So, after ALL of this time this thread has been up, I have discovered some new details about the truck. I noticed that while it only rattles between 800-1,000 RPMs, if you shut the engine down and crank it right back up, you know how these trucks will idle at 800 RPMs for a second after startup? It does not rattle at all! Only when I press my foot on the accelerator to rev it up to 800 is where it rattles. But like I said, I shut it down, crank it directly back up and it high idles at 800 or so for a sec and no rattle! I don't get it...

 

It doesn't make the noise when it's cold b/c the cam phasers aren't working when it's cold. My truck makes the same noise and has 156000 miles on it. The truck still runs fine just a little noise when the cam phasers start to activate. Not sure if a solenoid would fix it or not. I haven't replaced my vct solenoids yet b/c I am throwing no codes.

 

BTW, mine also rattles occasionally on start up.......

 

No, I wasn't talking about cold. What I mean is you can hit the accelerator and rev it to 800 where it rattles. Shut it down and immediately crank it back up and it will rev up to 800 RPMs for a sec by the computer and it won't rattle.

Here's a video I just made showing it. BTW, thanks for all the help you guys! Quick update on my 2007 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4L Triton V8 VCT Phaser rattling/ticking sound - YouTube

 

On a not so busy day look to the phaser sol's and adjuster leaks. Sometimes screens get plugged in sol's and adjuster gaskets blow/leak. If noise gets loud you know broken things are in your future.

 

I am pretty sure when you start the truck up the cam phaser is still in its locked state. When you put your foot on the gas after the truck has reached a certain temp the cam phaser is unlocking and that's when you get your noise.

 

Hey 07F150Lariat5.4, the noise you are experiencing is a completly normal noise from the VCT system cycling oil back and forth to the phasers at that particular rpm. There is nothing that needs repaired.

The VCT system varies the oil to the phasers at the lowers rpms to create more torque. The noise you hear if you just hold it at that rpm dosn't sound pretty but please believe me when I say it is normal as the TSB mentioned earlier in this thread. The system is just beginning to cycle to find the optimal power curve for peak torque, even in nuetral.

Most people don't notice it at first because when you step on the throttle you pass right through that rpm quickly and you don't hear it. Of course this is only when the engine is hot, and the computer allows the VCT system to do its thing.

I have seen 3v 5.4s have the timing chains, tensioners, chain guides, phasers, VCT solenoids, all replaced for other reasons and the system will still give this exact same "rattle" at this rpm range when hot.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the help! Yeah, I just now read the TSB on the rattle noise. Hard to believe Ford says that is normal. Sounds like it's coming apart virtually. Thanks for the help! Appreciate it!