MZee

Hello.
I have an 04 F150 with 5.4 engine. 102k miles. It clattered like a small diesel, so I replaced cam chains, sprockets, phasers, solenoids, spark plugs and chain tensioners & arms. Before the fix it ran well, but sounded like a junker. Now it sounds like a new engine (no clank & clatter), but runs like a junker. Very rough at idle and under light load on road. I triple checked the timing marks before putting the covers on. I have checked coil & injector connections & hose connections. It is a mystery to me why it now runs bad.
Are cam or crank position sensors easily damaged by close proximity to iron (wrench stuck to magnetic sensor end)?

Suggestions & advice welcomed.

Thanks

MHOWELL34

Could be time for Coil packs or plugs. Or a bad VCT solenoid

MZee

I put new plugs in, as well as solenoids with the other new parts.

MHOWELL34

Yea but you could of had a bad batch, What kind of plugs??? Only SP515's should of went back in. They are factory Gapp'd

lewissa81

Did you stuck with Motorcraft phasers, or use Dorman? What brand of plugs did you use?

vintageman

+1 on the Dorman phasers, stick with OEM Ford phasers and parts. Which direction did you install the reluctor wheel on the front of the crank sprocket? The teeth should be pointed toward the front. I have sucessfully completed this repair and mine is still running great after 2000 miles. If you have any more details as to what brand parts that may help.
Tom

MZee

Motorcraft plugs installed, recommended heat range / number. Ford Phasers and solenoids.

effects4

is it throwing any codes yet?

vintageman

Just spit balling here but I do remember when I put mine back together, I reconnected the PCV hose and thought it clicked to lock in place, prior to starting, I put my hands back on everything one more time and found that my PCV hose was not clicked tightly, when I pushed on it, it clicked and fully seated. I also found that I had missed connecting one fuel injector. I reconnected that and then started the engine. Good to go at that point. I would say to go over everything one more time and check that all is connected tightly. I am still wondering about the reluctor gear on the front of the crank though but the only way to check that is to take the front cover off again. Keep at it, you will get it.
tom

MZee

Yes: 0010 vct Solenoid open circuit (because I tried it unplugged?)
0303 #3 misfire & 0316 misfire first 1000 revs.

I bought another SP515 plug to try in #3. Will see what happens.