Tommy J

Like when I left a rag near my belt after changing the thermostat and started the truck to what sounded like a raccoon being torn up. It shredded my belt and snapped my tensioner in two

Eric Kleven

Timing the cams actually is that easy.

Also, get the latest solenoids from the dealer. They have been revised a few times since your truck was built.

New lash adjusters and followers are highly recommended.
I have the valve spring compressor and camshaft holder tools if you need. They make life easier.

redfishtd

I'm not a wrench but danged if I'm going to let this engine beat me . I did the whole timing and roller/lash adjusters . I used this forum and you tube plus F150T sent me the electronic version of the ford manual . I did it in the weather and heat under a stilt house .Rain blowing in some times other times sand .
My neighbors would come look see and shake their heads and profess they would never try that .But in the end they cheered me on brought me a beer to celebrate .
As long as you are willing it doesn't take much in the way of special tools , just break it down in sections each day . At first pulling cams was daunting to me but it really was a piece of cake .
I learned so much I can't believe it. My understanding increased 50 fold . I could afford to have it done but the quality and extras would not be the same .
I have vertigo some times so getting underneath I have to be real careful . So you being a youngster will make it easier . I took several weeks but the only mistake I made was not using metal tensioners . I have them now so anytime I need to I can go back in and do it . Each night you can research and ask questions . That passenger valve cover trick and the difficult unbolting power steering pump are a challenge .
This job will give satisfaction and keep your mind active . Go for it .

Tommy J

Yea, I was contemplating the lifters and followers just because I don't want to discover something and then pay Ford retail for those parts while I'm in there. My selonoids are about 2 yrs old. I hope that's new enough

Tommy J

thanks, I was reading another post with your comments and actually see you quite often and respect your oppinions along with torqued and other guys. My own mechanic said " I wouldn't do that job". That alone makes me want to do it. Youngster huh. I actually have herniated discs in my neck and get different forms of dizziness and vertigo at times and just deal with it even though it sucks. I really feel it when I'm on my back straining my neck looking up. I guess you have to pull the cams if you're going to do the lifters and such. I just feel like the more I mess with the greater chance of screwing up. I also know that once I get in there and see it that I will be able to grasp things better. Anyway, I won't beat the dead horse too much with this topic. At least I won't have to deal with sand blowing in my face. Ha. Take care and good to know I can ask for help if I need it. Thanks

redfishtd

I had some of the same concerns/fears as you did. Just break it down in sections each day and take notes . I got a lot of my parts from oem select ebay . Your 2 year old VCT's are newer design and should be okay even if you chose to soak and clean them . Vcts bodies need cleaned also . That's the nice thing about doing this you can clean her up good, paid mechanic can't afford to .
My 90 year old pastor neighbor still calls me young fella .
Ps: just immediately before I tore her down I did an engine flush , she ran worse/ threw more codes as I expected her to but I think it did some good .
Don't hesitate to ask step by step as we can't flood you all at once anyway .
First step get fan and shroud off ,put big cardboard on radiator to protect it . Autozone has the loan tools for that .
Get big stucco pan and drain radiator, they are really handy for draining . Let us know when you start .

Tommy J

My 86 yr old father in law changed his own oil up until this past yr so you and I have a while to go yet. I have plenty of pans from my contracting business so good there and I have a decent tool set but may need to rent a puller or go to harbor freight. I'm confident with getting the valve covers and timing cover off. After that I may inquire here and there. I still don't understand why most guys take the cams out assuming you are not replacing lifters etc and other guys just vice grip them and don't remove a single follower. Maybe it just makes timing easier because the cam spins freely when everything is out. I'm getting ahead of myself. I"ll be tackling it soon. Just pricing out my list online. My already purchased Ford phasers have a R and L on both phasers which I was told from freedom racing are universal so I was a little confused on that. I assume that whatever one I pick for R side I use the other one for L and time the corresponding letter to its letter and location. Thanks again

F150Torqued

The reason lots of guys pull cams is just to check/inspect the roller - followers and lash adjusters. They cannot be easily checked for loose roller bearings etc without removing them. Also, lifters (though very hard to conclusively test) can't be tested without removal - and at least soaking them down/cleaning and re-oiling them would be a good idea depending on miles. They are the source of lots of 'ticking' complaints.


Also cam bearing caps / surfaces should be cleaned visually checked. It's actually easier to remove caps & cams than to wrangle roller/followers out and back in with cams in place. I replaced ALL my lash adjusters and roller/followers and have NEVER regretted doing so. I put everything back together by just 'gently' setting rollers in place and 'very gently' setting cams back on them, then tightening down cam caps a little bit at a time up and down the journals. (Of course that all happens before putting phasers / chains back on anyway)

And yes - both phasers are identical. Just run 180 degrees out of phase.


BTW: Check your PMs for a belated Father's day present!

Tommy J

Thanks and............ thanks. Will open those presents later

Tommy J

Where did you purchase your lifter/followers? and what did you pay if you don't mind me asking. I found them on Ebay, OEM select for around $521.00. Does that sound about right