Hello, I've got an 04' F150 with a knock. It had a noticable knock when I bought it, the dealer assured me it was a cam sensor that was problematic on the 04' and 05' models, was not covered under warranty but wouldn't hurt anything. Well it has steadily worsened, and now it a slightly louder knock. I am running the water thin 5W-20 for reccomends and it doesn't help. I have tried full synthetic, partial and regular oils with no noticeable difference. The engine will occasionally stumble when left idling for awhile, the idle is sometimes rough and the mpg has dropped off. My question is this, has anyone else had this knock, and replaced the sensor, did it work? Also anyone with this problem running thicker oil or stabilizers like Lucas to help with the knock? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

It sounds like the variable cam timing phaser. Oil additives won't fix it.

 

Any idea how much those are? Figuring at least a $100. But will that really get rid of the knock completely?

P.S.
Just got off Y2K's website and they've got the cam position sensor for $20 is this the same thing, without the fancy name. And I'm guessing there is only one sensor on the block?

 

No, there is a cam phaser in each head that controls the variable cam timing. I'm thinking that they are probably kinda pricey. They are a spring loaded, oil pressure actuated mechanism that advances and retards the cam timing as needed. They are computer controlled by solenoid valves I believe.

 

Take a look at this TSB:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/tsb/full...php?tsb=06-4-7

If it were me, I'd go back to that dealer and say "FIX IT" or else!

I seriously doubt a cam sensor could make it knock. But anything's possible if the computer is trying to adjust the cam timing because of it..

 

Oh, and DO NOT use Lucas or any other "additives" to cure it!

My brother-in-law used their "stabilizer" in two different Fords. One with a very high milage 351W and one with a 90K mile I6 300 in it (90K is low miles for the 300).

BOTH lost oil pressure within a few days. The I6 300 spun a bearing, the 351W just kept going because it was so loose anyway.

If you change the oil every 3000 miles, you don't need a "stabilizer"...

 

Loudpedal, it sure sounds like the cam sensor(s). Does the "knock" sound disappear at or above 1,000 RPM? Does it only make the sound after the oil has warmed up? If so, it probably is the cam sensor(s). And yes, it is covered under warranty. There is a TSB referring to this problem:
Special Service Messages
18342 2004-2005 F-150 5.4l 3v - Ticking Noise From Upper Engine
Some 2004-2005 F-150 Vehicles Equipped With A 5.4l 3-valve Engine May Exhibit A Ticking Noise From The Upper Engine. If The Noise Is Light, Comes From The Top Front Passenger Side Of The Engine, Occurs At Idle, Goes Away Above 1000 Rpm, And Is More Pronounced As Oil Temperature Increases (above 160f/71c), Replace The Cam Phaser With Kit 3r2z-6a257-aa (interchangeable Side To Side). If The Ticking Noise Does Not Match These Symptoms, Check Instead For Collapsed Lash Adjusters And/or Cam Shafts That May Be Galled.
Effective Date: 12/16/2004
Also…TSB#18342 Date: 5/05/2005

Summary, Description: TICKING NOISE FROM UPPER ENGINE.*EH


As far as I know, the cam phase sensor was redesigned (because of the problems on the 2004), and the new sensors were released in May of 2005. From what I have read recently, there is a less invasive technique that has been developed (using a special tool) for installing the sensors.

BTW, I had the same problem with my 2004. The dealer said it was normal. Mine (2) were replaced @ 12K miles. I have 38K miles now, and all is still quiet. Find another dealer. Also , do a search in the 2004 -2007 F-150 Forum under "cam phase sensor", "cam phaser" or "cam sensor" for more info. It was a hot topic on that forum in late 2004 and 2005.

Edit: I just realized how old this thread is. Hopefully Loudpedal has this fixed by now. And, as someone had posted, the newest TSB# seems to be 06-4-7.

 

what if the warranty is up on the truck. any idea what the cost would be to do the cam sensor fix???
thnx

 

I have a 2002 F-250 with a 5.4 and just noticed the cold start knock yesterday.

I have 55k miles on it. Need to check my warranty to see if it is still covered.

If I can get a new engine, could a 3 valve replace my 2 valve engine?



Thanks,

 

Ain't gonna happen

 

Are you saying a 3 valve engine cannot replace a 2 valve or that Ford would not put a 3 valve in place of a 2 valve?

 

Ya, my buddys 04 Screw sounds like a diesel when your outside... bet its the same thing...

 

The 3-valver is so much different than a 2-valver, you can't just bolt on in place of the other.

And no, Ford will NEVER replace your engine with something else, especially under warranty. If it's really toast, you'll get a rebuilt version of whatever you have.

By the way, the 2-valver doesn't have the same knock cause as the 3-valver. So if your 2-valver is knocking, it's definitely not the cam phase sensor

 

Sorry to hear this.

 

I took my truck into the dealer last week and they said its because I don't have a Motorcraft filter. I just changed the oil with a Fram filter. Next oil change will be a motorcraft and see if that makes a differance. I still have a year left and 40k miles on my warranty, so if that doesn't work it will go back to the dealer.