Does the engine HAVE to go into TDC? I've got it mostly tore down and just noticed it saying that on the first page, at the bottom... And if it does, how do I do that/can it be done with the valve covers off and most of the electronics unplugged?

 

Did you put it at TDC at the beginning? When it really comes down to it, as long as you put everything back together in the same position as it was when you started, it probably will not make a difference, the colored links on the chains may not line up though. The first few pages of this thread is what I followed to the letter, to include cam lobe directions and mine was good the first time. When you put her back together, don't tighten the phaser bolts down to tight, then rotate the engine by hand at the front HB bolt and make sure nothing is making contact (valves to pistons). You can take the engine to TDC at that time and check your cam lobes for correct direction. If not right, rotate the engine 1 full turn (360 degrees) and check the cam lobe position again. If correct, and your timing mark is at the 1:00 position, you are at TDC. At that point, if you want to, you can pull your chains off and line up the colored links correctly then tighten your phaser bolts to the proper torque. Good luck, let us know if you need more assistance.
Tom

 

You need to be at TDC, NOT just top dead center according to your timing cover but TDC according to your timing cover and with your #1 cylinder valves closed. Now when your timing chain links line up with your sprocket marking and your phaser markings, you have a working engine! Even this is not easy because there are two chains with two tensioners and two tensioner arms which can jump the chain while installing. Use a mirror or camera to recheck that you are on the correct link after assembly, I wasn't the first time. I can't imagine doing this out of TDC, on the correct revolution.

edit. Oh your TDC degrees don't have to be EXACT I did it with the mark on the sprocket at the bottom center of the crankshaft. Like you I set it after removing the Timing cover.

 

This may help
Attachment 570162

 

Looks like I'll be attempting to get it there tomorrow with the engine stripped down. I had the harmonic balancer pulled before I posted about TDC... I'll definitely spin the engine tomorrow once I get the timing stuff switched over and make sure there's no contact. If need be I'll reinstall the harmonic balancer tomorrow, put it in TDC, then finish the job. Thanks for the info y'all!

 

Here guys i made a Install Guide, hope it helps someone, im sure i have some grammar errors. But oh well its 4am lol

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2oylt2e60y...GUIDE.pdf?dl=0

 

Okay so I'm definitely glad that I made marks on the cam and one of the collars before pulling the chains. One of my cams moved when I released tension on the chain. I couldn't get the engine to TDC without reinstalling the harmonic balancer and using a wrench to turn the engine so I pressed on without doing it since I had the colored links of chain on the phasers anyway.

 

Hey Guys, new to this thread with a 2004 5.4L F150; however same issue though. After reading through 10 pages I wanted to reach out and ask your expertise. I replaced the phasers at my local mechanic shop in August. Due to lack of oil pressure replaced the pump. During ignition the infamous sound was minimal in the warm months, but would go away. This winter it got worse and I took it back in to see if the phasers that were installed were bad. When I engage higher rpm the motor runs smooth, the muddling occurs at low RPM and engine cuts when I suddenly stop. After inspection, both VCT Solenoid screens are damaged / partly missing and small shavings were recovered. Due to having 210K miles the suggestion to me is to replace the motor. My question: has anyone has had this same experience (shavings / damaged screen on VCT), and completed the repair that is recommended on pg 1 (VCT Solonoids / cam phasers / tesoinors / valve spring / roller rocker)? Apologies if this has been addressed in further replies. I very much appreciate any response / recommendation!

 

My experiences were in the tips of my help guide.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2oylt2e60yg4oyb/5.4%203v%20CAM%20PHASER%20GUIDE.pdf?dl=0

 

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