Ford F150 - Yet another cam phaser post

So I sit here with a 04 5.4 3v that of course sounds like a powerstroke. I am pretty handy with tools and in most cases am not scared of tackling a project.

BUT - My biggest concern is what if I replace both of the phasers and bolt it together and it still sounds the same. I am referring to the fact that I am worried that it could also be the lash adjusters. I removed the electrical connector to the vgt and the noise did not change. I have listened to the video that helps diagnose sounds from these 5.4's, but still am not convinced that it is not both.

Anyone else with a diesel 5.4 ever try removing power to the VGT and had the noise quit? I seem convinced that it is the phasers for sure only because when cold they are much much quieter then once the oil is warmed up.

PS - I have read probably EVERY darn article about this poorly designed part - just looking for new take on if removing the connection had quieted anyone elses down.

Thanks

i got the same problem... sounds pretty rough at start up, but slowly gets better. when the mechanic had the head off to repair the joy of the fused spark plugs he said that noise was from the phasers and could be repaired for like $250ish each. makes me a little hesitant though to get it done since i know that some people have replaced them and not fixed the noise. and considering when i went in i told them i didnt really want my spark plugs at that time since i didnt want them to break off, they convinced me that it wouldnt happen, and of course what do you think happened...

Bump - No one has ever tried removing the signal from the VGT control unit with success or failure?

Thanks

I have the same knock, except mine seems to come and go when it pleases.

I took my 04 to the local dealer and had one of their best mechanics take a listen. Well wouldn't you know it wasn't knocking. There was what he referred to as usual noise from the injectors, the VCT solenoids, and the cylinder firing.

He said a lot of times the problem is from the filter on the cam phaser getting clogged. Said it was very important to use the 5W20 oil and change it as scheduled.

They quoted me $1900 to replace the cam phasers. For $5000 I could get a new crate engine with 3 year 100,000 mile warranty.

We shall see what happens with mine.

Good luck!

hay there check this out when i first bought my 05 xl 150 it sounded like a diesel, drove me up the wall. drove around for five months with that sound everybody kept saying its the phasers well one day i bought an auto stethoscope and put it at the end of my valve cover, in the front, sounded fine but when i put it on the fuel rail ? uo we it was a knocken hard so id theck that out too but heres the best part when i did an oil change i decided to use that synthetic oil and guess what that diesel sound went away and never came back thank god , so giver a wirl. good luck.

I have an 02 5.4 which sounds like a diesel, louder when its cold, however knocks all the time. Its been like this for the last year an a half since I bought it used. My question is, I think its the infamous cam phaser. What happens if you just run it that way. What if any damage will occur?