As the title states, I want to get some opinions on the issue. I have discussed this issue lightly in a different thread.

I have a 2004 f150 fx4 with 59k on the 5.4 3v. I have the phaser knock and also chain rattle on startup. I know this issue has been covered in depth but most mechanics in my area suggest a replacement engine. They say replacing timing components is just a temporary fix.

My question is why a new engine? Please be patient with me on this as im trying to get a better understanding of the issues. First thing that should be done is to find out what the oil pressure is at hot idle. 25 psi is the bare minimum with good pressure being 30 to 40. Correct? Cam phasers need good pressure to operate at idle. If phasers are replaced I still here reports of knocking coming back. This tells me that its an oil pressure related issue. Which can be oil pump related...blockage somewhere...tensioners bleeding consistently...vct solenoid screens plugged.

If the phasers have been knocking for a period of time and a chain rattle for a while...to me it seems as if the heads haven't been getting adequate oil for x amount of miles. This leads me to believe that cam journals have already been damaged and there are shaving and metal in motor. Seems like damage has been done.

I know a lot of you on these forums are more knowledgeable than I am so what are your opinions?

 

Bump...I too would like to hear recommendations and knowledgeable information regarding possible damage to his engine. I don't have alot of experience with these engines so I have to sit back, listen and learn on this one.

 

Does anyone have an opinion or insight on this?

 

Personally, I say open her up, change the phasers, timing components and do the lash adjusters and followers while you are in there at the same time. Doing the lash adjusters allows you to remove the cams and take a look at the journals for scoring. Check that you also have the updated vct solenoids as well, if not, then change them as well. I think that mechanics jump at replacing the engine a little too fast to avoid other possible issues or lack of experience with these engines.

 

Thats a good point to change lash adjusters and followers as well. Does anyone understand what is causing the oil pressure loss in the first place? I know if the tensioners bleed down that is part of the problem. Anyone know if ford has fixed the issue on the reman engines?

 

What oil filter are you using? I used to have a chain rattle on start up until i switched to a motorcraft filter.

 

I also have a phaser knock with 143,000 miles and my engines still going strong.

 

I replaced all of my components at about 149,000 miles, ran great, just sounded bad. Found that my right side tensioner had a bad seal, the guide had broke in a few pieces and found 13 bad lash adjusters that had bled down and would not pump up. Changed them all and the followers as well. Cost was around $800 and about 3500 miles later, still sounds and runs great. Good luck.
Tom

 

How hard is it to change the lash adjusters and followers? Its my understanding that you have to "unload" the tension on cams by rotating them to a certain position. Do you have to use a spring compressor?

 

The theory is that the chain tensioners gaskets blow out. Which drops the oil pressure to the top end.

This is why just changing the phasers is a bad idea, and the problem will come back later. Lack of oil pressure killed the phasers.

New phasers with same bad oil pressure= same old problem