Thanks Tom, those instructions worked like a charm - got the vacuum hose back onto the nipple.

But, I'm still popping a P0022 code with a rough idle, saying the camshaft sensor is over-retarded. Now I'm also hearing a sort of a knock after letting the engine run for a couple of minutes - I took a video that shows the knock after getting the vacuum hose back into place this morning
I've seen threads that suggest cleaning/replacing the VCT solenoid and others that suggest it's a skipped tooth on the timing chain. Given that I'm *pretty* sure I didn't skip a tooth, how likely is the VCT solenoid to pop the P0022 code and cause this noise? S_vares suggested I should have the oil pressure checked while the truck's hot, is that something that a mechanic will have to do?

I'm at a loss for how to diagnose this any further. Anyone have any other ideas?

 

I had the P0012 code, took both solenoids out, cleaned them, dipped them in oil and reinstalled in opposite banks. I didn't clear the code properly so I had to clear it with my pocket scanner. Worked like a charm. No more code. When I got the code, I got it when I got ready for a test drive, when it was just sitting in my driveway idling, no code, when I started to back out of the driveway, that's when the code displayed. So I went back to work and pulled the solenoids then.
After you put it back together, before you started the engine, did you crank the engine with the gas pedal to the floor to build up oil pressure? This method helps to build oil pressure and allow the tensioners to get a little tighter so that the chain doesn't jump during the initial start-up. I cranked mine for about 10 seconds or so, 4 or 5 times to build up pressure. What oil and filter are you using? Also, does it only start making the noise when the engine oil warms up?
In an earlier post, I think that you said you changed 1 solenoid correct? Try unplugging the solenoids to see if the sound changes? I'm leaning toward a bad solenoid right now.

 

Hey guys just wanted to let you know I got my motor fixed and no annoying tick or diesel sound! A mechanic recently replaced my whole timing chain kit, cam phasers, and after he put it back together it was still ticking so he just charged me for the parts NOT LABOR! It was 725 total, and after I got it back I changed the oil to 5-30 high mileage full synthetic and a motor craft bamm! The tick was gone! No check engine lights or anything man I just thought I'd share my luck with you guys!

 

[MENTION=199261]kingbenjamin[/MENTION], any updates?

 

Ok here's my 2 cents on this code popping.


Mine did the exact same thing and it turns out I had some debris from the chain guide that got clogged in the pickup tube to the oil pump in the oil pan. Drop the oil pan and clean it out thoroughly. Check the pickup tube for debris. If there is any there it has probably caused a wear in the cam shaft and lashers and is allowing the oil pressure to drop a couple of pounds at idle. When this occurs the VCT cannot advance/retard the phasers and throws the P0022 or P0012 codes. Oil pressure drops below 25 lbs (I think it was) will cause the code to pop. With the slight wear in the cam shaft journals, there is no way to keep the oil pressure up over 25 lbs short of rebuilding or replacing the heads. I wouldn't go that route. You can go with a slightly heavier oil and it will keep the oil pressure slightly higher at idle and will avoid that P0022 code from popping. That slight wear is not going to cause immediate catastrophic failure with the engine but just know that there is some damage in there and it is not perfect if this solves your problem.

 

What's up guys I have started the timing chain and phaser swap. I have gotten the driver side vc off but I cannot get the passenger side out. I have all the bolts out but the ac accumulater seems to be stopping it. What's the trick?

 

What year is your truck? On some years, you can maneuver the vc out without discharging the AC, I have a 2004, I had to discharge and disconnect the AC line. If you do disconnect the line, wrap a towel around the joint first, the crap that comes out will get everywhere otherwise.

 

[MENTION=185959]vintageman[/MENTION] - Thanks for following up. I promised my kids I'd spend some time with them over the holidays, so the truck got put on hold. I'm back to work and waiting for a new camshaft bolt to arrive, so I'll update once I get back to it.

 

Thanks for letting me know how it went for you. I'd rather not drop the oil pan if I don't have to (my chain guides were in near perfect condition), but I'll think about it if the VCT solenoid doesn't do the trick. Are you still running heavier oil (5w30?).

 

[MENTION=185959]vintageman[/MENTION] - One more question for you: is there a good way to double check that my timing is correct (that is, that I haven't skipped a tooth on my left hand phaser) without taking the whole dang front engine cover off? I'm pretty sure I didn't, but I'm thinking seriously about taking the cover off just to make sure the timing's all right.