Is it reasonable to run my truck with the VCT solenoids unplugged instead of installing lockout kit? Just curious. Thanks,

Cannon

 

The question suggests you are ignoring several important points about the variable valve timing.

Oil Pressure and proper routing of oil into the Phaser advance chambers is what moves the phasers to base (No Retard, - or in other words advanced position).
The phasers contain a spring loaded locking pin that captures the phaser at base position (if they fully advance as they should) and holds them there until the PCM calls for retard (via activating the VCT Solenoids) again.

IF oil pressure is able to move phasers to 'base' position, AND if the locking pin captures them there ------ then unplugging them would accomplish the same effect on CAMS (But the PCM senses an open circuit in VCT solenoid and defeats (ceases to activate) Variable Valve Timing. You would have a constant code and PCM probably compensates by limiting certain operations that would effect power. (The Lockouts come with a 'tune' in an attempt to overcome the latter effect).

But IF the above is happening - WHY would one want to install lockouts. That would be locking out a perfectly functioning variable valve system's operation. So if the above are true - it would NOT be reasonable to just run with VCT solenoids unplugged.

On the other hand - IF Oil pressure or routing of oil is UNABLE to advance phasers to base position / or if the spring loaded locking pin is not properly capturing and holding them there --- Unplugging VCT Solenoids would have no effect on the failure. --- So in the second scenario, it would NOT be reasonable to just run with VCT solenoids unplugged, as nothing would be different whether plugged OR unplugged.


Aside from the above logic - I am not a fan of lockouts. They and all their advertising is 'snake oil'. If you have phaser problems - far the most reasonable thing to do is fix them.

 

If you "lockout" the system mechanically and set the valve timing correctly....... you basically end up with a system similar to the 2000- 2003 motor .... not a problem, but it takes INTERNAL work modifications, not just unplug.

 

Anyone considering locking out phasers on the 3 valve 5.4 should monitor OBDII variable valve operation under various driving conditions first. How much and how often retard is requested surprises you.


Anyone that uses the Torque Pro OBDII scanner app can download a 'csv' file containing the Ford Custom PIDs for the variable valve timing system and create a dashboard monitor screen like posted here: https://www.f150forum.com/f4/final-r...4/#post5133357


It will change your perspective of lockouts -- AND can help diagnose Phaser problems too.

 

 

Almost 2 years now. Zero problems.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...installed.html

 

JP3............ "no problems"........... you should explain that you have put the "lock blocks" inside the gear holes and that you are NOT talking about bypassing the original system by just pulling off the hoses.


KAY----- there are "KITS" to lock the cams timing in one position.. It functions just like a normal motor without VCT... What you DONT want is to remove the hoses and just let the gears randomly move with respect to the cam shafts and vary the timing RANDOMLY.

 

I have a 2002 5.4 motor that NEVER had VCT and it works great....... Son has a 2006 EXPEDITION that had VCT originally... all failed... they put the BLOCKS in to lock the cams in one position and now it works GREAT also.

 

I installed lockouts in my 07 5.4 3v. will it be safe for me to unplug the VCT and continue to drive without causing engine failure. I recently replaced the engine with M60HV oil pump and new timing chain kit and cam phasers lockouts.I'm getting the P0011 &P0021 advanced timing codes. I was wondering if I just unplug the VCT can I save money on paying to have it turned? And how safe would it be to drive without causing engine problems?