So, how has there not been a class action lawsuit against Ford for these POS 5.4L 3V engines? I have the rattle at startup, I think is just the Solenoids and seals, but from all the info available on the Internet, the Phaser kit needs changed to. I can do the labor, but the cost of parts is a lot.

 

I need to get the seals replaced on mine also I believe. The plugs had some signs of oil and I get a little puff of smoke when I first start it in the AM. I haven't had any issues with the VCT solenoids, but I read that Ford replaced them at some point (2010?) with a new part # that is allegedly far less prone to problems. As for the cam phasers, I think we all have/had that to some degree. Whether or not the problem is at the point where it needs to be addressed is for you to decide. Some guys have had the associated noises for 100K without further issue. And indeed, there should have been a class action for these issues as they plague virtually every 5.4 out there to some degree.