Hello, I have a 2004 f150 5.4l. 155k miles. The truck has always been reliable until it wasn't..I started my truck one morning and all of the sudden is was chugging and idling rough. I started down the road to see if it would clear up, but it didn't. The truck would stall out of I came to a stop. My check engine light came on, I scanned it and got a P0345 code. (Camshaft position sensor A circuit bank 2) I replaced the cam sensor, and absolutely no change. I changed my Vct solenoid, still no change. I have had the truck at 2 mechanic shops, one being the Ford dealership. They said that all wiring, fuses, cam phasers, are all ok. However I have a plugged oil feed orifice tube?? They said the the motor is junk and needs replaced. HOWEVER, If I leave that cam sensor unplugged, the truck runs completely fine? No weird noises, no noticeable power loss or anything. What is going on with my truck? Please give me some input so I can get my check engine light off and be able to plug my cam sensor back in. Thanks ks in advance for any and all help!

 

All the mechanics you talked to were correct.......time to get a remanufactured engine with warranty. Why do you not believe them?
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/final-r...-sound-141266/

 

Probably because I'm stubborn and don't want to except the fact I need a new motor when mine is running great with the cam sensor unplugged. Am I Causing any additional problems.s by driving the truck with the cam sensor unplugged? Also, how long would I expect to be able to drive it with the sensor unplugged? Thanks ks for the reply.

 

Are you sure phasers are ok? I would also go back and get another cam sensor.....sometimes new parts are bad. You do not need a new motor. That's crazy.

 

They pulled of the valve covers to inspect the phasers and said they are operating as they should be. As far as a bad cam sensor I could try to buy another sensor and try that. Thanks ks for the replies!

 

You are right, its crazy. How long have you been around 3 valve 5.4's? He needs a new motor or to replace all timing components (phasers, guides, tenioners, vcts, oil pump). With his codes and symptoms and diagnosis by a couple mechanics, his engine is in need of immediate repair.

 

You know why your oil pick-up tube is clogged, correct? Its because the plastic timing chain guides have broken and clogged it. You are literally starving your engine of oil everytime you drive it.

 

Replacing timing components is much different than a new motor. Much cheaper too.

 

With the cost of replacing all timing components, oil pump and all gaskets on a 155k motor only to have the cam journals score the cams (which is very likely since its being starved of oil), you are money ahead replacing it with a warranted engine. We all look at it differently, in this case, I would replace if I was keeping the truck for any amount of time.

 

I would agree in that if you cannot do the work yourself , not worth the money.