you should still try to negotiate some sort of good faith repair ...maybe you can get an engine at cost or discounted labor from the dealer or Ford Corporate.

https://5startuning.com/5-star-warranty-tunes/

Unless this page hasn't been updated in a while it looks they don't even offer a warranty to cover their own Raptor tune...lame

 

[EricM]

Reman longblock from Ford (if you can get one), new turbos, intercooler, oil lines, oil coolers, etc, all installed by a independent garage, then sell it. That is you cheapest way out if you want out and can;t fix it yourself.