Tuner & Timing Chain Issues?
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Tuner & Timing Chain Issues?
Just installed a sct x3 tuner in a 06 F350 5.4 truck. Noticeable power gains for sure but am worried by what sounds to me like a rattle coming from the timing chain. Wondering what could be the problem or if it is in fact a problem. Should I go back to stock ASAP or do you think I should upgrade the tensioners. Thanks for any help
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: West of Chicago
Are you sure it's not the cam phasers making noise? It's pretty rare for timing components to go bad on the 5.4's. The issues were addressed in the 4.6 and revised guides were used after 06/03 on all ford models. Unless the truck was very poorly maintained id say you have another issue.
The chains don't need to be replaced, just the guides and tensioners. I have done many of these repairs on 02-03 4.6L v8's. The chains are not marked so if it falls off you will need to take it to ford. You could have an accessory line PS pump or water pump going out which also can explain the noise
How do you know it's timing chain related?
The chains don't need to be replaced, just the guides and tensioners. I have done many of these repairs on 02-03 4.6L v8's. The chains are not marked so if it falls off you will need to take it to ford. You could have an accessory line PS pump or water pump going out which also can explain the noise
How do you know it's timing chain related?
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I don't know for sure that it is timing sounds that I hear. It sounds like it to me but I am no mechanic. It seems to be mainly when under load but doesn't do it at idle so I'm not sure how to check it exactly. It's got 93,000 on it so it could be a variety o things I suppose. Just odd that its only when the tuner is set to a custom tune and not when it's on the stock program
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
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From: Roanoke, VA
The plastic timing chain tensioners gaskets blow out and lose the oil pressure needed to keep the chains tight and not make the noise slapping against the cover or jumping time. A few teeth jumped and the engine is ruined. The cast iron tensioners are more durable. The chains stretch if not properly maintained. When you see how far the tensioners adjusters are extended you will know chain stretch. Usually the set is replaced.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
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From: Mt. Shasta California
Are you sure it's not the cam phasers making noise? It's pretty rare for timing components to go bad on the 5.4's. The issues were addressed in the 4.6 and revised guides were used after 06/03 on all ford models. Unless the truck was very poorly maintained id say you have another issue.
The chains don't need to be replaced, just the guides and tensioners. I have done many of these repairs on 02-03 4.6L v8's. The chains are not marked so if it falls off you will need to take it to ford. You could have an accessory line PS pump or water pump going out which also can explain the noise
How do you know it's timing chain related?
The chains don't need to be replaced, just the guides and tensioners. I have done many of these repairs on 02-03 4.6L v8's. The chains are not marked so if it falls off you will need to take it to ford. You could have an accessory line PS pump or water pump going out which also can explain the noise
How do you know it's timing chain related?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: West of Chicago
OP, If the noise is under load it could be a broken exhaust manifold stud, they make many strange noises when there broken. Very rarely would the "seals blow out" of the tensioners. They also have a failsafe spring in them that will take up the slack once the oil pressure fails. 05+ SD trucks with V10's and 5.4's guides are much bigger and more stout then the 4.6L. If you are un sure then take it to a mechanic and have them point you in the right direction. IF the guides are bad The truck was severely neglected and run hard.
Keep in mind the 4.6L will run 24/7 sometimes for many many years under hard police and taxi use. Very rarely was there a failure past 2004. The 5.4 is the same way and there are many that are run hard with no issues.
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Savage you may be on to something. Thank you all for the help I'm happy to hear from some of the more seasoned guys here about the reliability of the 5.4 as compared to police and taxi use. Savage you mentioned detonation and I was able to speak to my mechanic this evening and he said the same thing. I'm currently running the 87 tow tune from mike at 5 star. I have about a half a tank of 87 currently but am hesitant to add premium as I was under the impression that I should only run the fuel rated for the tune or vice versa. What are your thoughts on premium w what's currently in the tank and the current tune. Should I run it empty and go back to stock then run premium then try it again. Thanks for the help
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Forest lake minnesota
Savage you may be on to something. Thank you all for the help I'm happy to hear from some of the more seasoned guys here about the reliability of the 5.4 as compared to police and taxi use. Savage you mentioned detonation and I was able to speak to my mechanic this evening and he said the same thing. I'm currently running the 87 tow tune from mike at 5 star. I have about a half a tank of 87 currently but am hesitant to add premium as I was under the impression that I should only run the fuel rated for the tune or vice versa. What are your thoughts on premium w what's currently in the tank and the current tune. Should I run it empty and go back to stock then run premium then try it again. Thanks for the help
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Hard to explain the exact sounds I'm hearing but from what I can tell the only times I hear it is under load when running 87 tow or 87 performance. I do not hear anything unusual when in stock mode and I have not noticed any sound when I'm in 87 economy. I don't know if this helps at all but I know that there has been no adjustments or replacements of timing components thru the life of the truck. Again it's a 2006 with 93,000 on it. Best I should probably have the mechanic take it for a ride with the tunes on which I will do soon.