Evader53

I've got a noise between 900-1100rpm that is most pronounced from the drivers side wheel well. Truck sounds completely normal at idle and above 1100rpm, and it has been driving fine.

Its an '08 5.4L with 55k miles. Is this sound normal (hot engine)?

Below is a video I took; I'm sitting in the drivers seat holding the gas pedal to keep the engine at about 1000rpm, and I am holding the phone down near the bottom side of the opened driver door.


Any thoughts as to if its normal or not? Again this is with the engine rpms stabilized between 900-1100 rpm.

1stTruckGuy

Its your VCTs engaging. In this RPM range they chatter while they begin to do what they do. I hear this is normal in that exact RPM range. I replaced both of my VCTs and it made no difference in noise. Unplug yours and the noise should go away, best way to test it out. They are located on the front of your valve covers, one on each side. Drivers side one is under the power steering resevoir, might be harder to unplug without removing the plastic resevoir first, passenger side is right on top, piece of cake to unplug the harness. No harm in unplugging one or both.

lundgrener02

Mine did this really bad as well, but I was told to replace the VCT solenoid's. it only cost 175.00 for my local mechanic to do it and it completely took away the noise for me.

Masi1926

This should be the first thing everyone does now. 1-replace solenoids. 2-switch to 5/30 full syn. Then diagnose your engine noise, if any.

Evader53

So is this something that is normal and can be left alone?

Or is it something that needs to be replaced (VCT solenoids)?

Countryboy2744

what about the possibility of a leaking manifold??

Masi1926

Most people don't touch them. I had 115,000 mi before I replaced mine.
I'm sure someone with better knowledge of the newer redesigned solenoid, regarding the benefits of the smaller orifice at the end will chime in.

1stTruckGuy

I think the theory is that the smaller orifice provides increased oil pressure to the cam phasers at hot idle. That combined with switching to 5w30 will reduce the noise and increase pressure. Cold weather flow rate is unaffected, and it has been shown that the oil passages on the 5.4 are plenty large enough to handle the 30 weight oil at temperature.

Evader53

Thanks for all the input so far...

So is this doing any damage to the truck running it like this? I'd really like to not take any risks and avoid any possible cam phaser issues down the line.

Would you all suggest replacing the solenoids? Any rush to do so (I'd have to remove the valve covers)?

08screwCA

My 08 5.4 has the same noise id like to know the answer too