I have a 2006 5.4 with 210,000 miles on her. I see most people have cam phaser issues before they reach the 200,000 mark. Should I assume that the phasers have been replaced by the previous owner or should I be worried that something is going to happen any day now? I make long road trips about once a month and I don't want to be stranded 400 miles from home.

 

The truck will be making noise at startup and hot idle wayyy before they actually fail.

 

NO

 

I've never heard of sudden failure. Like 650 said, you should start hearing noises long before.

 

how many miles was on it when you bought it?

 

Dont overthink it. If it's been taken care of no telling how long it will go. Good luck!

 

About 199,000.

 

Don't worry at all. A lot of people freak over the normal noises of the 3v Triton.

Ford issued a TSB early on https://www.stangnet.com/images/stor...s/06-19-08.pdf

As long as the knock only occurs at hot idle and goes away above 1200 rpm its normal sound for these engines. Its just the normal sound of cycling oil for these engines. I can hear mine best in the passenger side wheel well and resonating down the torque converter and exhaust system.

If your sound occurs at cold startup, or knocks in time as your increase RPM, or is clearly hearable on the top or front of the engine then phasers or timing components may be on their way out.

My 2004 knocked like a diesel since new, on 160K miles now. Runs as good as ever. At this point I'd be concerned if the noise went away!

 

I never assume anything with a used truck unless documented