The Final Repair Guide to 5.4 Cam Phaser Tick/Knock Sound
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
When in doubt, go back to the beginning. Remove the followers (or the cams) to put the engine in a neutral (free wheel) position.
Yes, you are starting over, but do you really want to screw things up at this point? I had to do this too as I THOUGHT the chain skipped a tooth during re-assembly. I wasn't going to chance it and went back to re-time. Turns out it didn't skip a tooth so I did a lot of extra work, but in the end it was still worth it. I knew without a doubt the engine was timed correctly.
Watch Ford Tech's YouTube videos and follow it exactly to time it correctly. Then watch it again, You might also enlist a helper to watch it with you just in case you miss something (Grandson's are awesome for this
). I had my laptop with me on my work bench and followed the video step-by-step. Worked like a charm. I was almost paranoid looking at the timing monstrosity for the first time, but the video were a life-saver as well as the good folks on this forum.
You're in the 9th inning and the bases are loaded! Hang in there!
Oh and TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! Always take pictures... I swear, in today's mechanical world - that suggestion should be put on every single set of instructions no matter what you're working on!
Yes, you are starting over, but do you really want to screw things up at this point? I had to do this too as I THOUGHT the chain skipped a tooth during re-assembly. I wasn't going to chance it and went back to re-time. Turns out it didn't skip a tooth so I did a lot of extra work, but in the end it was still worth it. I knew without a doubt the engine was timed correctly.
Watch Ford Tech's YouTube videos and follow it exactly to time it correctly. Then watch it again, You might also enlist a helper to watch it with you just in case you miss something (Grandson's are awesome for this
). I had my laptop with me on my work bench and followed the video step-by-step. Worked like a charm. I was almost paranoid looking at the timing monstrosity for the first time, but the video were a life-saver as well as the good folks on this forum.You're in the 9th inning and the bases are loaded! Hang in there!
Oh and TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! Always take pictures... I swear, in today's mechanical world - that suggestion should be put on every single set of instructions no matter what you're working on!
I'll use my phone for the step by step and the video. I'm definitely paranoid about ruining the motor. I was at a loss when I realized I didn't know where the motor was, in timing, when I started disassembly. The guys here have put me at ease. I already subscribe to Ford Tech's channel, and will probably buy a shirt or something when I'm done doing the job.
New to me 06 f-150 lariat
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
06 f-150 lariat tick/knock spark plug 👍
I’m trying to reply to the knock tick someone wrote about. I have a 2006 f-150 lariat super crew 5.4l I bought with 115,000 miles after about 10,000 miles I git a aweful tick then I started reading about my truck Amy make a long story short I also had a code pop and it was missing so I replaced coil pack and spark plug, my sparker on the plug had broken off and went out tailpipe but anyway I read forever and never came across that problem so this tick knock was my spark plug itself, hope this helps someone other than that I love my white F-150 5.4l
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 625
Likes: 105
From: Florida
Is there an alternative to the specified special tools from FordTechMakuloco? They would be (I hope) a one time use for me.
Harmonic Balancer: Loan from Auto Parts Store (Free)
Roller Follower: Replace OTC 6684 ($122) with OEMTools 24429 ($40)
Camshaft Positioner: OTC 6024 ($70)
Cam Phaser tool set: OTC 6681 ($63)
Harmonic Balancer: Loan from Auto Parts Store (Free)
Roller Follower: Replace OTC 6684 ($122) with OEMTools 24429 ($40)
Camshaft Positioner: OTC 6024 ($70)
Cam Phaser tool set: OTC 6681 ($63)
Old-n-Cranky
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 77
Is there an alternative to the specified special tools from FordTechMakuloco? They would be (I hope) a one time use for me.
Harmonic Balancer: Loan from Auto Parts Store (Free)
Roller Follower: Replace OTC 6684 ($122) with OEMTools 24429 ($40)
Camshaft Positioner: OTC 6024 ($70)
Cam Phaser tool set: OTC 6681 ($63)
Harmonic Balancer: Loan from Auto Parts Store (Free)
Roller Follower: Replace OTC 6684 ($122) with OEMTools 24429 ($40)
Camshaft Positioner: OTC 6024 ($70)
Cam Phaser tool set: OTC 6681 ($63)
The spring compressor I used is made by CTA tools # 7639, but it appears to be out of stock on Amazon. I only paid $27 for it brand new. It doesn't bend like most of your cheaply made ones. I've used it many times and it still looks new. Maybe you can find one on Fleabay?
My only complaint about the spring tool is it won't press the spring far enough down if you have to replace a valve keeper. Or in my case... a keeper that went missing. A rare event, but it's something to keep in mind. Other than that, the tool worked great. A few of the rockers were a P.I.T.A, but be patient and don't get in a hurry. It also helps if you don't have Sasquatch hands like I do!
Good luck! You got this!