I have a 04 F150 5.4 Lariat with 72K miles. I really like the truck and would like to keep it a long time. I've read all the many post about the cam phaser issues. My engine seems to run great and doesn't make any weird noises, yet. My question is do all these engines in this year group have issues with the phasers? Is it wise to do something now or wait? I've seen the limiters, etc. to install but quite honestly I hate to fix something thats not broke. Also there's quite an expense and alot of time involved. I would appreciate some opinions on this. Thanks ahead of time for your input.

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

Agreed, don't fix what isn't broken

 

I'm not to far ahead of you, 04 5.4 with 84,000. So far no cam phaser noise. I'm leaving things alone.....

 

I have 89000 on my 2004. I waited until something broke - periodic extremely rough idle then timing chain rattle upon engine start. Turns out I had a broken phaser, 1 broken stationary chain guide and 2 leaking tensioners. I replaced both phasers, all chains, guides and tensioners as well as used the lockouts. Don't want to tear it down again . . . . Finished yesterday and will re-program the PCM and try to start today. I will post results.

 

My 2004 has 92k on it and its making some noise, mostly the mild tapping and timing chain on startup. Besides me thinking that the stealership screwed me, I am going to run it as is for a while. Save up and gather parts, new cam phasers, lockouts, timing chains, guides, tensioners, etc.

If yours aren't making any noise, I'd just stay with regular maintenance and enjoy your truck!

 

So I re-programmed the PCM using the SCT Tuner and custom program that came with the Livernois cam phaser lockout kit. Then I held my breath and turned the key . . . and presto! I think it sounds quieter than the day I bought it! Well probably not - but it is super quiet. I drove it about 6 miles and it is running great. We'll see what happens on a longer drive tomorrow.

 

Well thanks for all the expert advice. I kinda wanted to wait until something went haywire before I started spending money. Excellent report jrroth on your experience. How much money and time do you have in the complete job you did? I would assume you are done for a long time with these issues. Good luck to all and thanks again.

 

Cloyes 9-0391SB Timing Kit - $175
Chains/tensionser/guides/sprocket

Replacement Cam Phasers - $240

Timing Cover Gasket - $ 40

Livernois Lockout package - $400

Grand Total - $855 (Dealer quote was $2600)

I re-used the valve cover gaskets as they were in good shape. I probably could have re-used the timing cover gasket as well but played it safe due to the amount of time to get back into it if it leaked.

Total time was about 6 weeks! Actually I did it over two weekends however between those weekends, I had a graduation one weekend, a weekend trip to PA and a 9 day business trip to England. . . . . .
If I had all the parts when I started I could have done it in one weekend.

 

I'm interested in hearing how your EGR and HC's work out at testor time.

 

That is a good data point however we'll never know since emissions testing is not required my locality in Virginia.

I can say that it is runinng quieter and idling smoother than it has in a long time. I drove it about 15 miles this morning and up to 75 mph on the interstate. Effect on gas mileage will take a bit of time to determine.