When I crank my truck in the morning it has the clanking sound. After a minute or 2 it goes away. I called the dealership and asked if this could be realted to the cam phasers going out. They said that this is a tell tell sign of them going out. They want $100.00 to tell me if that is the problem, unless I choose to let them "repair" it. I assume the mean replace them from which I understand is $1500-$2000 just in parts. My truck is an '04 5.4L FX4 with 104k miles on it. I was hoping to put 160-175K on it before having to buy another. I'm not sure what to do here. I can either fix it, trade it, or just keep driving until the engine is done... Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Your not using a fram oil filter are you?

 

yes, why? It sounds like that is bad based on your comment.

 

Take it off right away and use the oem filter. Search fram oil filters on here..
This may be your issue

 

I had no idea. Never thought they may be cause. I will change it today. Should I get dealership to look at it regardless. Do you think the damage could be done? I have used frams for the last 60k miles.

 

In my own personal opinion. I would wait to see if the problem is fixed. Seems like the dealer automatically wants you to spend money. You might be just fine. Im sure there will be more experienced people offering opinions soon.

 

Recommended oil? High mileage castrol?

 

Just get that filter off of there and see if it fixes it... don't worry about those other oils. The MC 5w-20 is solid. It's probably the lack of oil in your engine when you start it.

 

Get the orange can of death off of it.....put a motorcraft on it....

 

Ok , changed the filter to a motorcraft and changed oil to 5w-20 MC synthetic blend. We'll see what happens. Thanks for all the comments

 

Keep us posted. You should find the noise gone right away.

 

My 06 5.4 has done the same thing for as long as I can remember. I've always used mc filters and mc 5-20. I'm pushing 145k, I don't think a noisy cam phaser can do any harm. Can it?

 

I don't mind the noise, I just have heard horrror stories of having to replace the motor after the cam phaser goes out. No morning clank, but it has a soft ticking. I'm not sure if that is the cam phaser or normal tick for this engine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fnksjt8ahQ

 

sounds like the phasers to me... gotta love the 5.4L

 

X2 on the phasers.....