I recently purchased a 2005 f-150 and it "seemed" like a great truck. 2-3 days after purchase it started ticking and driving a lil rough and the place I bought it from Claimed to have replaced the vct solenoids, valve cover gaskets and vct solenoid seals and did an oil change without any luck. Still ticking and when I left the car lot it stalled when waiting to turn . everything I read about these trucks says the replacing the vct solenoids solve the problem. I'm wondering if they actually did what they said or is there another problem.

 

When changing the vct solenoids, you do not need to remove the valve covers. But that's beside the point. I'd start by checking to see if your solenoids look new. They are located at the front of the engine, on either bank. They pass through the valve cover.



Are there any codes? The ticking itself could be the phasers, rockers/lash adjusters, or even an exhaust leak.

 

... Or even a loose plug.

Pull codes.
Acquire full maintenance history if possible ( e.g plug change )
Check FPDM
Clean MAF & TB.
Confirm brand of oil and filter

Is is an '04 or an '05? You stated both. If '05 you need to read this and address: http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/sd...229_r07m08.pdf

Here's a more detailed list of maintenance items/issues/info in the following post - some may have been overlooked:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ml#post5106400

MGD

 

It is an 04, sorry about that. And I'll have yo check the solenoids . the isn't any lights but my car lot said they did get 3 codes but can't remember what they were. I'll go get it scanned again

 

It actually sounds like a diesel

 

If it sounds like a diesel it's the phasers.

 

Before you dump a bunch of money in it check the crank to see if it is walking back and forth if it is dont waste any money on that motor find another one. She wont build enough oil pressure to lubricate the top end enough and the oil pressure guages on these trucks lie. in your driveway start your truck and warm it to opperating temp shift back and fourth between drive and reverse with the foot on the brake afew times if she shutters and or you hear a scrapping noise your crank is walking (extreme case) but what you really need to do is check the play with a dial indicator anymore than 8 thou shes junk

 

Thank you jerad, I'll check that out.