I know my 04 F150 5.4 has the cam phaser ticking and I suspect it is the cause of the lack of power. I have worked on engines since I was 16 off and on, 38 now. I have never worked on an engine with these cam phasers and to be honest don't even know what they look like.

Can the average Joe replace their's? I would like to know the cost of the parts and if there are any special tools required. Any pictures are also a great help.

Oh, warranty is up so I am on the hook for this repair.

 

Go to this site and watch the video '5.4L VCT Theory of Operation', its the 5th one down and you can decide http://flatratetech.com/index.php?categoryid=12&

 

Great video

 

I can't view it at work, I will have to wait until I get home from hockey,late. Thanks, I look forward to learning from it.

 

That is a great site. I also watched the spark plug change. That is awesome. Thanks so much!

 

The passenger side sucks, I haven't figured out yet how to get the valve cover off without discharging the A/C. The driver's side isn't so bad. If you take your time, and have a couple of special tools, replacing the cam phaser isn't a real big job.

If I get a real wild hair, I may replace mine this fall/winter and take some pics and stuff. My driver's side is rattling and clattering a bit.

 

Well those are excellent videos for information, but very bad for examples of acting!! Not sure if I want to tackle that one only because I don't have the special tools required. The wedge that holds the chain is very important as is the lifter removal tool.
I am going to see what the dealer will charge to do the job, if it is too much, I will buy the required tools and do it myself. I think mine is the driver's side if I remember correctly, so I don't have to worry about the A/C.

Thanks again for posting that link.

 

I get an error that says my account does not have access

How can I see the video?

Thanks

 

Nevermind, the link must have changed. I just went to the main site and found it.

Should have done that before posting earlier, sorry.

 

Quintin, I was able to get my pass. side off without removing that a/c hose. I just pulled the small bolts and rubber gromets off the back half of the valve cover that hang up on the camshaft caps. A little wiggle and choice word never hurt either.

 

I remove the battery, battery tray, and unbolt the accumulator and "move" the accumulator and line out of the way, then "reposition" afterwards. If the truck has a body lift, it'll come right out. Left side takes less than 45 minutes while the right side takes around an hour and a half.

 

I had mine replaced 2 months ago. the ticking didn't go away. Ford tech said that they all do it and that is should be nothing to worry about. Mine sounds like a bucket of bolts if I hold it right around 950 rpms. Not sure if it is the phasers again or not, because they werent the noise before...

 

Cam phasers don't tick, the fuel injectors do.

http://www.flatratetech.com/index.php?categoryid=4 See episode 22 for all the engine sounds, good and bad.

 

Excellent site !!!!!
Thank You for sharing. I watched the "spark-plug removal vid."
Only question I have is, they didn't show the porcelain being removed but suggested the head be pulled if some of the porcelain is left in the ground shield. I have read on this site that ppl are removing the porcelain anyways which could/will creat a catastrofic problem in the cylinder. What is your input on this subject. I am asking just for curiosity sake.

Thanks again for the web-site.

TJK

 

Man am I glad to read that. I too can hold mine right at 950-1000 RPM and it sounds exactly the same. So this isn't a problem? I've already had both phasers changed but that was 70k ago.