^Glad I could help, let us know how the project is going.

Tom

 

Thought I should contribute my success story, so I uploaded a video of my truck after a long hard drive on a hot day. You can hear my electric fans running over the sound of my engine and for reference my fans are not loud, they are stock for a 2009 f-150. Before the work, my truck sounded horrible.

 

I had what sounded like spark knock whenever the engine lugged a bit, like shaking a metal can full of BBs. My mechanic attributed this to the cam phaser problem these engines are known for. As I was in no position to do anything but keep driving the truck, I noticed the mileage was fine (14-15 @80mph), and the performance was good. Tens of thousands of miles later, the problem got worse, with a click-ity sound whenever I hit the gas. My mechanic took a ride with me, and figured out that the sound disappeared when switched into 4WD. It turns out it was multiple leaks in the vacuum system, which puts the truck into 2WD when running. If you don't have 20 lbs. of vacuum at each front wheel, you will have this problem. I thought my engine was shot, but it's fine, and runs great. I've got 192,000+ miles and I drive it like NASCAR.

 

http://www.expertswrite.net/ford-5-4...on-3valve.html

Very interesting read for anyone in this thread. They also have a in depth timing chain step by step procedure.

 

Enjoyed the write up. Good articles and very informative for this novice just getting into the perils of the 5.4L 3V engine I own.


The article regarding replacing the Spark Plugs was an eye opener. Honestly, it scared me a bit. As a novice, I would have simply thrown a wrench at them and tried to reinstall new ones without all the caution the article notes. With 8 cylinders and a success rate of 60%, my odds are not in my favor for my 150K+ mile engine having the plugs come out intact. So, buy the suggested tools and deal with the problems as I go? Or just drop it off at the dealer and let them change the plugs.


If I choose to do the whole timing chain kit and phasers I will need the plugs removed while in my garage. I guess I would need to do the plug exchange at that time (not at the dealership).


Any words of encouragement and first hand experience? The timing chain and phasers (yes, time consuming) are in my scope. Spark Plug Replacement is the scary part???? Oh, my!


Thanks!

 

If you are going to do the plugs after 150k get the tool. You can buy them used for cheap. There is nothing really that could go bad on it. Also make sure it is fully seated before you extract the plug. The 1st one I did came loose with some threads from the head.

 

I'm going to be starting this job soon. I think I'm going to disconnect the AC and pay the $100 to have the AC recharged when I'm done. Do I just need to disconnect the AC line where it connects to the accumulator and it will move far enough out of the way or do I disconnect the other end also and remove the line completely?

 

I'm going to be replacing the oil pump with the Melling M360. When I'm done can I still use the crank the engine 10 sec 3 to 4 times to prime the motor or do you think I'll need to use the pump sprayer method since the oil pump will also be empty? Is the oil pressure sending unit the best place to do this? There is a plug on the back of the oil filter housing. I'm assuming that is the sending unit, is that correct?

 

You can just crank the engine while holding the gas to the floor. This shuts off the injectors. The pump will prime.