bcarpenter0318

I've read plenty of other threads to try to find the answer to my problems, but I've had no luck. Okay, I decided to tackle the cam phaser job. I'm no professional but I know my way around an engine enough to do it. It started with the diesel sound of course. So I tore it down, got the front cover off also to replace the timing chain, sprocket, guides, and tensioners. The front cover on the inside on passenger side was ground down where the chain had been hitting. I seen a video that said to remove the 3 rockers from each side to, I believe, relieve pressure off of the cam. The video and a couple other sites I found recommended it. Anyways long story short I ended up replacing timing chain kit, both phasers, all oem parts. Also put on melling m340 oil pump. Thought about it, but did not drop the oil pan to replace screen, risky but didn't want to get into all that work. Now I have everything new installed torqued to spec, front cover is still off. So I decide to make sure everything's good before putting it all back together. I turn the engine a couple revolutions with a socket and wrench. Well it seems on the passenger side only, that the chain is good and tight almost throughout the whole turn of the crank but when I get near tdc or bdc on the rotation, the chain gets very loose. Also making sure chain doesn't jump a tooth or anything, I can keep turning and it tightens back up. The driver side chain does not do this. It seems everything is good on that side. My question is, what do I need to trouble shoot now. Could the lash adjusters be sticking? Will they eventually build oil pressure and be fine? Just to keep from getting asked, but I never had my truck scanned before this which I kinda regret. Can anyone help with this?

bcarpenter0318

Here's a link to the video I shot to let you see what it is doing.

Could it be oil pressure on that tensioner making it slack up or maybe a sticking lash adjuster? I'm still trying to figure it out myself. Any ideas on how to build oil pressure w/ everything tore down? I don't want to start it up until this issues good. any help is appreciated.

Beeman1221

I had the same problem going on with my 5.4 rebuild. What I suggest with the cover off is make sure the crank is in the correct position. That dot facing 6 o'clock. Then don't move it. Line up the chains correctly with the two marked links. The right cam phaser will have an R, the left a L. Just line them up, like the chains up, and don't move it at all. Put it all back together. If you are having trouble with oil pressure like most of the 5.4's do. My solution is Rotella 15W40 diesel oil. It sounds crazy. But my oil pressure, and rough idle problems are long gone.