I've read hundreds - maybe a thousand posts on the notorious 5.4 phaser tick. I have the tick on the passenger side. 2006 F150, 92,000 miles and the tick started about 500 miles ago.. I replaced the passenger side solenoid, just because I knew there was a new version and why not. It didn't fix it, of course.

So.. Should I fix it? I plan on keeping the truck for about 4 more years and other than the tick, it runs great. No timing issues that are obvious, smooth idle, plenty of power. I don't usually fix anything that isn't broken, but I don't want to lose the motor because a piston rammed a valve.

I've read posts that say xxx miles after the tick started, the motor died, which is why I'm concerned. Would there be any warning before that happened - timing issues? Louder tick?

If I do this, I'm doing all of it: phasers, chains, tensioners and guides, so it's a big nut.

Opinions?

 

With 4 years expected use, would you not expect total failure in the future?
The advance spring pin has come loose or broken in the gear. This is the noise.
I would plan on the repairs and go for a best time to do it, soon.
No it will not cause valve interference with the piston tops.
The cam is limited as to how far it can change phase with the crank.
If the chain jumps teeth all bets are off.
When you do the job, check the chain tensioners and piston seals for wear.
Good luck.

 

I've heard if its just a knock at idle it should be fine if the knocking gets louder and is more noticeable higher in the rpms then you should change them because they are about to fail.

 

about 40,xxx miles on my truck with the tick.... ill let you know when it pops... I'm riding it out

 

If you've seen the price tags on the new trucks. This might not be all that questionable... Although the 5.4 isn't my ball of wax....

 

Change the oil pump also. I believe a Melling M360 is the hot ticket. I have a complete kit to do this job, that I bought before I realized that I had a LOT of camshaft journal damage. My truck is getting an engine, so I don't need it anymore. PM me if interested. Even if you don't buy my stuff, ADD an oil pump to your list!