sinclairgraphics1

Just replaced my VCT solenoids today on my '04 5.4 and didn't make one difference. The ticking/knocking phaser noise has gotten worse the last couple months. I switched to 5w30 full synthetic too as a lot of people on here recommended. I've dumped so much money and so many parts in this truck and I'm about done with it and ready to get something different. I've only had it it since November and has been a pain since day 1. List of **** I've replaced;
*spark plugs
*ignition coils
*fuel filter
*air filter
*new throttle body
*purge valve solenoid
*new FPDM
*bought an Edge tuner
*Trans flush and filter
*new axle seal and synthetic rear diff fluid
*full synthetic Valvoline 5w30 and Motorcraft filter

Anyone have suggestions? I don't want to do the cam phasers because it's not worth it for me to dump that much money into. How can you tell an exhaust leak sound over cam phaser ticking??

Especial86

iTrader: (1)

If the solenoids and 5w-30 did NOT make a lick of a difference, then it pretty much means you NEED to replace the phasers, guides and tensioners....IMHO doing those 2 mods first is a great way to determine if the phasers and tensioners need to be repaired or not. Replace those components with the factory revised parts, and you should be straight.
I know it sucks to have to do anything but put gas in a vehicle, but that's a reality we all have to accept. Even most big jackpot lottery winners are big losers long before they win...

sinclairgraphics1

That's what I was afraid you'd say. I'm going to get some quotes from local shops around here. I had the Ford dealer here(Des Moines, IA)quote me several months back over the phone $2500 to replace the phasers and timing belt. I might as well buy a new motor for that price! My brother-in-law gave me a Livernois lockout kit and brand new comp cams. What do you think of putting the lockouts in? Not sure if I'll go with the new cams cause there are a lot more variables and other components to change as well. I know from your posts I've read before and one's you've commented on of mine that you are the go to guy for these trucks and the almighty 5.4 motor. Thanks for your reply and hopefully I can get to the bottom of this without losing my mind...or the rest of my money! This truck has become an obsession of mine, love the looks of it but more mechanical issues than any other brand of vehicle I've ever owned.

sinclairgraphics1

So I took a video of the sound that now I'm thinking may be more of an exhaust leak. This has the typical phaser sound which I'm used to by now. But when I accelerate you can hear the pronounced ticking. The sound you hear towards the end(scratching surface)is my neighbor raking his yard so ignore that. What are your opinions on this be the exhaust manifolds? Video below on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7xVY...ature=youtu.be

Nop05

sounds like a manifold leek to me

Especial86

iTrader: (1)

That sounds like a valve train noise to me.. Its really hard to say. The diesel tick is definitely there, but that wurring sound could be an oil starved head, or a valve issue.

Is the engine quiet when cold (no wurring or ticking)?
Does run good with no codes otherwise?

sinclairgraphics1

The noise(ticking)is pretty much always there, cold or warmed up. It's gotten worse in the last month. Before it seemed it wasn't bad once it warmed up. Now it ticks constantly when I'm driving. At idle you can just here the phasers, but when accelerating you can hear the ticking badly. No codes, and runs fairly well. The VCT solenoids I pulled were filthy. My brother-in-law who's a mechanical engineer and a Ford maniac said we can replace the phasers but at this point with 149000 he recommended finding a new motor. Is there anything else you would advise to do?

sglover

you should get another 100000 out of that motor, I dislike the 3 valve but most of the problems stem from up front and the exhaust leaks of course. I may be wrong but your looking at arounf 4g to put a motor in one and replace all the parts like hoses and such that you would do with a new one.

sinclairgraphics1

Yeah, I really think it's the manifold exhaust leak. I called a muffler shop in town and they said 2004 f150's they won't touch. No room to get to the bolts and way too much labor. So I found a shop in Missouri about 2.5 hours away from me that will do it. I put seafoam in the oil today and going to change it tomorrow. I know you're not supposed to put many miles on it with that in the crankcase. So I'm going back to synthetic 5w20 Motorcraft oil from synthetic 5w30 and going to add some Lucas Oil in as well. The constant tick is loud, and it's not the phaser sound. Both manifolds look pretty rusty but the driver side looks worse. I really hope to get another 100,000 out of this. It owes me big time for all the tlc I've given it. Never babied a truck so damn much!

Especial86

iTrader: (1)

For the sake of time, money and convenience I would probably get another motor too... It sounds like something's up with one of the cylinder heads.. Its still really hard to say however. I would pull the valve covers for a thorough inspection. If the cams, followers and springs look good, then I would still go for a full timing set rebuild before I junked the motor... I would definitely hold out hope for an exhaust leak, you should be able to really hear the leak from whatever side it is on after a cold start.