When is it too late to replace the cam phasers and timing chain? I have 210K hard miles on the truck. Hailing hay, towing a gooseneck horse trailer and worse. The truck has been making the phaser knocking noise for a long time and I ignored it for far too long. Now I'm thinking about replacing the cam phasers, inspection of the timing chain and replace if needed along with tensioner, guides, etc. Also checking the VCT solenoids.

I've kept up with routine maintenance, oil, filters, plugs, etc.

Question is, is it really worth the cost and time. I would do all the work myself, but that still would be a big investment in time and money. The truck runs OK if you let it warm up a little before starting out. It does tend to stall sometime when it's hot outside and the engine is idling. And it may not be quite as powerful as it once was. But other than that, it's a good truck. It is almost 20 years old and has a few little bugs but it's hanging in there. Just debating if I should sink the time and money into it.

 

If you do the job, do everything - phasers, solenoids, timing chains, tensioners, guides, and a high volume oil pump. Use Motorcraft parts and a Melling oil pump.

Tools and parts are in the comments for video 1, there are 4 videos. In the meantime, the hot stalls can probably be minimized with heavier oil.

 

Thanks for the great info. Do you think it's worth the money? Looks like the cost for parts and tools would be around $1,000 and could go up from there. The truck is a 2007 so it's 18 years old with 210,000 miles. Trans seems OK, but I admit I haven't tried the 4 wheel; drive lately. Just debating putting that much time and money into it.

 

Only person to honestly answer the question is you.

I just did my truck 2010 5.4 3v, complete refresher, but I plan to keep this truck because I like ir, and its still way cheaper than a new truck with payments and maintenance fees etc etc.

 

Something else to be aware of:

 

Another thought - have you ever changed the spark plugs? If not, they are overdue and you need to be aware of the sticking issues.

 

Yes, I changed the plugs twice and replaced the COPS recently. I'm going to get the oil analyzed through Blackstone Labs before I do anything else. That should give me some idea of the health of the engine.

Thanks for all the help folks.