Is Cam Phaser Change Worth the Money with No Warranty?
 

For those of you who have had your cam phasers changed out on the "first generation" 5.4 3v engines, was it worth it? Did the rattle go away? Mine rattles on startup and in the low RPM range (<1200 rpm). My truck is the 04 with 125,000, and it has always done it. I wouldn't want to spend the money if the annoyance didn't go way. The TSB to change them out says you can only use 04 parts in an 04 engine. Thanks.

This is one of those cases where the old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies.


especially at your mileage. I understand the noise is annoying, but IMO you would be throwing good money away.


Sometimes the cam phaser makes noise and runs forever...and sometimes they fail prematuraly.



Murphy's Law says you will experience a major mechanical breakdown ASAP after you do the CAM Phasers. I recommend you just save your money for a new longblock. Much better alternative, and if you get a 06+ 5.4 3v, the noise should never appear

Thanks. That is what my conscious is telling me. But I wanted to hear what others have to say.

I have a question on this subject. If someone like mudslinger wanted to rebuild his original engine, could he use late model heads and therefore cam phasers on the 04 block?

cam phaser replacement
 

I've even wondered if a set of heads from an 03, going back to a 16 valve motor would work? Not sure of computer changes...

Not likely. There are many differences in the engine electronics and controls that'd make extremely difficult. I'm not sure if there are differences in the block which would make it impossible, but it'd be next to impossible to get it to run right.

Why would you want to, anyway? I loved my 3V 5.4...the VCT system is part of why it has that great, flat torque curve that we love for towing.

no unfortunately...you have to buy parts for the year of your motor.


Ford made minor changes between the 04 to 05 to 06...and even the 07's and 08s.


They run the same, but the internals don't swap out exactly. and you'll run into issues...if it even works





and no, the 97-03 5.4 2v stuff won't work. different setup entirely.