Im on my way to check out a 2004 f150 lariat 4x4 Supercrew knowing of some problems I have been reading about on here, any suggestions on what to specifically check? Thanks

 

plug change...if its 4x4 check to make sure it goes into 4H and 4L drive it in both for a little bit...

 

Take it for a decent test drive, get the engine good and warm, then listen for a different sound between the engine cold, and warm. I have an 05 that sounds great when cold(except for the injectors chattering) but once its warmed up, has a quiet diesel sound........classic cam phaser trouble from what I've read. Otherwise, the normal things you'd look for in any used vehicle!

good luck!(ps they really do ride and drive well aside from the powertrain issues)

 

I'm buying from individual he mentioned he changed plugs and wires recently, what's the typical cost to fix this cam phaser problem? Does anyone know if it can be fixed prior to engine being messed up

 

Maybe ask for evidence of plug change, since there are no wires and he may be BS'ing you. It is a coil-over-plug setup, so unless he said "wire" and really meant "boot", he may not actually have changed the plugs at all.

How many miles on the truck?

 

Right at 90,000

 

Here is a pic of the truck looks real clean and well taken care of

 

I'm about to have to change my can phasers and I was quoted 800 with parts and labor. Its pretty obivious if you have a phased issue. One it warms up it will sound like the valves are clattering

 

Thanks for the info on that, don't sound to bad on the price, but still frustrating I imagine, will not replacing them cause the engine to fail?

 

Only an issue I believe if the truck is not running right. Mi e has the diesel sound, but am not worried because it runs great!