Jan 22, 2015, 03:49 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
Issue: Is your F-150’s engine idling loudly?
The eight cylinder engines are notorious for this due to the cam phasers. For the unaware, cam phasers are responsible for adjusting the camshaft position to improve fuel injection into the cylinders, which leads to better fuel efficiency when idling and the ability to draw power from the engine more quickly. However, after anywhere from 60,000-100,000 miles, they also cause rough, loud idling due to wear and tear.
While the cause can typically be linked to the cam phasers, solutions to the problem vary widely. Some of the top recommendations include:
Read the full thread to find out which of these solutions is best for your truck.
The eight cylinder engines are notorious for this due to the cam phasers. For the unaware, cam phasers are responsible for adjusting the camshaft position to improve fuel injection into the cylinders, which leads to better fuel efficiency when idling and the ability to draw power from the engine more quickly. However, after anywhere from 60,000-100,000 miles, they also cause rough, loud idling due to wear and tear.
While the cause can typically be linked to the cam phasers, solutions to the problem vary widely. Some of the top recommendations include:
- While the noise is annoying, the cam phaser itself isn’t actually breaking. If you can live with it, your F-150 will be fine.
- If the truck is under warranty, bring it to the dealership.
- It’s possible they may need to either replace the cam phasers, or even the cam phasers and camshaft as well.
- Install a coil spring behind each cam phaser to reduce the rattle as it moves.
- Swap the cam phasers from a larger engine so that it sits more tightly, reducing the rattle.
Read the full thread to find out which of these solutions is best for your truck.
5.4L cam phasers.. What goes bad?
Glenn Lloyd
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
So I finally got my truck back and its fixed. They said the Camphasers and vct solenoids did in fact fix the deiseling and the new timing chain fixed the ticking, said it was slack slapping the cover. Man I am glad its just fixed, after they did everything they were close to 4k in the hole. I would feel safe to say they lost there *** on this one.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Guy's I am having the same problem with my 07 ! I bought it used and it started the second day I had it .It is a low milage truck with extended warranty so they are fixing it. The dealer told me it would do no good changing the phasers without changing the timing chains also. I also have another 07 f150 I bought new and it runs like a champ and never had a issue with it.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I have a 2010 5.4 3V and mine has a constant tick with the engine RPM, almost sounds like an exhaust leak. The truck idles fine and basically the diesel sound is my injectors. I have an appointment on Monday to drop off the truck for the tick. Its still under warranty and I was wondering whats the best way you guys found to approach the dealer without being looked at like your talking rocket science? Hopefully its something easy as I love this truck and if I have to live without it for a few days I may have a heart attack, lol.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6,778
Likes: 68
Originally Posted by 2010LARIATVA
I have a 2010 5.4 3V and mine has a constant tick with the engine RPM, almost sounds like an exhaust leak. The truck idles fine and basically the diesel sound is my injectors. I have an appointment on Monday to drop off the truck for the tick. Its still under warranty and I was wondering whats the best way you guys found to approach the dealer without being looked at like your talking rocket science? Hopefully its something easy as I love this truck and if I have to live without it for a few days I may have a heart attack, lol.
i got the tick too. i am waiting for the truck to be off warranty... so i can install a e-force.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I definitely think it has to be the exhaust, the normal tick from injectors and all that is present. I listened to the valvetrain with a rubber hose and even around the front cover, I am going to try a stethoscope today. But I know the nose isnt the normal "tick". But since its still under warranty I will ***** till the dealer replaces soemthing
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Oscoda, Michigan
I bought a 2005 with 160,000 miles 3 months ago. In great shape, but it had the chain tensioner rattle at start up. Now it has the marbles in a can (diesel) rattle when it is hot. Mechanic says it is cam phasers. I have several questions:
1. Should I replace the tensioners and cam phasers at the same time?
2. I guess I should buy the chain kit and change all the chain parts. Some kits include a sprocket, some don't. Should I buy the kit with the sprocket?
3. What are the cheapest sources for these parts?
4. Can anyone provide a complete parts list or part numbers?
Thanks for your help.
1. Should I replace the tensioners and cam phasers at the same time?
2. I guess I should buy the chain kit and change all the chain parts. Some kits include a sprocket, some don't. Should I buy the kit with the sprocket?
3. What are the cheapest sources for these parts?
4. Can anyone provide a complete parts list or part numbers?
Thanks for your help.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6,778
Likes: 68
Originally Posted by cessna150
I have found that the tensioners can cause some of the noise problems at idle. I have a 2006 fx4 with all the noise, stalling, and severe rough idle that you woulg think the engine would jump out of the engine compartment. i have replaced every part in the vct system, phasers, tensioners. solinoids, guides. twice!!! The dealer has it now, and their answer is replace the engine.
it would solve my problems. lol
or sell the truck.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 5
I have found that the tensioners can cause some of the noise problems at idle. I have a 2006 fx4 with all the noise, stalling, and severe rough idle that you woulg think the engine would jump out of the engine compartment. i have replaced every part in the vct system, phasers, tensioners. solinoids, guides. twice!!! The dealer has it now, and their answer is replace the engine.
People, if you have rough idle when hot check your oil pressure while the engine is hot. This should be your first test. If it's below 25psi, there is your problem. So many people throwing thousands of dollars at these engines.