John in Wilmington

My 2005 5.4 engine F150 started running a bit rough the past month and the engine light came on. Error is due to "Cam Position Over Retarded Bank 1"


I was told that this problem may have resulted due to excessive engine sludge and the engine may require replacement or at a minimum a $2200 repair to replace the sensors.


This engine has been very well maintained and has never gone more that 4k miles without an oil change using synthetic oil.


Was told the only way to verify the excessive sludge condition was to remove the valve covers at a cost of $500 labor.


Does this all sound correct. Would it pay to change out the sensors which I think I could do myself and maybe do an engine flush.


Truck has 105k miles and I was originally going to bring it in for the required service interval.


John

vintageman

I had the P0012 code after I changed my phasers and timing components, I took out the VCT solenoids, cleaned them with throttle body cleaner, dipped them in oil and reinstalled them in the opposite banks. Code came back because I did not clear them at first, cleared them with my pocket scanner and they have not returned. Been about 6 months since my repair. I would clean then first. Check the screens on them, it they are damaged or if you have the old type, pick up a set of the new improved ones and reinstall. Let us know how it goes.
Tom

lewissa81

I'm with vintageman on this one. If you're the original owner, and you've been running synthetic with decent oil change intervals, I doubt you have a sludge problem. Unless you make too many short trips, where the oil never gets to full temp.
You can try to clean the vct solenoids. Ford has revised them a few times, so there are better ones out now though. If your truck doesn't sound like a diesel, then, then I would do this as soon as you can to keep the phasers from getting messed up.
It's easy to take them out, but you'll probably destroy the gasket in the process. They are located at the front of the valve cover.