I pulled my oil pan last night on my 2008 Screw 5.4 3v Triton. This was the only piece of metal in the oil pan but I could not identify it. I was hoping that someone on the forums might be able to tell me what it is.

 

pin from phaser or part of the oil tensioner? Not sure

lets test the knowledge of the forum members lol

 

that's what I was thinking... it looks like a cam phaser pin. put something next to it, like a quarter or something

 

Here you go.

 

lets take a poll! ha! Just out of curiosity - why did you drop the pan?

 

I had to get to the oil pickup screen. Timing chain rubbed against the timing cover and pulse wheel, throwing fine aluminum dust down into the oil. Doing a complete timing job. VCT Solenoids, Phasers, timing chains, tensioners and guides. Went ahead and replaced oil pump while I was at it.

 

Well since you are covering all bases, I would just replace and move on. Did you inspect the old phasers to see if anything seemed to be missing?

 

What's the mileage on your engine? You might be better off swapping in a crate engine. Rebuilding one third of the motor on these 3valves is hit and miss. If you plan on keeping the truck for a few years, I recommend an engine swap. If you plan on dumping it after its "fixed" then I say go for it.

 

These are pics of the new and old phaser lock pin.. Not sure if yours matches up.. Although I'd have guessed that it was a phaser pin too

Almost looks like a tiny sheared off easy out.. Either way I'd also be a bit disturbed by its presence in the oil pan.. There's no good explanation as to how that could have fallen out of a phaser without the phaser being opened up and removed from the cam..