Over the past year, as my 2012 E350 5.4 has approached 90K miles, the barely noticeable ticking has increased to a loud ticking. When it was a light tick I assumed it was the Cam Phasers. No problem, right? But as it's gotten louder I am leaning more to one of the Timing Chains making the noise. Maybe its slapping the case? Whatever, with the noise its making its demanding a fix.

Currently, it lightly ticks at idle, during acceleration it is quiet until the revs are over 3500 RPM, then it returns with a loud ticking. During deceleration it is quiet too. But just maintaining speed on level ground, it ticks loudly. The higher the RPM, the louder the tick. I find myself subconsciously either accelerating or decelerating constantly to keep the ticking at bay. No coasting for me. Consequently gas mileage suffers and I probably look like an ****** to others in traffic. Certainly don't relax and enjoy the drive.

So, I've been looking for the parts to change out the Timing Chains and Cam Phasers. Haven't found many choices for the 2-valve motors, but at least I've found a source for the parts. I would like to buy the Cloyes Timing Chain Kit, but it doesn't include Cam Phasers and I can't find 5.4 2-valve Cam Phasers sold separately. Parts Geek has an unbranded kit that includes Chains and Phasers, so I'll probably just buy it.

Where I'm totally stumped is the tool. As I search for a Cam Lockdown tool, all I can find are ones for the 3-valve motors.

Anyone here done this job before? What did you do for the Cam Lockdown tool? Does the 3-valve tool work?

 

Did the Econoline 5.4s even have cam phasers?

 

That's a good question, and one I have asked too. My only proof that the 2v does have cam phasers is they are included in one timing chain kit. All the other kits I've found do not include cam phasers, nor can I find cam phasers for sale by themselves.

I've read elsewhere that the 3v motors are the only one that has cam phasers. As some of that data predates the 2011 and newer 5.4 2v, I don't know if its true for my year motor.

Perhaps, the first item I should buy is a service manual for my E350. I'll need it anyway for torque specs.

 

During the year I've owned this van I assumed it had Cam Phasers. I would have sworn I read articles that had lamented their use and cursed their design. All I can find now is on th F- Series 3-Valve motors. None for the 2-Valve. Long Live the 2-Valve.

I have purchased and perused a Haynes 2012 E350 Service Manual, and there is no mention of Cam Phasers. Alright, I'm not afraid to admit I was wrong. Glad to, in fact, in this case. But that noise I was attributing to the Cam Phasers is a fact I'm not wrong about, just its source. Time to buy the Cloyes Timing Chain Kit and rip this puppy open.

 

Nope, your van certainly doesn't have cam phasers. The E-vans never got the 3V heads and VVT that the F-series did in '04 and '05. To my knowledge the larger heads wouldn't physically fit under the doghouse.

As for the ticking, timing drive issues are possible, but more common is an exhaust leak caused by broken manifold studs. Take a good look at the bolts that hold your manifolds to the heads, they are commonly known to break off, cause a small exhaust leak, and sound like a tick at times.

 

Thanks for the confirmation Tom, and the suggestion to check for an exhaust leak. I need to dig into it and figure out whats wrong. Whatever it is, performance hasn't been affected. Whether pulling my Jeep or going camping, this van has excellent power. I've really enjoyed driving it on trips. If it wasn't for this ticking noise I would love everything about it.