I have a 2004 supercrew f150 4x4 with 196,000 miles and a quite a few miles back the engine started knocking after it has warmed up. It cranks and sounds fine but as the temp gauge starts to climb the knocking starts. I assume it is the cam phaser issue. Do I attempt to tear it down to repair or run to failure and go for a New motor or attempt to trade. I've thought about buying a new truck and keeping this one for work and hunting. I've been running motorcraft 5w20 and mc filter but I haven't always.

 

Much cheaper to replace the cam phasers and timing chains than the entire motor.

 

Made this in another thread about the same issue:

Go on Ebay, buy the complete kit with Ford parts for $579 and install it yourself. I am doing that on 12/20/13 with a couple of buddies. We are also going to throw on a new water pump, hoses, belt, tensioner pulleys and thermostat. Two steak dinners and beer for the labor plus parts and all that comes out to less than $800.

Parts are here, just waiting for next Friday.

 

Thanks guys, just a little worried about all the close tolerances on these motors and I've been checking the forum for awhile and some people say the problem came back or didn't help at all. Some say a heavier oil has made it less noticeable. I'm here in Florida and the weather is fairly mild even in the winter, just not sure of trying the heavier oil because of all the small screens and ports supposedly inside the motor.About at the point to do something though because it annoying as ****. Thanks again.

 

I have read and heard the same thing about the problems returning, but I wonder did they use the latest Motorcraft designed parts? I know a lot of folks buy the Cloyes, Dorman, Standard Motor Products, and other brands of parts and a good many have someone else do the repair work. I'm going with the latest Motorcraft Parts and Im doing the work so I know it was done to spec and correctly. If I have a relapse I will post about it.