I had to choose between a full engine rebuild or a used motor swap on a 2015 F-150

Customer's 3.5 EcoBoost had a cracked block, and the quote for a full rebuild with new parts was around $8,500. A low-mileage used engine from a salvage yard was $4,200 plus my labor. I went with the used swap to save the customer money, and it took me two full days to get it in and running. Everything seemed fine for about three weeks, but now it's throwing a persistent camshaft position code that wasn't there before. I'm starting to wonder if the used motor had a hidden issue. Has anyone else had a used EcoBoost swap bite them like this, and what's your go-to fix for these cam codes?

2 comments

2 Comments

sageellis9d ago

Been there. Check the cam sensor connector first, they get finicky after a swap. If that's good, the phaser on that used engine might have been on its way out.

henderson.mason8d ago

Always thought it was just bad gas but that cam sensor tip makes a lot of sense now.