ok, bought a 2004 f150 a couple of months ago w/ 45K. truck runs great, full power, but it has that "diesel" sound to it. from what i've read it is probably the cam phasers issue. I have no mechanical knowledge whatsoever. can change a tire & the oil, that's about the extent of my mechanicin'. So my question is this..................... Is this a problem or not?

I have searched the threads extensively & have come to no conclusion as to whether or not I should be concerned. This truck is all mine. no warranty. so i'm looking at shelling out some serious cash if i think this is a problem.

I need a knowlegable answer. I know some of you '04 owners have some serious miles on your rig, so let me know if this "sound" is actually something to be concerned about or not.

thanks in advance for the help!
5.4L lariat

 

sounds like you got the cam phaser issue

 

from what i hear the cam phaser issue is just a noise and wont hurt anything. if thats the case then just turn up the radio.

 

I was quoted 800 bucks per side for an 05 that I used to own. Only time you could really hear it good was at a drive thru. Sound was amplified off the wall. I got sick of people asking me if I had a diesel in her and traded it off.

 

Believe me I can live with a noise. That is a non-issue to me. What I am trying to determine is --------If left un-attended --------will this "cam phaser" thing lead to any long term damage? In other words.....I love my truck & don't want it taking a crap on me leaving me needing a new engine, but if this "problem" is just an annoying sound there's no way on earth i'm shelling out the cash for the repair. Also could really use some knowlegable answers & not just hearsay (no offense matts ford)

thanks again

 

Search the board. There are allot of the 04+ trucks with this issue. I cant say that I've read of it costing someone and engine but I also cant say I've been paying attention. search "cam phasers" and find out for yourself.

 

I haven't heard of anyone thats had a direct failure with the phasers. Ford and everyone else I have talked to swears up and down that this is not a durability or performance issue, just a noise...however, I have seen two phasers that have been replaced that had significant wear on the alignment pins, and the phaser housing around the pin, even cracked on one. I replaced both mine last week. Ford did not intend for these parts to make this noise, and I don't intend to be the first one replacing my engine because of that. The parts themselves are $240 each, Ford says total labor for both sides is 6.2 hrs (I believe) I did both mine in 4 with no special tools.

 

http://www.flatratetech.com/index.php?categoryid=4

Scroll down to video 22. Very good stuff on there.