Camshaft Pin Partially broken?

Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 FORD F-150
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Hi,

My stepson is working to replace the timing chain and associated parts (via purchased kit) in his 2016 Ford F-150 ecoboost 350 engine with turbo(s). While disassembling the engine for the planned repair he removed the camshaft pulley and found that a pin in the camshaft about a half inch past the pulley was partially broken. He was able to remove the broken pin and has ordered a new pin to be delivered in a couple days.

My question is what steps must he take (apparent or otherwise) to do the job properly to have a reliable engine again? He received mixed information as to whether he needs to replace the camshaft as well.

He does work as a general mechanic but has not run into this engine issue before.

Thanks!
Tom
Monday, July 28th, 2025 AT 2:58 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
He might be okay but I need to see the damage, can you upload an images of the problem? This what it should look like. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 28th, 2025 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
Here is the camshaft with the pin (key) removed, screenshot from phone.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 28th, 2025 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
Here is a higher resolution pic.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, July 28th, 2025 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
So that is the crankshaft locating pin. Yep you can see it is wallard out, this is not good, one side of me is install the new pin and run it, but you can see the timing gear will move over time, tough call. Come on Ford! What ever happen to the "woodruff key" it must have worked to well. Sorry but you will need a new crankshaft or risk a check engine light for crankshaft correlation codes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
Thanks Ken for your input above, I have forwarded it to my stepson. This is exactly what he was was concerned about, and could actually be the cause of the timing-related codes his truck was throwing. He does feel like when he gets the new pin(s) it will fit tight in the hole as the hole is not too badly worn at the bottom. The old pin shown here is fairly worn.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, tough call, thanks for the image. It will help having the new pin for sure.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
TECH2020
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
Update. My stepson used some extreme temperature epoxy to fill in the small (wallard) gap in the crankshaft hole that holds the pin, not sure how permanent this will be. The new pin fit very tight. He got the engine back together and after all the work including the new timing chain and guides etc. He fired it up and test drove it for an hour, he stated it ran perfect!

He will not attempt replacing the crankshaft if ultimately that is needed so hopefully the engine will run good for at least a while. He gained tremendous experience doing this job so regardless it was not without value. Ken, Thanks for your insights about the problem, it was very helpful.

Tom
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 5:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hi Tom,

Glad to hear the job was a success. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 10:39 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Camshaft Timing Content

VIEW MORE