mechanic gave me my quote $1200

chain tensioners are worn out and the chain guides are broken along with the passenger side chain is torn up

 

well I got it back with new tensioners, chain guides and chains

runs like brand new, next time it starts I'll know to replace the tensioner seals right away

 

well I'd hate to revive a dead thread but now I have codes for P0345 and P0349 both pending

I was backing up my tow dolly and the motor started making a horrible knock/tick sound, I gave it some gas and it went away. I drove it around all today with no issues so I figured it was just water or something on the harness then I backed into my driveway tonight and it started doing it.

so I'm really stumped at this point, it appears that my passenger side is fixed and now I'm having issues with the driver side but I can't seem to recreate it and the codes will disappear eventually.

sounds exactly like this
2008 f150 engine noise - YouTube

 

There is a new TSB for that noise. It is caused by the VCT solenoids going crazy and cycling the phasers too far. Repair is replace both VCT solenoids. The TSB is 12-7-10 and the VCT part number is 8L3Z-6M280-B

 

Thanks but I'm having trouble finding that TSB anywhere, and the VCT solenoids are that cheap for the 2008?

 

It looks like yoru mechanic replaced the tensioners, chains and chain guides. I assume he changed the tensioner arms too, but didn't mention it.

Am I right that he (or she) didn't change the phasers or VCT soleoids? If that's correct, then a)bummer, because it was already all taken apart, and b)that's where I would think the problem lies.

The tensioner seal/VCT solenoid/phaser sound is all the same system. There are times when they all need replacing/repair.

I kind of did the same thing on my truck, except I started with the solenoids then did the phasers then did the timing chains, etc. 3 projects. I should have just done it all once.

 

I had done the chains, chain tensoners, chain guides, tensioner arms, lifters and sprocket, didn't do the VCT solenoids or phasers.

I have the redesigned motor, I was told the phasers don't fail on it but if the VCT solenoids fail I have to pull the valve covers to replace them

 

I'm not sure about 2008 phasers not breaking. That sure does sound like a phaser/vct solenoid noise, though. I have those valve covers too The bad news is that you have to pull them to get to the VCT soleoids. The good news is that they (usually) only have 8 or 9 bolts vs 15 bolts on the old covers (some of which are a pain to get to).

I'd do at least VCT solenoids and since you have to pull the covers I'd do phasers too. You'll need a chain holding wedge if you're doing it yourself.

 

Probably just going to do the solenoids myself, mechanic said my phasers were fine. Where did you find your vct solenoids at?

 

I got my VCT solenoids online through tasca parts dot com. I'm not affiliated with them in any way. They have OEM parts for way less than what I see at the official ford parts website. I've ordered from them about 10 times and no problems.

There may be less expensive sites, I'm not sure.

You may want a new set of valve cover gaskets. I managed to get my covers off a couple of times without screwing up the little cover that surrounds the VCT solenoid.

 

new solenoids are on their way, hopefully that will fix my problems if not I'm tempted just to trade it in

 

This site shows how to change the solenoids w/o taking off the valve covers.
VCT Solenoid

 

I have the 2008, my motor is different, I have to pull the valve covers to change them because only the plug sticks out there isn't the rubber grommet

but thanks anyway

 

well that was absolutely ridiculous but now it runs great

replaced the vct solenoids, less noise, less vibration no more knocking

 

Well now 6 months and 12k miles later my issues are coming back with what sounds like chain slap and knocking idle once in a blue moon, I'm thinking a tensioner went bad already but I don't know how that could happen.

Gonna have my mechanic check it out, just so frustrating dealing with these recurring issues due to poor designs.