My 2004 F-150 is going into a "death roll" on the highways 50-60 mph - potential problems with the variable speed cams? - replaced both the Cam Solenoids and Cam Sensors, one Coil Pack and all 4 plugs on the passenger side but am still getting a misfire. My mechanic and Ford both say the last thing to do is change out the timing chains and all - a $2000 problem!.....

Does anyone have any ideas or opinions that this could be something different than the timing chains? Please let me know - thanks!

 

Does it sound worse than a diesel or just light clicks. Clank-Clank is bad. A misfire doesn't mean the timing chains. U should have a code for cam timing retarded if so. Switch injectors to see if U can isolate the bad one or just get a couple new ones to install.

 

Before we started the work on the truck, it had sounded like a diesel and we were getting error codes on the cam timing and more things - that what lead us to the plugs, cam solenoids, cam sensors and a coil pack. It's this weird "death roll" as I call it that is so unusual - totally running like it's out of wack for a while, then evening out - mostly leading me to believe there is a Cam Phaser problem....
So at this point, it's really just a question of if we need new timing chains/tensioners or if there is a "sludge" problem as I keep hearing about, or something else.....

 

Bob, here's a suggestion for the sludge and that's kinda what it sounds like. These phasers are real picky about the oil and how clean it is on the inside. If you can find any G Oil 5w-30, try it. It's the only 100% ester based oil out there and comes with a terrific additive package. Problem is though it's hard to find and since Walmart quit stocking it, it can be expensive. Esters are the best cleaners out there. It was available on Amazon. We've actually seen G Oil save and free up sticky phasers. If you can't find it or don't want to spend the bucks, try to find Delo 400 dual rated oil in 5w-30. It has a extremely high detergent package. DO NOT use any solvent type additives for a flush as it WILL damage these engines. This not going to go away quick but the best thing is to drive it. Also make sure the PCV system is in good working order.

 

Fuel injector.

 

So for an update, right now it sure is appearing to be a sludge problem with the cam solenoid - I added SeaFoam and another sludge treatment to the engine oil, along with an cleaning treatment to the fuel. As of right now, it's running much better, and not going out of wack into a "death roll" on the highways - almost like magic here.... I'll keep using the treatment for another 200 miles or so, and then change the oil to one of the oils described above - more details later if this helps anyone else out.
Bob

 

There is a screen in the solenoid that may be clogged. U can look but probably find an adjuster or guide problem. odds are it is loosing oil PSI due to a leak. When it gets real loose the codes will pop up.

 

Did you fix your problem?

Some other issues that don't be seemed to mentioned often enough...

The timing chain guides on these vehicles break into pieces all the time and end up in the oil pan interfering with the oil pump function. You should verify oil pressure and you should also not be surprised the guides need to be replaced. Unfortunately there is no easy way to determine if they are broken, if your truck sounds like a diesel it is likely you need to yank the timing cover anyway.

I found pieces of my timing chain guides in my oil pan while fixing an oil pan leak Contemplating next steps... gl