Ok here is the issue 2004 f150 fx4 5.4 3v

I bought the truck with 180K

terrible idle and ticking

started researching and figured out all the issues with these 5.4 3v

I got into it and went hard off the start replacing parts.

So Far
New spark plugs (8)
New cam phaser (1) driver side
New Lifters (24)
New timing chains (2)
New timing chain rails (4)
New timing chain tensioners (2)
New timing chain lower sprocket (1)
New oil pump (1)
New water pump (1)
New VCT solenoids (2)
New Cam position sensors (2)
New coil packs (8) Accell
Fuel pump driver module (1)
and a fresh oil change with a motorcraft filter and Mobil 1 10w30

The Problem
loud cold start up ticking
moderate ticking throughout warm up and operating temp
rough idle at running temp
stalling at stop signs and quick stops at running temp.

was very driveable for the the past 4-5 months until out of the blue driving home. Extremely rough idle and Running feels as if it is out of timing or as if it's running on only a few cylinders. Is now almost Undriveable

Pulled the check engine codes and got
P034 camshaft position sensor (A) circuit (bank 1 or single sensor)
P0012 intake (a) camshaft position timing over retarded bank 1


My thoughts
Possibly passenger side cam phaser is bad. It's not original but it's definitely not new not sure of its age.

I pulled the VCT solenoids to check for clogging or build up and found metal shavings against the screen. ( unsure of where they came from)

Somone told me a clogged oil screen and pickup tube could put me out of timing. Haven't dropped oil pan yet to check, should i ??


please if anyone has some insight or just wants to bounce an idea off me don't hesitate I could really use some extra minds of this thanks again Taylor.

 

Touched on this in your other post, but I'm going house sitting elsewhere for the weekend so...

1. Cam phasers are symptoms of a bigger issue.

2. Those shavings are from the engine innards that have self-destructed from lack of oil pressure from...

3. That clogged oil pump pickup from crummy timing chain components. You can check the oil pan, but the engine is functionally done.

 

I was getting pretty close to the same symptoms. I ended up pulling the cams and found the journals to be all scored up from lack of oil for some reason. I hate to tell ya, but I have a new engine coming. Both heads needed replaced anyway so might as well get all new at this point.

 

how big are the metal shavings? just asking but whats the reasoning on replacing just drivers side phaser? your codes indicate that your issue is drivers side. To rule out sensor your could swap both vct and cmp sensors side to side, if dtc changes sides its the sensor. If your worried about spending more money on a junk motor you could do what fordaholic495 said, pull cam caps and see if they are scored and instead of pulling the pan just drain some oil and if its silvery your probably ganna need a motor. by the way what type of timing components did you use? have seen issues with aftermarket stuff, highly recommend motorcraft. hope this help. keep us posted, interested in what you find.