Ok, so today I buttoned everything up and took the truck for a drive. Still runs like crap and makes the knocking sound once the engine has warmed up.

I need help.

Heres the problem in detail.
earlier this week I decided to change the Cam Phasers in my 2005 5.4L 3v F150 because it was running really rough and making the knocking sound that from every thing i've read so far points to the Cam Phasers. Also all the codes I was getting pointed to the same issue. I also decided to change the plugs at the same time. Luckily for me the plugs came out easily.

The knocking doesn't start until the truck is running at a normal operating temp.

The hesitation or misfiring happens between 1000 and 2000 rps, sometimes even wider range up or down. its pretty bad. But it will go away after the truck has been driving for a while, sometimes resurfacing but not often. The engine temp seems to have nothing to do with this hesitation problem because if you turn the engine off and then restart it the problem is back and takes a while to smooth out again.

So far Ive changed.
2 cam phasers
2 cam position sensors
1 cam sensor plug because it was broken
8 spark plugs

Between special tools and parts Im already out about $900

Truck has 96,000 mi

Any Ideas before I turn it over to ford mechanics and take it up the butt.

Any ideas or info would help.

 

Did you use dielectric grease in the cops when you reinstalled them? (Correct answer is yes) You may have gotten too much grease on the contact springs. What brand of spark plugs did you use?

 

GLC,

Actually I think I may have narrowed down the problem but Ill wait till tomorrow to post the details after I see the results... Good or bad. Thanks

 

Wow good job and thanks for the info... I have been getting the same problem, although my truck hasn't been driving that rough, tell me what you are gonna do and how it turns out. Also, I had 4 phasers replaced at the dealership in July last year but still haven't changed the pugs and I'm at 65K. Good luck and I'll be waiting to hear what happens.

 

Ok,

So today I dropped off my truck yesterday and told the Service manager very detailed information about what is happening with my truck. Then they called me and said your right cam is off time by one tooth. I said ok, are you sure? They said, yes and the cost for us to repair it is $1200. I said no thanks but Id like to speak with the tech. No problem.

Then I spoke to the tech and forund out that they had only told him that I had replaced the phasers...thats it. Not that the problem existed before the replacement or....Most importantly that the problem would smooth out after a few miles down the road.

This changed everything because he just assumed that I screwed up the timing when I did the phasers. But the fact that it smoothed out after a drive ruled out the one tooth off theory.

So he narrowed it down to the VTC solenoid.
I changed that and there was no difference.

Im about ready to give up and buy an engine....But who knows, the problem may still be there.

Ford doesnt have an answer, but they would be happy charging me an arm and a leg to NOT fix the problem.

Someone please if you have an answer, please help me

BTW: the ford tech computers read outs showed the engine over advancing and then the trucks CPU shuts down the right bank. But he didnt run it long enough to let it smooth out.

 

Damn that's a tough pile to swallow, I wish I could help bud, but I don't know either since my truck is acting similar but not as bad. I do appreciate the info, hopefully somebody can help you, I will keep an eye out and good luck.

 

Your truck will be in my prayers tonight, that is definately a rough spot to be in, really really really good luck to you.

 

Yeah, thanks everyone. Come hell or high water Ill fix this thing. Just wished I had more time on my hands to do so.

 

Hey buddy any word on your truck? I don't if this might help but i told a friend of mine about your problem and he wanted to know if had asked the dealership tech if he had checked the lifters?

 

Thanks for the ask in my concern. The valve train is fine....thank god. The problem is at least narrowed down to the VCT system. Whats actually causing the miss is that the computer is detecting Bank 1 ( passenger side) cam is over advancing and it shuts down everything on that bank. The system is controlled by a VCT Solenoid that controls oil preassure to the Phasers. Ive changed all the parts in that line( Sensors, Phasers, VCT Slenoid) there is a possibility that the oil delivery orifices are partially blocked and restricting oil flow....OR the PCM itself is screwed. Im sick of throwing money at the problem. So what Im going to do is tear the whole thing down and clean the hell out of everything and put in some fresh oil. When I get the chance.

Heres the kicker. When I unplug the cam sensors the truck runs perfect. This is called running in Limp Mode. I need to do some more research, because from what I remember reading a few days ago is that you can run the truck like this but only up to a certain RPM ( I think 2800) Im fine with that because Im really light on the pedal anyways. I have an 09 Yamaha R1 that I can get my speed kicks from. But I need to find out if this is safe for the engine to continue driving like this till I have the time to tear it down.

Any info would help, Ive found there are some really cool people on here that seem to express a genuine concern. I appreciate that.

Luke McCracken

 

Hey man,
Did you ever fix your problem. My truck has the same thing happening. Repaced all of the same parts. Wanted to replace the head, but did not want to take the cab off. I think I have an oil passage problem. Any updates on your story would be appreciated. I have been running my truck in limp mode now for about a year.