My father in laws 2004 f150 5.4 had rough idle. We replaced the VCT solenoids about a month ago and it did not cure the problem. Yesterday we replaced the cam phasers. It ran great for about 30 miles then started running terrible at all speeds with no power. The MIL light was on and we had code P 2198 (drivers side). Thinking it might be a VCT problem we switched the VCTs (side for side)around and now I get codes: 2196 2191 0021 0012. I believe these refer to the passenger side. I wonder if we ruined one of the VCTs by running it before replacing the cam phaser. Or if there is some other problem causing this. Thanks for any help

Mark

 

Just looking at my Haynes manual and 0012 is for Bank 1 and 0021 is for Bank 2. Did you clear the codes before you switched the CVT's or were both new after you cleared codes and switched the solenoids? If you're sure you got the timing right when you put in the new phasers I'd start with replacing one and see if one of the errors go away. I just replaced my entire front end (phasers included) and it appears the computer had some relearning to do before it finally leveled out. Let me know if you've made any progress since your last post. I'm not an expert by any stretch but am becoming very familiar with the entire phaser system. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply. I did clear all codes after each repair. I am confident that I got the timing right because it ran very well for the first 30 miles.

 

Your PCV hose has gone to hell on you while you drove it. Replacethe assembly with a Ford oem. Reset your puter and see if it streightens out after 50miles. Your over advanced cam and over retarded cam may be a product of the malfing PCV. Your original O2 sensor code may not apply now. After market PCV parts don't fit so well. Don't overcomplicate this until you have to. Your VCT solenoids have screens in them. They may be clogged with gunk. If you noticed a lot of gunk in the front of the cam chain area it would be systematic. Still don't jump to an oil PSI decision until?

 

OK thanks. I will try a new PCV hose. I did pull the VCTs out to switch them around and the screens were very clean. No gunk yet. There was a fair amount of gunk buildup on the valve covers though. can the insided of the VCTs get clogged up if the screens still look good? Thanks for the help

 

Usually the build up clogs, or the screens dismember and the fine metal wire makes the valve stick in position turning the cam useless. Many times the PCV hose disassemalates internally along with the valve internals distruction. Don't know if you have a heated PCV? Some love Seafoam, 1/2 can in the pan, 1/2 can down the brake tube to the intake manifolds internals. Drain the motor oil after a few miles with a new filter to help with internal motor clean up. The filth thing in a motor is simply nasty business.

 

I picked up a new VCT soleniod and replaced the VCT that we installed a month ago. The truck started and ran fine. I could not believe it! I have a PCV hose ordered that I will install when it arrives. The VCT that I pulled out still looks like new. What do you think happened to it?

 

It's a electrro mechanical device, a PITA, some say just a very bad design, a FU, a not os better idea. Did you hear Ford is droping its Decal/logo. Ford built in america for americans. Lol. You just got to work the complicates SOB out of it.