Ultimate Cam Phaser Discussion
#1
Ultimate Cam Phaser Discussion
Basically I wanted to start a discussion on the well known and exhaustive issue of cam phasers. I'm frustrated with all the conflicting reports. My 5.4L has 43k and I have the knock. I have read that this knock is just the beginning of problems. I have read some reports of people having scoring on their camshafts. Slack with the tensioners and rocker arm problems. I'm sure this is due to lack of oil making its way to the top of the motor. Has anyone had this problem? Is this due to using non-motorcraft oil filter? Are other filters too restrictive? Personally I did not realize using an after market filter would be a problem. I would like to discuss in this thread what have you guys replaced. Did the knock return after replacing phasers? Did anyone have to replace any other valve train parts. Is this due to using off brand filters? Thanks for the responses
#3
#4
My recently departed '04 had cam phaser clatter real bad. Seems like it all started around 70-75k miles or so. At least thats when it became noticeable.
Unfortunately I did use cheap oil and filters for years. (I didnt know)Lol
That could have been the cause.
I started using Motorcraft oil and filters again when I read here that it could be the cause.
As I said it made terrible clattering at idle and sounded like a diesel. But that truck ran absolutely perfect and had no loss of power until it died unexpectedly three weeks ago at 155k when someone pulled out on front of me.
Unfortunately I did use cheap oil and filters for years. (I didnt know)Lol
That could have been the cause.
I started using Motorcraft oil and filters again when I read here that it could be the cause.
As I said it made terrible clattering at idle and sounded like a diesel. But that truck ran absolutely perfect and had no loss of power until it died unexpectedly three weeks ago at 155k when someone pulled out on front of me.
#5
#6
I guess I'm really fortunate. My truck has 125k and it's very quiet. If I were to do the phasers I would definitely do the chains. I'm not sure if they were ever done, because I bought it with high mileage. It didn't have a motorcraft filter when I did my first oil change. Some aftermarket pos. Some people say to use only 5w20 to keep the phasers quiet. I don't think oil has much to do with it
#7
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#8
#9
I guess I'm really fortunate. My truck has 125k and it's very quiet. If I were to do the phasers I would definitely do the chains. I'm not sure if they were ever done, because I bought it with high mileage. It didn't have a motorcraft filter when I did my first oil change. Some aftermarket pos. Some people say to use only 5w20 to keep the phasers quiet. I don't think oil has much to do with it
#11
#12
The Cam Phaser issue is there, but it's not as widespread as people make it sound. I haven't personally heard the "diesel-sounding" 5.4L, but it's not as if every F-150 w/5.4L is bound to have problems with the cam phasers. I'd say it's likely less than 1 in 10 at the most, but since it's such a noticeable problem, it gets thrown out there a lot. I think as long as you are using the correct type of oil (5w-20) in at least a semi-synthetic, it isn't likely a problem of oil. I only use Wix filters, but I'd imagine the oil filter is the bigger issue than brand of oil.
#15