So I finally took it to the shop. They say the oil pressure hot at idle is 20 psi. Causing the cam issue and the running problem. At higher rpm pressure is within spec. Makes sense at idle causing the cam phaser and solenoid to flip out. But why would it cause it to run poorly at speed? Is there further damage internally? I was under the impression the cam phasers wouldn't cause a poor running issue.

 

Don't know about the VCT engine but 20 psig used to be normal oil pressure at hot idle??

 

I stand corrected. Hot psi at idle drops to 15. But at higher rpms over 50. I don't understand why low pressure at idle makes it run poorly at speed. It runs better but still skipping on the hwy

 

I suspect the issue is not the oil pressure unless oil is being blocked to the valve train. But, I don't know about these VCT engines. Never owned one. What the mechanic said sounds like BS to me. Use a heavier viscosity oil. Member Labnerd said that is what Ford reocommends on engines with VCT issues I believe. There was a recent discussion of this. Do a search.

 

Thanks. I agree. They said it needs an engine. But I just don't believe them