I have the dreaded cam phaser knock. How do I know?

Well, since we have Variable Cam Timing, this means our timing advances and decreases with throttle up and down. I have the knock slightly at idle, when I rev to about 1000rpm even, it actually ticks LOUD !!! As I slowly increase the throttle and the RPM's jump above 1500, the timing advances and the tick disappears completely.

I can only assume this is the cam phaser since my tick goes away with increase in throttle and timing increase.

The question is, what causes this damn ticking and knocking at low RPM's? Is it the slack in the timing chain? What is actually ticking? In fact, what the hell does a cam phaser look like anyway?

 

I'm not exactly sure how the system works, or what the phaser looks like on a 5.4 3V engine. I know on other Fords, like the latest 3.9L V8 in the LS and the 2.0L ZETEC engines, it looks like a big add on gear onto the front of the camshaft. I know that it uses oil pressure through a solenoid to advance and retard timing as necessary. My best guess as to what's causing the rattling is the solenoid itself is faulty or the internals that actually change the cam timing. You'll only hear this noise when the engine is hot because VCT isn't active when the engine's cold since it's oil pressure dependent.

 

Then it has to be that. On start up, all I hear are the injectors. After it heats up, KNOCK !!!

The only problem is, and I am to blame...is the warranty. I have modded my truck quite a bit, and I dont see them granting my warranty.

As of now, I have removed the Underdrive pullies, and the tune. I am basically stock expect for e-fans, exaust, intake and Plasma Ignition Booster.

I wonder if they would warranty it?

 

Other than the tune, which you already removed, I wouldn't think any of those simple bolt on's would void warranty with the issue at hand. If it did, your dealer is a ****.

 

i have the parts on order again, they sent them back after my accident thinking i might get another truck. mine does it hot and at idle also. the shops shouldn't even blink, this has been an ongoing problem. not sure if it will cause any problems, but it sure is annoying. especially near any building or drive thru......i like quiet on my truck. motorcycle has the pipes and jetting and some noise! LOL

 

Guess I'll remove those Superchips stickers and give them a call.

 

Do not forget to take the tune back to stock. Any time the truck gets near the dealer you have to allow for the possibility they will reflash the truck. Doesn't matter what happens to others, or what they say. A zealous tech can hook you up in a moment, reflash the truck and invalidate the VIN lock in the tuner, thus converting your tuner to a paperweight.
Chris

 

I returned to stock already. I am getting rid of the tuner cause my Supercharger is on the way. It has a tune with it.

 

Supercharger? Wish I had that kinda cash lying arund!!!

They should not void your warranty because of the mods. They know it's a problem. Had mine replaced a while back. It took them 2 times to get it right.... but now all you hear is the injectors. When I brought mine in I had the tuner, exhaust and a K&N drop in and they didn't say a word. I even mentioned the tuner to the guy but I called it a chip (not sure if he had heard of a tuner) and he corrected me by saying "don't get a chip, get a tuner..... you'll be much happier with it".

 

Cool. I am going to call them on Monday and get it in there. How long did it take to get the parts and get it fixed?

Was your truck out of commision for very long?

 

I think it took them 3 days to get the part in and 1 day to fix it. They had to take the accessories off the front and even had to drain the AC for some reason. Good thing is it cooled much better after I got it back.

Depending on where you live I would call ahead and make sure they know about the TSB. I was the 1st one they fixed the 1st time I went in. When I came in the 2nd time he said he had 2 more people come in with the same problem after me. He also said he was expecting me since he noticed an "update" to the fix since he had worked on mine.

Since it was the dealer I bought the truck from I got a free loaner..... you may want to see if your dealer will do the same for you

 

FYI, I am on my third cam phaser and I STILL have the dreaded knocking goin' on! I finally decided to forget about it. Each time they replaced it it took at least a day if not more. I live out of this thing and absolutely love driving it around. So for me to be in a loaner sucks!

I was told it causes no harm from my dealer, just annoying sound. Is that true?

I have since put on a SISO rear exit (custom) Magnaflow and it helps drown out the ticking.

Is there a new TSB regarding the cam phaser or still the same ol' one?

 

I had mine done late this last spring, took half a day and problem is fixed, I have put on 20K miles since then and the knock is still gone.

 

I will check and see about a loaner. Does a loaner have to be in your plan? Does it cost?

Quick responses tonight, truck goes in the shop in the morning.

Also, they made me put my stock intake back on before they would even work on it. So, I am getting the diff looked at for the clunk, the cam phaser looked at for the knock, AND they are fixing my upper tail light leak.

They wouldnt inspec the rough idle because of the intake. BS !!!

Oh well.

 

For me the loaner was just a "courtesy" sice I bought the truck in there. Anytime they had to do warrenty work they gave me a loaner. Me personally..... I'll remember that next time I buy a vehicle, they'll get first shot at my business.