Thanks, but I am going to let Ford figure it out. It is covered but it is just a huge inconvenience. It seems that the art of mechanicing is going and all the service technicians do plug your vehicle into a computer and do what it says. Somethings still have to be learned/done by ear/touch.

I have a 2004 F-150 and this cam phaser issue has been aweful for me. The first sign for me was ticking then the vehicle wouldn't idle unless I disconnected one of the phaser sensors. The first dealership I took the vehicle into told me I needed a new engine $6000. The second said I need need the phasers replaced $1500. Before I could get the money rounded up the vehicle just died and would not start. A buddy and I pulled the valve covers (very hard) last weekend. When we pulled the left phaser out we found out the pin on the back of the phaser had sheared which I guess means the left side has jumped time. UGH!!! I guess I am going to pull the front timing cover and re-time and hope for the best.

Please feel free to comment on this. Does this mean I have to pull the head on that side?

5.4lit VCT Cam Phaser Video
 

Greetings everyone!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
The VCT Phaser replacement takes about 6 hours for an experienced tech. You must have the 2 special tools required to perform the job in that time, the valve spring compressor and the timing chain wedge. Without the tools, the front cover would have to come off. There is a procedure and it requires that the rockers be removed to keep the cam from rotating. <o:p></o:p>
Watch my video and you will get the idea!<o:p></o:p>
§ŕṂàşṫęřṪệčħ

<o:p>VCT Phaser video</o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Nice!!! Thanks for the video.

Tick, Tick, Tick
 

CAM PHASERS! AAAHHHH!
My "04" F150 with 75,000 mi. does sound like a diesel. That is how I have been describing it to people. After reading all these forum posts I see that I am not the only one with this probliem. I am still unsure though if the noise is just annoying or will be harmful to my truck that could lead to permanent motor seizure. Yes noise does come from passenger side, but mechanic says noise goes away when engine is revved over a certain rpm. What should I do? Change cam phasers or leave it alone? Please help.:-wink

Replace the Phaser
 

I recommend that you replace the Cam Phaser. I had a customer that declined to repair is rattling Phaser and about 7 months later, I was replaceing the engine because the Phaser came apart causing valve to pistion interface.

I have the same engine and I believe my bank 2 sprocket is off one tooth, causing the engine to run rough and die- I can disconnect the cmp sensor and it runs fine- is there a way to tell if it is off like the mark between the 2 copper links?

Timing
 

There is now way for you to tell by the plated links. The Cam Phasers have stuck before, but if it changes by unplugging, I would test the electronics to see the something in the computer or wiring in causing the concern.

My noise is at start up not a idel, under load until you go under load 1/4 to 1/2 mile then it stops until the next restart not disel sound more like a tap or squeek on the passenger side

this started on my 1999 at about 80,000 is this a cam phaser?

What you are describing is piston slap. The noise should be more pronounced on very cold days.

Thanks I have seen this in other threads, is there a cure other thank piston replacement

I have checked and double checked the wiring- even took to a Ford dealer and they charged 3 hours and verified the wiring. I even bought another PCM and programmed it, didnt change anything. The dealer said when the cmp sensor is plugged in the VCT PID readings are erratic and at 695 degrees- they dont have an answer either other than tearing down the front and removing the valve journals and cleaning them while inspecting the timing components- Eastimated $1000 plus to do that.

I am stumped.

i have to replace the phasers on my dads 05 screw he has drove it around for about month with it running like crap (not idling). this is how it started.He took it to tire rama in spokane to change the oil he has been running royal purple oil in since the day he bought it new. about 5 blocks down the road it started to run really rough so he took it back and they wouldn't do anything for him so he had to wait a week until he could have ford look at it.Ford said it was the phasers so i have been researching on how to fix these and have a few ????

1) with him driving it for so long im worried that the pin on the back of the phaser may have broke and i will have to take the front cover off. Is there a way to tell if the pin has broke other than taking it all apart (it runs fine at high rpms) if the pin is broke is there a way to realign the motor and and not have to remove the front cover?
2) Is there a aftermarket phaser to put on? i really dont want to install a oem phaser that will have the same problems that original one had.
3) if i do use a aftermarket lockout phaser do i have to use a chip?

any input would be awsome

ps i dont think this will be much fun my 7.3L dsl is not as complicated as this thing

Well the rest of the story...I was able to have the lash adjusters done w/o paying an additional deductible since it related back to the original complaint. They completed the adjustment and the noise returned. This last time they had it for three days, had another "Ford Guy" come in for a look and help w/ diagnosis. He/they determined that it was a solenoid that was in a constant state of cycling. According to what the dealership service dept said the solenoid controlled the oil flow in the phasers. They replaced it and the noise has been gone ever since. Thank God for extended warranties.