PLEASE Help: Phaser Replacement / Engine Replacement
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Joined: Mar 2015
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PLEASE Help: Phaser Replacement / Engine Replacement
Hey All:
2004 F150 5.4L 210,000 miles - Initially replaced CAM phasers in August. Since then I have had a ticking noise when turning the key. I took it back to the mechanic, his thought was to keep driving and see if it reduces over time. The warmer months it is barely there. This winter it began to get worse. I took it in after the idle slowed down, and engine cut off a few times after the initial start of the engine. Once I apply the accelerator or raise the rpm the ticking / noise goes away. The mechanic who initially did the cam replacement tried to find out why the oil pressure is low, and causing the engine to cut off. Our initial thoughts were to simply replace the phasers. When he got into it, he found the VCT solenoid strainer (metal mesh) had been partly ripped out. The aha moment as to why the oil pressure was remaining low / cutting off was blockage. What else he found was metal bits that had blocked the VCT solenoid causing this issue.
So here’s the pain point: having 210K miles, his suggestion is to replace the motor for roughly 5K. The metal is thought to have come from the main part of the motor and 2 options, replace the heads or replace the motor. Has anyone run into this? I trust his opinion, am just hoping for someone else who may have had a similar story with a better outcome. I am only knowledgeable enough to be dangerous (so very limited) so looking for any insight. Thank you for your input, any and all is very appreciated!
2004 F150 5.4L 210,000 miles - Initially replaced CAM phasers in August. Since then I have had a ticking noise when turning the key. I took it back to the mechanic, his thought was to keep driving and see if it reduces over time. The warmer months it is barely there. This winter it began to get worse. I took it in after the idle slowed down, and engine cut off a few times after the initial start of the engine. Once I apply the accelerator or raise the rpm the ticking / noise goes away. The mechanic who initially did the cam replacement tried to find out why the oil pressure is low, and causing the engine to cut off. Our initial thoughts were to simply replace the phasers. When he got into it, he found the VCT solenoid strainer (metal mesh) had been partly ripped out. The aha moment as to why the oil pressure was remaining low / cutting off was blockage. What else he found was metal bits that had blocked the VCT solenoid causing this issue.
So here’s the pain point: having 210K miles, his suggestion is to replace the motor for roughly 5K. The metal is thought to have come from the main part of the motor and 2 options, replace the heads or replace the motor. Has anyone run into this? I trust his opinion, am just hoping for someone else who may have had a similar story with a better outcome. I am only knowledgeable enough to be dangerous (so very limited) so looking for any insight. Thank you for your input, any and all is very appreciated!
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Joined: Feb 2015
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