Summers22

iTrader: (2)

So the passenger side hole is bigger than the driver side hole?

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

Have you replaced your VCT's? Did you only have to remove the driver valve cover? Since you have an 08, you should know.

black mark lt

New vct solenoid





Good luck getting that out 07-08' owners

black mark lt

No you ain't getting either side out without taking off both valve covers and yes it was aweful. 6 hours on a job I thought would take 40 minutes. To note since you have to remove valve covers you may as well inspect the phasers valves and timing chain while you have it open.

More importantly, it DID indeed fix the problem. Both ticking and hesitation. So I am going to make a quick guide from what I have read to help everyone diagnose the actual problem they have with their 5.4 3v motors.

Bad cam phasers: most people think that it's a ticking noise but in reality it sounds more like a rattling noise. The noise stays the same wether you accelerate or not and may disappear as Rpm's rise. This can be found using a mechanics stethoscope on the front of the valve covers by timing cover. Images can be googled for reference

Bad vct solenoids: as described above, you can hear an actual ticking coming from engine. Hard to determine where it comes from but the tick will accellerate as the Rpm's rise and does not disappear. You may notice a shake or what feels like transmission slip/stutter during higher rpm gear changes, hesitant acceleration, rough idle and possibly engine cut out like it's going to die when giving it gas.

Bad fpdm: from what I have read, a bad module gives symptoms of a bad fuel pump from being intermittent fuel pressure to vehicle not starting at all. Can also feels bogging lack of power. The model boards are surprisingly weather resistant in comparison to most other electronics and heck for $56 online, why wouldn't you avoid a long walk home, especially after you see what yours probably looks like.

Hope this all helps.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

That help's a ton and glad it cured your problem! You didn't have to mes with the a/c line above the passenger side valve cover did you? Also did you have to get new valve cover gaskets or reuse?

black mark lt

I did have to take out the battery box and battery, unbolt and move the ac dryer, remove the coils and wire harness to get off the passenger side. I didn't use new gasket because the oem ones are very thick with no dry rot and my truck only has 60k miles.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

Great! Thanks for the reply. Still waiting on @techrep to tell me how to do it without removing the valve covers.

BbR

I went through the exact same thing when changing mine out. I did watch a few videos of ford mechanics doing the job, so it looked easy, but they do it everyday!

Any plans on getting some bilsteins in there? I've been eyeing up the rancho quick struts fronts and backs.

Me and you both.