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.

 

series of knocks? like more than 1 cylinder is knocking? how loud is it? You might just be hearing a noisy valve train.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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)...

 

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.

 

Thanks, so your going to do them yourself?

 

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.

 

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.