Clatter from the clattering camshaft phaser

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dano

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Hey all, I want to take care of the clatter due to the variable valve timing sprocket, or the camshaft phasers on my 05 Expy. At this point in time, its only the right side that is making the noise. My Expy has 180K miles on it. I have yet to change the plugs, (fyi). Anyway, should I get Ford parts, or go for the after market brands? As for the after market replacements, is there one that is just as reliable as the oem? Also, should I replace both, or just the noisy one? I started to do some research on them, but didn't recognize any of the replacement brands except for Dorman.
Thanks for any help and info.
 

deweysmith

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I wouldn't do aftermarket phasers. A LOT of people on F-150 forums recommend the phaser lockouts but I wouldn't do those either. I did a lot of research on this a month or so ago because mine was starting to show symptoms of this… turns out it was just that the ONE TIME I took it to a mechanic for an oil change because I had no time, they put in conventional 5w-20 instead of blend or full synthetic. Changed the oil for Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5w-20 and a Motorcraft filter and she purrs like a kitten that also happens to have really clicky injectors ;)

Were it my truck I'd break down and do the whole timing job. Chains, tensioners, phasers, the whole shebang. All Motorcraft parts (the whole set can be had for ~$400 including phasers if you look hard enough) and I'd do it in my driveway because I'm cheap and I think it's fun. A lot of people will recommend you upgrade the oil pump too, but I wouldn't say that's strictly necessary.
 
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dano

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Thanks for the info, I will consider your advice. However, she's starting to show her age in other aspects too, for instance, the a/c compressor , and a line need replaced, lower radiator support is darn near gone on the passenger side, needs some paint, needs to have plugs changed. So, that's why I may just settle for only doing each phaser or just the one. But you said something about the oil change. I switched from the Ford Synthetic 5/20 blend to Valvoline high mile 5/20. Maybe I should switch back?
 

deweysmith

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That might just do it. If it's a clatter, I would make double sure it's the phasers and not the injectors. The injectors on this engine are REALLY loud. FordTechMakuloco has a great video that outlines the phaser sounds. The phaser sound generally only at operating temperature, not cold, and it's not-so-affectionately referred to as "dieseling" because it makes your gas engine sound like a diesel engine.

I picked up a mechanic stethoscope at Harbor Freight for like $8 and stuck the end of it on an injector and I can hear the ticking there, nothing on the valve covers or near the phasers.

I didn't start getting a light noise until I was toward the end of the oil change cycle, at about 25% oil life left on the computer, like 4,000 km. The guy in the video also recommends 5w30 instead of 5w20. 20 has better gas mileage but he claims people don't have the same problems with 30. Your mileage may vary (literally and figuratively.)
 

Adieu

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Makuloco seems very experienced and trustworthy
 

deweysmith

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Makuloco seems very experienced and trustworthy

Yeah, he knows what he's doing. The reason he recommends 5w30 makes sense for the most part but his evidence seems entirely anecdotal and I like to keep my gas mileage up any way I can. It's really the only recommendation of his I don't follow, though.
 
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dano

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Thanks guys. Yeah on Makuloko, I watch a lot of his videos. I'm due for an oil change, so maybe I'll try that first, and I also have a stethoscope, so I will put that to the ole gal and see if that all makes a difference.
 

blue oval guy

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Sorry did you say you had 180K miles on original spark plugs? good lord..
Also, I wouldn't rule out a partially broken chain guide on either side, that would cause just enough extra slack for chain to slap around and make sounds that some might mistake for a cam phaser. Pull the front cover off and see whats doing? Lastly, do ONLY use OEM Motorcraft parts, cost difference is very minimal.
 

piciu82

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hello guys, i work on ford every day, we had a lot of does issues with gas engines on them, but most of the time with high mileage trucks it was head wear and oil pressure loss to camshaft phasers due to that . it happens all the time, or only when idle for longer time, do you get codes for camshaft timing to retarded/advanced ? also like stated before correct oil is crucial for proper operation on this engines,
 
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