Engine Ticking

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BrinkExpo

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My 06 Expedition with 150k miles runs great. However if I rev the motor quick in neutral or if I give it a quick acceleration in drive or reverse, the motor makes a ticking/rattling sound like something is loose in there. It only does this at the lower RPMs and then goes away at higher RPMs.

If you just drive it slowly around town and don't hit the throttle too fast, you never hear it.

Sometime it makes a similar noise when starting it up but only for about 2 seconds and then goes away

Any of you guys know what this could be? Any advice is much appreciated
 

ExpeditionAndy

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The cam phasers are controlled by solenoids. Low oil pressure will cause the cam phaser to wear and get lose. At low RPMs they are locked by the solenoids and if there is any, wear in the cam phaser itself, slop in the chain, or a weak chain tensioner you will hear a ticking sound. As the rpm comes up the computer controls the advancing or the retarding of the timing. Typically you will not hear the ticking at higher RPMs.

The start up noise often called marbles in a can it what you hear before the oil pressure builds up. It is worse right after you change the oil and filter because it takes longer to build pressure.

The rattling sound could be because the chain guides have deteriorated and the chain his hitting the cover.

There is a set of 4 of these videos, here is the first one.

 

99WhiteC5Coupe

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Also ensure you have the correct volume and viscosity motor oil, and a quality filter such as Motorcraft.
 
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BrinkExpo

BrinkExpo

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Thanks, I have Ford semi synthetic 5w20 oil with Ford oil filter. Is that pretty spendy labor to do the timing chain or cam phasers? Looks like parts are around $200 for each kit.
 
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ExpeditionAndy

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Thanks, I have Ford semi synthetic 5w20 oil with Ford oil filter. Is that a pretty spendy fix to do the timing chain or cam phasers?
Not if you can do it yourself. the dealer is going to charge $2500-$3000 an independent shop will charge less. If you are going to tear the front of the engine off you might as well do it all, timing chain, tensioners, and guides, cam phasers, oil pump, solenoids Then you won't have to worry about it for 150K miles. Probably $900-$1200 in parts depending on how far you go.
 

Hugh Janus

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Keep an eye on those cam phasers - they'll likely wear out in the next 200,000 miles.

Seriously, ticking phasers is a design defect that is "normal" - so don't worry about it. However, pay attention to the "rattle" noise and if it gets to the point where it sounds like a diesel when you accelerate - time for timing chains & tensioners.
 
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BrinkExpo

BrinkExpo

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At how many miles are guys usually having to do this? My old man has a 3v 5.4 with 250k on his and has never done cam phasers or timing chain
 
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