Basically I wanted to start a discussion on the well known and exhaustive issue of cam phasers. I'm frustrated with all the conflicting reports. My 5.4L has 43k and I have the knock. I have read that this knock is just the beginning of problems. I have read some reports of people having scoring on their camshafts. Slack with the tensioners and rocker arm problems. I'm sure this is due to lack of oil making its way to the top of the motor. Has anyone had this problem? Is this due to using non-motorcraft oil filter? Are other filters too restrictive? Personally I did not realize using an after market filter would be a problem. I would like to discuss in this thread what have you guys replaced. Did the knock return after replacing phasers? Did anyone have to replace any other valve train parts. Is this due to using off brand filters? Thanks for the responses

 

My engine sounds like a diesel. enough said

 

Mine does also. When I go to replace them, I'm considering pulling the caps off of the camshaft and inspect them for scoring or premature wear. I guess for most peoples opinion even tho they knock....they're no plans to change them out.

 

My recently departed '04 had cam phaser clatter real bad. Seems like it all started around 70-75k miles or so. At least thats when it became noticeable.
Unfortunately I did use cheap oil and filters for years. (I didnt know)Lol
That could have been the cause.
I started using Motorcraft oil and filters again when I read here that it could be the cause.

As I said it made terrible clattering at idle and sounded like a diesel. But that truck ran absolutely perfect and had no loss of power until it died unexpectedly three weeks ago at 155k when someone pulled out on front of me.

 

That sucks...hope everyone was okay. I'm definitely switching to a motorcraft filter for sure. Seems as other filters don't work as well with the 5.4L. I doubt oil brand makes much of a difference

 

I guess I'm really fortunate. My truck has 125k and it's very quiet. If I were to do the phasers I would definitely do the chains. I'm not sure if they were ever done, because I bought it with high mileage. It didn't have a motorcraft filter when I did my first oil change. Some aftermarket pos. Some people say to use only 5w20 to keep the phasers quiet. I don't think oil has much to do with it

 

I replaced phasers, timing chain guides and tensioners. I had a broken guide and one of the tensioner seals had blown out. I personally would not replace the phasers without pulling the front cover to check seals and guides.

 

Bronco Barry
Did you happen to look at the camshaft or lash adjusters while you were in there? How difficult was it to replace the tensioners and guides

 

^^^ Yes, it does.

 

Being way up top and needing oil, I'ld agree that very likely oil does have a lot to do with it .... I use 5w20 MC blend and MC filters on the '07, still quiet but she just rolled over 40K yesterday between Troutville and Buchanan on Rt 11.

 

There may be some oils just as good, but when I sold my 05 with 135,000 miles, she was still quiet and did not burn oil. Nothing had ever been used but MC filters and MC blend, 5-20. I will stick with the MC, a great value for the $ in my estimation.

 

The Cam Phaser issue is there, but it's not as widespread as people make it sound. I haven't personally heard the "diesel-sounding" 5.4L, but it's not as if every F-150 w/5.4L is bound to have problems with the cam phasers. I'd say it's likely less than 1 in 10 at the most, but since it's such a noticeable problem, it gets thrown out there a lot. I think as long as you are using the correct type of oil (5w-20) in at least a semi-synthetic, it isn't likely a problem of oil. I only use Wix filters, but I'd imagine the oil filter is the bigger issue than brand of oil.

 

Wix makes a good filter. MC filters are made by Purolator. Stay away from Fram!

 

Where is the best place to buy motorcraft oil and filters? I'm switching to that after reading this thread. I've been using 5W-20 synthetic (usually Mobil1)