Karpiel73

Test drove a very nice 2008 F150 Lariat with 116k miles on it today. Everything worked and it drove great. As I was pulling into their lot it started this noise for several minutes, then it randomly stopped and sounded brand new. As they were driving it into the service dept it started again. Any clue what it could be?

Reichenbach

Sounds like mine does every now and then. In mine it is the vct's. I am having ford look at mine this week to see if it is covered under warranty. If not I will replace them myself.

LariatDude

Oh lord those are your cam phasers or your chain tensioners (lettings chain drag again timing cover or guides). Either they tried selling it knowing it had this issue, or someone used cheap parts to fix it. Walk away from it, man

diver64

IDK on that. The timing chain would be more like a loud rap and wouldn't start and stop I should think. That sounds like it's a diesel.

tcp2

It's the lock pins on the phasers not getting enough oil pressure to engage. As the oil heats and thins, the hydraulic pressure required to align the phaser and lock it in place isn't available. If you tap the gas the pressure increases and they lock, but will fall out again at idle rpms and hot oil. Another reason for the lack of hydraulic pressure would be a bit of wear in the main bearings (normal) and leaking from the chain tensioner seals (common). Heavier oil will keep it from happening or replacing the timing system, including tensioners.

Karpiel73

I've done a LOT research on the 5.4 but never came across anything that said this is what the phasers sound like.
Whats the average this repair costs? I am able to do all the work myself so basically just parts and fluids. However it'd be a new to me vehicle and I'd be tearing into the engine immediately! (Kinda crazy if you ask me)

Reichenbach

For my 03. 4.6 without phazers. I priced just the parts at about $1000. Of course that was with a new oil pump and all new parts inside the front of the motor. Figured if I was tearing the front end apart might as well do everything at the same time. But I really think it is the vct's. Either way I would not buy the truck unless the dealer is fixing it before hand.

dukedkt442

I wouldn't take that truck for free. Phasers, followers take your pick... either way the only thing that can be done is tear it open and dump a lot of labor into it. Pop the valve covers and you'll probably be looking at coffee in the pot on monday that was leftover from friday with the coffee maker on.

Karpiel73

I believe i could negotiate a lower price given the circumstances lol

I spoke with the dealer today and he said they fixed something and were going to test drive it tomorrow and try to replicate the noise, so we'll see. It took a long time to find a truck with everything I want in my price range, so I'm not going to give up on it right away.

Karpiel73

I believe i could negotiate a lower price given the circumstances lol

I spoke with the dealer today and he said they fixed something and were going to test drive it tomorrow and try to replicate the noise, so we'll see. It took a long time to find a truck with everything I want in my price range, so I'm not going to give up on it right away.