5.4L 3v Camshaft Phaser Knock Noise Fix

[makuloco2000]

Factory, like the expensive Ford part or the less expensive Dorman part? Is there a good reason to order the Ford part?

robert

I have heard bad things about the dormans from many others that went that route.

 

[01yellerCobra]

For something like this I'd stick with Ford. I found the complete kit for about $300 on Amazon. That included new guides, chains, and the phasers. It might be even cheaper if you go through Tasca.

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[GaryH2]

Thanks for the good info.

I've searched the forums and have the question of what happens if you continue to drive with this condition (and no CEL of course)? Are you tempting fate with immanent doom or a noise and minor performance issue?

I'm thinking this might be on the "To-do" list for the Mega-Bus based on the sounds it was making the other day at idle, but won't be able to get to it for a while.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Thanks for the good info.

I've searched the forums and have the question of what happens if you continue to drive with this condition (and no CEL of course)? Are you tempting fate with immanent doom or a noise and minor performance issue?

I'm thinking this might be on the "To-do" list for the Mega-Bus based on the sounds it was making the other day at idle, but won't be able to get to it for a while.

From my experience it's the noise and lack of performance. The VCT doesn't have good control over the cams so you're leaving some on the table. My understanding is if the VCT solenoids are clogged that can cause damage. They supply oil to the cam journals and if they're clogged then no oil is getting to the journal. Or not enough.

FWIW, we put around 10k miles on our 06 GT with the rattling phasers. We finally got around to swapping them because I was tired of hearing them and she was embarrased driving the car. After it was done the car felt a lot peppier. Before replacing the phasers I could chirp the tires on a 1-2 shift. Now I can break the tires loose on a 1-2 shift and chirp 3rd. Informal, but gives you an idea.

 

[GaryH2]

Thanks for the info! That's good to know.

The Expy runs really good but is a bit noisy at idle. Its more noticable now that its really hot (90+ degrees) and the oil is thinned out after driving.

At 150k I expected some ponies to wander off, but if fixing the cam phasers gets some more HP back in the corral, I'm all for that!

 

[jruppert]

My 2007 is making the initial clatter at startup. It is also making a slight clatter at idle but to me it sounds like exhaust like. If I were to fix this on my own, what kit do I buy? I am seeing...
http://www.amazon.com/Ford-Racing-M-6004-463V-Camshaft-Engine/dp/B00BRM88WC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410647389&sr=8-2&keywords=ford+3v

http://www.amazon.com/Ford-Camshaft-Drive-Phaser-Repair/dp/B00E2UMX40/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1410647389&sr=8-3&keywords=ford+3v

Are these both the same thing?

What about locking the phasers? Any benefits to do this? Any cons associated with locking them?

My 3v has 175,000 on the clock. I am to the point of wondering if I should sink money into this repair or do a 4v swap. Might be more trouble than its worth though.

 

[01yellerCobra]

You'll need the second kit. The 5.4 is taller so the primary chains are longer.

Lock outs are pointless on a stock engine. You'll give up low end torque and need to be tuned. The 4v swap is more money then it's worth.

 

[jruppert]

I cant believe I didnt notice the first link for a 4.6!!

Thanks

 

[metaldrgn]

This seems like a good sticky post. Can someone add it?

 

[makuloco2000]

I have also heard of owners running 5w-30 or 10w-30 and this noise never reappears.

 

[Hobbes]

Re: Cam

Just had it done by Ford, 2,300.00.. Pretty pissed about that one since it's a known issues.

 

[Summers22]

I have also heard of owners running 5w-30 or 10w-30 and this noise never reappears.

Doesnt mean the problem is fixed, its just masked.

 

[fiveohpoepoe]

Almost 120k on my '10 EL...ticking has gotten worse and I have been to dealership twice. Quoted me $66x.xx to change the solenoids as they were allegedly causing the noise[TSB as well]. So far I have changed out the passenger side[not at the dealership] and noise is still evident.