The Ford 5.4L Triton 3 valve engine is a wonderful masterpiece that many hate and do not understand. Many are confused about the rattling sounds they hear on light acceleration and many people have been told it is the phasers. What is a phaser?, What does it do? I get into the details of how the 5.4L's variable cam timing system works. This is a very detailed technical article so feel free to bookmark and share...
As a forewarning, this is not a job for a novice because it is an interference engine; if the camshafts are aligned incorrectly serious mechanical engine damage will result. I have supplied you with a detailed guide explaining how to properly change the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and phasers on a 5.4L Triton 3 valve engine...
Ah, have you recently developed a misfire in your 3 valve 5.4L Triton? I'm sure you have heard of the warnings about changing spark plugs on the Ford 5.4L! There are risks with this type of surgery. Lets explain and review some tipes to ease the removal of the spark plugs. You can combine several of these methods and tips to increase your odds of extracting the spark plugs intact...
In the last article I discussed about how the 5.4L variable cam timing works using VCT solenoids. I recommend you read through that article first before this one. Replacing the VCT solenoids will be the least intrusive first attempt in eliminating the noise and I highly recommend trying it first...
With all of the problems related to the phasers on the 5.4L 3 valve Triton engine, I thought I would go ahead and get some pictures of the phaser torn down so that you can understand how it works. Although this article is mainly written with the 5.4L truck engine in mind, but it also applies to the 4.6L used in trucks, vans, and cars..
This is a OEM parts list for the engine 5.4L DOHC 24 Valve Triton (3valve). The left most column is the Ford part numbers, 2nd column is description, third column is OEM price as of 04/30/15 and last column is possible alternatives. I have also compiled a spread sheet for those that want to easily print this off and use it as a price sheet. You can download it here...
There are many people who are looking at buying a used truck (New to them!) or considering keeping their old truck for a few more years. Everyone sees these late model F150's with the 5.4L Triton engine as a risky investment but I'm here to tell you this engine can be solid. It does have common reoccurring problems you should be aware of. These problems range from easy to change coils, to the dreaded spark plug, all the way to the scary and expensive timing chain issues...