I'll start by saying I know ZIP about mechanics. College student, just bought a 99 F150 off a friend that needed some work. Had my dad and uncle working on it and they hit their knowledge limit so we sent it to the shop. Check on it and the mechanic says its the cam phasers, that they will go out again if we do replace it, and that ultimately I need a new engine on this thing. If this is true, it's gonna cause problem with my buddy and I, so I want a 2nd opinion.

Does this sound right to you guys?

 

With a possible large expense appearing up the road , a second opinion might be considered. Any reputable shop usually will not object to this move especially if they are correct. If so, then tell them the job is theirs if that is the way it goes.

 

Think about it logically...

Why did the mechanic say that the cam phaser would go out again?

I mean, in reality the mechanic is correct. It's a 1999 F-150 (unknown mileage) that needs a new cam phaser in 2018, so in theory it will need replaced again..... in 19 years (unknown mileage) thus making the mechanic right.

Get the 2nd opinion as stated by Hanky.

 

So many things depend on using the correct oil(as recommended in the owner's manual). There are newer engines that were just short of destroyed by using the incorrect oil. It is not only using cheap oil, but oil with the wrong properties that start a chain of events that wind up with engine replacement. That is only because it is cheaper to replace the engine than to correct all the problems resulting from using the wrong oil.