I've got phaser rattle in a 2019 3.5EB. Exactly as seen in videos posted on this forum and youtube. A couple of seconds of rattle at morning startup. Sometimes I can even hear it for a half second or so starting after the engine has only been sitting for a half hour.

I've seen a few videos on youtube about this replacement job. I'm considering giving it a shot myself as an extended long weekend project.
I don't have a lot of experience. I've changed oil and spark plugs. This job seems like a big leap in difficulty and commitment, but aside from the time and number of parts to remove, it doesn't seem completely out of reach at my experience level.

Anyone have any suggestions or comments?

 

The job is very intrusive and labor intensive. I certainly wouldn't consider it to be an easy job by any means, but if you are mechanically inclined, then its totally doable, especially with the invaluable Fordtechmakuloco video. I did the chain/phasers/guide job on my 2013 3.5 truck and it took me 15 or so hours to get it done. It was my first time getting that deep into a 3.5 so I took my time. Would I do it again? I would if I absolutely had to, but it wasnt fun the first time and Im sure it wouldnt be fun the second time. Youll be into parts and tools for right around 1200 bucks.

 

the biggest concern is obviously making sure you dont mess up the timing. Outside of that, dont think theres anything too crazy, especially with the video mentioned above. if you do decide to tackle it I would just make sure to go through the video carefully and ensure you have all the tools (and pay attention to deep or short sockets, what size extensions etc...), having just the right tool can make a huge difference and a battery powered ratchet is a life saver - they breeze through disassembly, putting em back i start em with my fingers then stop just short of snug either use a torque wrench or snug by hand. With these trucks a little step ladder or stool is a life saver and probably want a jack and stands as well. Take off the lower splitter held on by 2 bolts as well for extra clearance underneath, I made my own life hell doing the water pump not knowing it was that easy to take off

take pictures of your vacuum line routing and such, bag and tag those nuts/bolts!

 

How many miles on the truck? Over 60k I'm guessing?

 

Yep. Take pictures of EVERYTHING as you disassemble stuff. Especially the small things that could go back together forward or backwards. You’ll thank me later. Haha

 

The job was done under warrantee at about 50k. It's now over 90k.

 

Thanks, I think I'll get a quote for the job from a local garage and a few dealerships first, then decide whether I want to spend an entire extended long weekend on it.

 

One thing you can do it a flood mode start, gas pedal to the floor, try to start, let crank till the oil pressure gauge indicates pressure, this pre oils the phasers, let off pedal and see if the phaser rattle is present.