Replace Lash Adjusters
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Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13
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From: Southern Maryland
Replace Lash Adjusters
After gathering up the necessary tools and parts for replacing the lash adjusters (lifters), I tore into my engine this past week (2004 5.4 3V with 51,000 miles). I replaced the 12 lash adjusters on the drivers side in an attempt to eliminate start-up tapping-knocking. A local dealer diagnosed the lash adjusters as the cause of the problem, but since i'm out of warranty, I decided to save a little cash and do the labor myself.
I was able to find the parts (lash adjusters, valve cover gaskets, and camshaft phaser bolts) for a decent price on http://www.tascafordparts.com. I got the tools (timing chain wedge and valve spring compressor) off the site http://www.fordspecialtools.com. I also had to buy an in-lb torque wrench since mine didn't go low enough for the required torque on the cam cap bolts.
Anyways, after replacing only one side, the truck does sound quieter on start-up, but there's still a slight tapping sound for the first few seconds. When I get enough motivation built up, I'll tear into the passenger side (Ford put way more crap in the way of the passenger side camshaft cover).
After replacing the lash adjusters on the passenger side, if the tapping isn't resolved, then I'll put new cam phasers in it.
If new cam phasers don't make a difference, my plan is to quit throwing parts at it and let her keep making noise... even though it sounds like my truck has a spun rod bearing for the first few seconds after I start it.
I was able to find the parts (lash adjusters, valve cover gaskets, and camshaft phaser bolts) for a decent price on http://www.tascafordparts.com. I got the tools (timing chain wedge and valve spring compressor) off the site http://www.fordspecialtools.com. I also had to buy an in-lb torque wrench since mine didn't go low enough for the required torque on the cam cap bolts.
Anyways, after replacing only one side, the truck does sound quieter on start-up, but there's still a slight tapping sound for the first few seconds. When I get enough motivation built up, I'll tear into the passenger side (Ford put way more crap in the way of the passenger side camshaft cover).
After replacing the lash adjusters on the passenger side, if the tapping isn't resolved, then I'll put new cam phasers in it.
If new cam phasers don't make a difference, my plan is to quit throwing parts at it and let her keep making noise... even though it sounds like my truck has a spun rod bearing for the first few seconds after I start it.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,494
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From: Northern CA
What did this cost you in total? What is your mechanical background? Thank you for sharing!
Wish you would have taken pics, sounds involved. Considering I may not be driving my truck for the next year I have considered rebuilding my engine. I'm pretty good at figuring things out I'd say.
Wish you would have taken pics, sounds involved. Considering I may not be driving my truck for the next year I have considered rebuilding my engine. I'm pretty good at figuring things out I'd say.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maryland
Josiah, To answer your questions...
Cost so far, roughly $400 in tools and parts. The dealer quoted around $1200.
Ford special tools...
303-1175 Locking Tool, Timing Chain $90.38
303-1039 Compressor, Valve Spring $147.73
Parts (from Tasca)
2 cam phaser bolts $17 total
24 lash adjusters $132 total
2 valve covers gaskets $22 total
I'm a mechanical engineer (although that doesn't necessarily qualify me to turn wrenches) and I'm a do-it-yourself kinda guy who's rebuilt a few engines (good old push-rod 302 ford engines), will replace brake components, fluid changes, clutch replacements, etc... things I can handle in my garage.
Sorry no pics, but someone else already has good pics on here of when they swapped they're cam phasers a few months ago.
Cost so far, roughly $400 in tools and parts. The dealer quoted around $1200.
Ford special tools...
303-1175 Locking Tool, Timing Chain $90.38
303-1039 Compressor, Valve Spring $147.73
Parts (from Tasca)
2 cam phaser bolts $17 total
24 lash adjusters $132 total
2 valve covers gaskets $22 total
I'm a mechanical engineer (although that doesn't necessarily qualify me to turn wrenches) and I'm a do-it-yourself kinda guy who's rebuilt a few engines (good old push-rod 302 ford engines), will replace brake components, fluid changes, clutch replacements, etc... things I can handle in my garage.
Sorry no pics, but someone else already has good pics on here of when they swapped they're cam phasers a few months ago.