Notices
2004 - 2008 F150 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Ford F150's with 5.4 V8, 4.6 V8 engine
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

5.4 knock

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 23, 2007 | 08:13 PM
  #1  
1workhorse's Avatar
1workhorse
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Question 5.4 knock

I have an 04 F-150 with the 5.4. I bought the truck new and like all first model year vehicles, had some kinks that I worked out. I had cam phasers replaced at around 57,000 miles. When they replaced them, they replaced the tensioners as well. I know they put the updated service parts in. Initially, It was a tick at idle on the passenger side. All has been quiet until around 92,000 miles. I now have 102,000 miles I have a rattle noise around 1200 RPMs and a little higher when the engine is hot. It sounds like a series of knocks at a very fast pace. I am reluctant to pay the dealer more money due to the amount of miles on the truck although it is in immaculant shape. I use Mobil 1 full synthetic 5w-20 and have so since day one. I am interested in doing the job myself since I have mechanic experience with diesels and OHV engines but have never touched these modular engines. Anyone out there that is a Ford tech with experience or anyone who has tackled the job himself that can give me some insight on special tools and tricks of the trade would definately be appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2007 | 01:16 AM
  #2  
jeffisjacked's Avatar
jeffisjacked
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Newark, DE
series of knocks? like more than 1 cylinder is knocking? how loud is it? You might just be hearing a noisy valve train.
 
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2007 | 06:57 PM
  #3  
1workhorse's Avatar
1workhorse
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
It sounds more like a series of knocks, it is possible that it may be the valve lashers, but after a trip to the dealer, they diagnosed it as being the cam phasers. The engine runs great, Ford claims it doesn't affect the performance or durability, but in most cases knocking noises that get worse eventually fail. Since these engines are close in tolerances, if something goes south, the engine may fail.
 
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2007 | 12:37 PM
  #4  
rojo's Avatar
rojo
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I recently had the cam phasers changed on my '04 at 30k. I recall the service guy mentioning a special tool that was needed to do the job. Not sure if that was true or not but just thought I'd bring it up since you mentioned doing the job yourself.
 
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2007 | 01:00 PM
  #5  
mikeinboise's Avatar
mikeinboise
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
How much did they charge you to replace the cam phasors? I am out of warranty and I am ticking bad (especially when hot and pulling a trailer)...
 
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2007 | 07:43 PM
  #6  
1workhorse's Avatar
1workhorse
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
When I had them done around 57000 miles they charged me 15% of the bill which came to around $170 since they could not figure it out when it was in warranty. I now have a quote for $1700 which includes new chain tensioners- they were also replaced at 57000. I decided not to pay that much money to have the dealer do it again. I'm getting ready to retire the truck from work so I can take the time to git r done.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 08:46 AM
  #7  
mikeinboise's Avatar
mikeinboise
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Thanks, so your going to do them yourself?
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 11:58 AM
  #8  
5.4L to Freedom's Avatar
5.4L to Freedom
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 2
From: Spring Lake
Hey guys, I have an 04 F250 SD with the 5.4 in it, and have come to your forums for guidance with this engine. First of all, I have 120K on mine and it's still runnin on original plugs~ I am terrified of changing them because of the "blowing a plug" problem I keep hearing about.

But anyhow, this is my first vehicle with overhead cams, so please excuse my ignorance. What is a cam phaser? If I have a lot of noise when the truck first leaves idle would that be a symptom of these things? And is it possible for me to replace them myself with the engine in the truck?

Thanks guys, I appreciate any insight.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jul 12, 2007 | 10:00 PM
  #9  
1workhorse's Avatar
1workhorse
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Does your truck have the 3 valve engine? (silver valve covers)I thought the SuperDutys still carried the 2 valve engines (black valve covers). If you have the 3V engine, they have variable valve timing. The cam phaser consists of a hub on each camshaft where the chain attaches, a solenoid which controls oil flow, etc. This repair can be done with the engine in the truck. Requires special tools. If you have the 2 valve engine, you don't have the VVT engine. You may have chain tensioner problems. If you run anything heavier than 5w-20 oil, you may have worn those parts. The oil journals are small and the thinner oil gets to those parts faster. I am still aquiring the tools to do the job myself. I have the service manual. I will post how the outcome is. THe spark plugs have horror stories. I agree with you on leaving them in. I now have near 104,000 miles on mine, they won't seize any more than what they are now. However, if you have the 2 valve engine, you shouldn't have any problems with seizing spark plugs. They had more problems with them ejecting at start up, especially #3. Two relatives of mine have vans with the 2V 5.4 with over 150,000 miles on both with the original plugs and still going fine.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Im50fast
Modular V10 (6.8l)
7
Oct 11, 2015 07:44 AM
chrismcfreely
1997 - 2003 F150
5
Oct 6, 2015 09:21 PM
3/4ton4X4
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
8
Jun 25, 2014 05:07 PM
jhkitts
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
6
Mar 21, 2014 06:51 PM
murph154
2004 - 2008 F150
26
Sep 6, 2007 10:44 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:55 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE