Ultimate Cam Phaser Discussion
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Diesel noise from these engines is not always the CAM Phaser. Lash adjuster combine with a loose timing chain tensioner (and/or broken guide/Rail) will make you think you need to change the CAM Phaser. But really you need to replace the timing chain tensioner (blown gasket) or timing chain guide and/or rail along with the timing chain. Which when bad ... causes timing chain slap noise. You can tell if the timing chain guide/rail is broken by taking off your oil pan and looking up behind the crankshaft ignition pulse wheel. Most times you will see of piece of it laying right by the crankshaft.
One more thing about using 5w-20 oil .... this thin oil does not cool as well as thicker oils. Once you have taken one of these motors apart you too will be able to testify how the engine ran too hot by the signs from the pistons and out-of-round cylinders.
I know ... because I have read many a threads by many of people with the same old advice "Change the CAM Phaser" ...
I am in the processor right now of rebuilding this engine and I am here to tell you ... it is not always the CAM Phasers.
Just my two cents!
By the way ... these are not cheap engines to rebuild if you choose to do the job better than a Ford Crate Motor reman!
Just as an example ... at least one of my main crankshaft holes had .001" taper in it stock from the factory. Not good when you have only .0009" oil clearance over a width of less than an inch on these mains. You really need to start with a round straight hole to put the main bearings into. Or right off the assembly line you have a main bearing starving for oil on half its bearing.
One more thing about using 5w-20 oil .... this thin oil does not cool as well as thicker oils. Once you have taken one of these motors apart you too will be able to testify how the engine ran too hot by the signs from the pistons and out-of-round cylinders.
I know ... because I have read many a threads by many of people with the same old advice "Change the CAM Phaser" ...
I am in the processor right now of rebuilding this engine and I am here to tell you ... it is not always the CAM Phasers.
Just my two cents!
By the way ... these are not cheap engines to rebuild if you choose to do the job better than a Ford Crate Motor reman!
Just as an example ... at least one of my main crankshaft holes had .001" taper in it stock from the factory. Not good when you have only .0009" oil clearance over a width of less than an inch on these mains. You really need to start with a round straight hole to put the main bearings into. Or right off the assembly line you have a main bearing starving for oil on half its bearing.
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MGD
This seems like a good thread to ask this on. When I crank my truck up when it's not warmed up, mainly when it has set overnight, it rattles for a second or two. It sounds like it's coming from the engine. I don't know if I would describe it as a "tick" it's more of like something loose that bounces around, but it doesn't do it when the engine is warm. What could this be and is it serious? I have a 2006 5.4 with 76,000 miles
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 452
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From: Hiram,Ga
This seems like a good thread to ask this on. When I crank my truck up when it's not warmed up, mainly when it has set overnight, it rattles for a second or two. It sounds like it's coming from the engine. I don't know if I would describe it as a "tick" it's more of like something loose that bounces around, but it doesn't do it when the engine is warm. What could this be and is it serious? I have a 2006 5.4 with 76,000 miles
Pretty sure this is what it sounds like when there is little to no oil in the upper areas of the heads and valve train.
I've been told that this is "lack of lubrication" and is the leading cause of the whole cam phaser noise issue.
I understand that the Motorcraft oil filters are supposed to prevent leak down of oil while sitting and will prevent this condition. Cheap filters don't prevent leakdown.
Thats why its important to use the Motorcraft filters "and oil" on our trucks.
Last edited by pethel; May 31, 2012 at 01:45 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 314
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From: Raleigh. NC
I changed both cam phasers on my 5.4 about 3 years ago in my driveway. It took some time but well worth it, its been quiet ever since. Luckily I have another car to drive so it was not too time sensitive. I remember reading that you have to discharge the AC and remove a hose or something to get the passenger side valve cover off ....I did not need to do this. Cams were in perfect shape, no issues etc.
Are you using an oil filter with an anti-drainback valve in it?
Are you using an oil filter with an anti-drainback valve in it?
I'm using Mobil 1 synthetic on most of my changes. Honestly I go in Auto Zone and get the synthetic oil they are giving a free filter with on that particular day. It's usually Mobil 1. I hate to say it, but I have a Fram filter in there now and I know I have used one once or twice before. I'm using motorcraft from now on. Where should I get motorcraft oil and filter from?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,390
Likes: 10
I'm using Mobil 1 synthetic on most of my changes. Honestly I go in Auto Zone and get the synthetic oil they are giving a free filter with on that particular day. It's usually Mobil 1. I hate to say it, but I have a Fram filter in there now and I know I have used one once or twice before. I'm using motorcraft from now on. Where should I get motorcraft oil and filter from?
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Joined: Apr 2009
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