Spike24

Hi all. Since last year I have been working on my 2004 F150 5.4.
After I bought it it had the ticking and knocking noise from the motor. I followed svares step by step procedure to replace cam phasers, and timing kit. I did not change the vcts at that time as it started to get really cold here. Well the knocking noise went away but I had the ticking noise that sounded like it was coming from the bottom of the engine block.
I also had a real bad hesitation, when the motor was warm. When I accelerated it would bog down.
I changed the gasket around the air filter tray. Still hesitated. I cleaned the throttle body, which was black with carbon and dirt. Bog down, hesitation fixed.
I felt brave and on a roll, so I changed the vcts, but still had the ticking.
Today was cold but some sun, so I thought I would tackle the dreaded spark plug change.
Now I ran a lot of Sea Foam through the gas tank and vacuum hose( at the brake booster ) prior to this. Now I still had the knocking noise and could smell gas/exhaust fumes in my cab once in a while.
I hooked up my air impact gun and went to work. All spun out with no problem. I will tell you that I used some extensions and universal sockets for the rear ones. The right and left side extreme rear plugs came out by hand!!! I couldn't believe it. In other words they were loose!! I was happy and concerned at the same time. Happy that I didn't have to get all worried about the rear ones and concerned that they were so loose, obviously effecting the engine performance.
After completing the s/p change. There was NO MORE TICKING!!!. My truck runs nice and quiet and runs ALOT smoother and has more torque.
I am attaching some photos so as to show everyone what the old ones look like. I will point out the ones that were loose. I have no idea if these old plugs were the originals or have been changed. I did not see any marks or dots to suggest they were originals.
And I forgot to mention that I have 219,000 Kilometers on the truck.
The reason for this rant is I hope it helps anyone who has had the same problems.
I also want to thank EVERYONE here who gave their opinion and tips. Thanks again guys and girls.
Cheers Spike

Spike24

The really black spark plugs are the rear ones that were loose!!!
But all in all the cleaner ones don't look too bad. I swear by the use of the Sea Foam.

tritonbullet

How hard was your phaser replacement? Cost and labor?

Spike24

I did all the work myself. I purchased the parts from Rockauto, Amazon and Ebay. Only because I had to hunt down the parts individually. It is not hard just time consuming. If you follow svares how to, it will go perfectly. The only thing I had a problem with was snapping two bolts to to power steering pump, computer bracket and a few others here and there. The bolts were rusted bad. Thank god for pb blaster and a 360' stud remover.
Like Steve said take your time and if you run into problems just search this forum. It was a very valuable resource. Good luck and if I can help you out let me know.

tritonbullet

Mine are just making a small amount of noise but i want to be ready to tackle them if it gets any louder..what all parts are needed?

Spike24

I replaced both cam phasers, timing kit ( tensioners, chain guides, chain followers, and both chains ) both vct solenoids, and spark plugs. Tube of blue locktite for components inside of timing cover. Tube of anti seize. Lots of rags too.

tritonbullet

Think it could be done in 3 days by myself lol

Spike24

Yeah sure you could as long as you have nice weather where you are or a nice warm garage.
And there are always people here to help out if any problems. I would suggest that you print out svares sticky about Final repair to the ticking problem. I did and followed it to the letter.
Just a tip, line up the timing marks before you take the chain off. This will save any guess work when it comes to setting up the timing later on.
I studied svares' notes to almost memory cause I read them over and over.

tritonbullet

Ill have to find that sticky...hmm