Quickly Diagnose The Most Common Fault on Ford 4.6L & 5.4L 3v Engines 

I recommend flushing your engine with this kit from BG before changing your VCT solenoids- amzn.to/2nsfvBT

The BEST Ford mechanic on RU-vid. Hands down!!

Brian. I have been dealing with this issue for months! Even had a shop in town look at my truck and they told me I needed a new engine....10k. They will be hearing from me on Monday! I disconnected the VCT solenoid and all of a sudden my truck runs great again. 150.00 bucks in parts and an hour to change them out and the problem is solved! I have been saving for a new engine. Now my truck is fixed and I have money in the bank! Thanks for taking the time to explain all this stuff. And.....I now know how to change my timing chains. Lol. Thanks again! You rock!

I'm currently doing a family members. You are saving people alot of money. Just have to say thanks for so many people including myself.

Hands down the best mechanic and videos that have watched. I have done so many repairs on my 01 f-150 5.4 4x4 from 2 different Cal-Van inserts also using my Cal-Van Bluetooth cam to cv axle shaft, hub bearing assembly,ball joints,control arm replacements and so much more thanks to your videos...thanks so much! But due to a down 4r70w I bought a 01 Lincoln Town Car 4.6. Had to replace the cooling fan assembly right off the bat. Then I noticed my battery steaming as there was not enough water to boil out until I put some in and it boiled over badly which caused some erratic behavior,guessing due to poor power to computer. Had battery and alternator checked while in the car at oreillys and was told they were good went to town about 50 miles and on the way back is when I noticed erratic behavior. Upon arriving home thankfully is when I found water from battery boil everywhere. Do you have any suggestions because I have since lost my job due to not being able to make it to work several times. In bad need of advice on this one. These dang fords have really let me down literally. Please help. Thanks, loyal viewer

If it wasn't for your videos over the years, I'd be screwed working on ford's. I've taken on pretty much everything in your videos and use them as a reference for sound advice. Thanks for everything.

I just diagnosed my engine by gently driving it to work with the VCT solenoids unplugged and I got no problems on idle!!! I'm so glad I found the real culprit here.

You have the best Ford videos I've come across. I really like your instructional method of telling us DIYers why an issue may appear and tips for easy diagnosis. Thank you.

Hi Brian, thanks for your really great videos! On April 2015 I bought a used 2007 Ford F-150 137K miles with 5.4 3V engine (with bad top end tick knock noise) for a project. I completely disassembled the engine, including the cam phasers, VCT solenoids, and the VCT solenoid housings to learn everything I could. What I found was no oil supply to the passenger side camshaft journals and lifters. Neglected oil changes resulted in thick heavy sludge deposits and clogged the very small inlet screen filters inside the VCT solenoid housings. The filters filter the oil supply from the bottom end (block) to the heads: chain tensioners, cam phasers, and the camshaft journals and lifters. There are also small orifices that can clog inside the VCT housings and in the metal gaskets behind the VCT solenoid housings that feed the chain tensioners, and the camshaft journals and lifters. There are screens in the VCT solenoids. You have to remove the valve covers to service the VCT solenoid screens and the VCT solenoid housing inlet screen filters -- under screw plug next to solenoids. You have to remove the cam phasers and the VCT housings to service the orifices in the housings and the gaskets behind the housings. I change oil (conventional) and filters on all of my vehicles every 2,000 miles to keep the engines clean to avoid all of the above issues. Oil changes are so cheap and easy at the local oil change shop. My local machine shop line bored ALL of the cam towers in the heads to accept Dura-Bond half shell cam bearing kits FA-13R and FA-13L. Machine shop also installed thread Time-Serts (kit 32214) into all 8 spark plug holes. Installing 1-piece Champion 7989 spark plugs. I am considering to install MMR race spec steel chain tensioners with fail-safe ratchets and o-rings in grooves, to prevent gasket blowouts behind the plastic tensioners that deform. I am considering to remove all of the screens and orifices, and install a large dual parallel flow remote oil filter setup (without bypass valves so no dirt or debris bypasses the filters EVER). I hope that this helps. Best Regards, Bill Smith

Exactly my problem. Truck runs like new with 180k. But occasionally during summer it will do this shaking at stop lights. Only when it’s hot out and it’s been working hard. Thank you!!!

God bless you man. You just saved me from having to change my cam phasers.

I would like to thank you for all the highly informative information. I'm a do it "yourselfer" and by know means a mechanic, however you have got me through a number of jobs . With that said I'm at a loss, I recently bought a 2010 F-150 4.6 3v after having it 3 days I was backing into a parking spot and the truck start sputtering and jumping as soon as I put it into park it quit. Having owned a number of Ford trucks I went through the checklist. After driving it back to my house I was pulling it into the garage it did it again. So I played around, watched a number of your videos. It sounded like it could be the VCT solenoids (or worse). I disconnected the VCT solenoids and of course it drives fine. I replaced both VCT solenoids and while they are plugged in still sputters and dies some times at low RPMs especially when parking. At the moment outside of replacing the VCT solenoids I have changed oil, and ran seafoam through the system. Any advise or info would be greatly appreciated.

As always simple direct and easy to understand. Thank you so much for all your videos and the help it provides.

Thanks so much. You helped me more than you know. God has a gift and anointing on you, I hope you understand that you are doing a ministry here. I pray God blesses you the way you blessed our family.

Thank you so much for taking your time to make these videos for us :) we all appreciate it!

Some of the best information on Fords anywhere! Great job.

I'm glad I stop by your channel every once in a while. I wish I saw more Fords at my shop...but those are the vehicles that generally just need maintenance. I feel like they're better vehicles that need less shop time. The usual Ford exceptions are cars that are obviously not cared for.

Dude knows his Fords and more. Thanks man

Brian. Great work you do. Former Lincoln tech here (23 yrs) Now employed by the state Department of transportation. What was your worst Dvblty nightmare? Mine was a 3.0 duratec intermittent miss at 65 under load. Long story short, it was a small speed clip stuck to the magnet on the crank sensor between the pickup ring. Drove me crazy, Showed up on the scope (IDS). Lots of hair loss. Keep up the good work. Pete

Awesome information!!!! Not just here, but every video I’ve been watching pertaining to the 5.4 Ford truck is in great detail!!!

Thanks for these really simple and informative videos, just ran a cleaner through mine and was able to get it working again

i am 76 years old and im still trying to do my own fords= 2 mustangs & a explorer. you have helped me so much your the best best best . keep up the good honest information

my truck broke down and I really thought I needed a motor that's how bad I thought it was and I thought wow and I really don't have the money to put into it after going through your videos I was kind of convinced it was the VCT solenoids actually found a pair with new seals on eBay original Ford parts $135 shipped I installed it and I was about to start it prayed real hard that it that was the problem and bingo it was like new so I really want to thank you for these videos I know it takes time to make so again thank you. thank you. thank you. nelson, 04-150

Man buddy you are a lifesaver you help me out so much I put new phasers in it I replace the VCT solenoids and I still couldn't figure it out but I bought the AutoZone solenoids and therefore it got dumbed up again it plugged up I'd had no idea the vehicle would run without that unplugged so it looks like I'm tearing back into the top of this valve cover again thank you

Excellent overview. I just dumped $9 grand into a rebuilt short block and the installation because I had a combination of low oil pressure, multiple broken coil connectors, 1 bad phaser, plugged catalytic converter and the previous owner had changed out the timing chain and it wasn't done right. I don't know that I could ever have diagnosed and fixed all the problems myself. But this video gave me some indication that the two shops weren't lying to me. The rebuild manf'r installs higher pressure oil pumps, and better quality phasers (I have to trust them and the shop at their word, how the hell could I know) to rectify the known Ford factory problems.

Brian, thank you and all those involved in the efforts and production of this channel. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all. May the new year bring you, your families and friends much health, wealth, happiness and peace.

Wow. You do know your stuff FordTechMakuloco! :)

Great Video! Always the best Ford videos. Thanks Bro - Merry Christmas!

thanks for all the videos on the 5.4 the information you give out helps me take good care of my motor thanks again!!!!

That's the problem I was having on my 2010 Expedition with 130k miles. Once I pulled off my valve cover I could see the right side chain guide was missing.... Tensioner was blown out. Full timing job, followed your video series, including oil pump. Went really well, not terribly difficult, just awkward laying prostrate across the engine bay for so many hours. For interested Canadians it's currently (May 2022) about $2k cnd in parts, all genuine Ford except oil pump. (didn't replace roller followers, all were in good condition and about $25 each here right now)

FordTechMakuloco I'm performing the VCT change next weekend, but I would like to obtain some more info on how to use the BG engine flush products to yield best results. Thanks

Best repair videos on the net. Followed your videos and completed the job on 5.4 3 value timing chain Replacement. on my sons 06 expedition. ( 1st car) Could not have done it without you. Thank you ! My son thanks you also...

Thank you for sharing this important information listening from Brownwood Texas we appreciate your help

Hi Brian - Thank for another GREATLY informative video! I had read info. on the oil gauges in the Fords being "bogus" and now Im convinced a true mechanical gauge is the way to go. Thanks!

this noise with phaser coming aprart, would it be continuous ?

Dude. You're the man. Thank you so much for your videos. I just fix my f 150. God bless you bro. 👌👍👊

I see that DJI on top of your tool box. Nice! Thanks for all the informative videos sir!!

Omg I had this issue and no one could figure it out. Had to get rid of the truck. Damn you Ford!!

I just got an 05 with a 5.4 3v and it has a rough idle and acceleration. It also has a hard time picking up speed the rps's drop and go up and the truck chokes when I try to accelerate it and the exhaust sounds like it's and old truck but, sometimes it runs smooth in idle (only) when it's cold until you get into over 3000 rps and you get a (Engine Fail Safe Mode).

I love your videos you have helped me very much over the years thank you for posting your videos take care and stay safe from a friend in Pennsylvania🤙

What a wonderful videos, very high technical level and very easy to understand. Thank you so much for your help.

Hey Brian, can you do a video showing the “shock” process? Thank you.

where is the VCT on a 1998 Ford Expedition, 5.4, Eddie Bower edition I can't find it anywhere

Man you're awesome you're a great mechanic following your videos I have learned a lot help me through fixing my employers vehicles thank you brother you're a blessing 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

Great video. I have learned everything I know from you about my 04 Ford F-150 5.4 Triton 3 valve. I am watching your Timing kit replacement series and am in progress! I am stuck right now with the crank bolt. Been soaking it with penetrant for 4 days now and it wont budge with my impact.

Could this happen in the opposite? My 4.6 does this at speed. Feels like vapor lock or the last drop of fuel on an empty tank.

Does this also happen to the 4.6 2v engine?

Had the po010 code, checked #47 fuse and fixed it after researching for days. All over a 15 amp fuse!

Your bad ass bro thanks for that spot on information very knowledgeable. I been having the issues you just nailed i guess I'll be working on my truck this weekend.

Can a bad VCT solenoid make the car lose power.

I have a 2005 F 150 5.4 and a 2007 Explorer 4.6 .... Both with about 100,000 miles.... At 40 mph they BOTH have a engine vibration... give it gas it goes away.... or let off the gas it goes away...

Thank you so much. My truck runs fine thanks to you. Appreciate you.

This video was extremely helpful. Thank you!

I really hate Ford's dummy oil pressure gauge. Why bother putting a gauge there then just connecting it to a standard switch? I don't see the logic behind them not putting an actual pressure transmitter there, they might as well just stick with a standard oil lamp....

Sounds like more piss poor design on these newer cars.

Very useful and to the point video. Thanks, man.

love the drone on you sin n the back ground! . hapy holiday! .

My ‘09 5.4 was starting to develop a low pitched engine noise only noticeable when the sound echoed off a building such as when going through a drive through. I changed out the VCT solenoids (and in the process found that all observable surfaces inside the engine were shiny clean and still look like new) and fortunately that eliminated the noise. The engine is quiet again and back to running as new but I’ll tell you changing those solenoids out was the absolute limit of what I want to bite off as a shade tree mechanic.

thanks man great video. mine just started running rough as soon as I put gas in it. like it's not running on all cylinders but no codes popped up. I'm gona try changing the fuel filter and if that doesn't work I'm gona try that valve test

I am working on a copper gasket replacement for the timing chain tensioners. Also ran 2 quarts of mystery oil along with quakerstate 5w 30 high mileage for literally 102 miles (just happend to be the distance for exit and return to my buddys shop. once done then went and had work ford replace vct's and also both timing chain tensioners with factory phasers.

Thank you. I just got a 07 Ford Expedition 5.4L on 3 days ago and it started doing that today. Thankfuly it is still under the warranty. I mean I am a mechanic for GM (job security seeing as how they're always breaking down). But if I dont have to work on it then I say let the warranty handle it haha. But it is still good to know what your dealing with.

You just such a nice job and all your videos. Keep up the good work.

I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Thank you sir!

God bless you pal. Merry Christmas.

Thank you for your help my friend you are the best thing ever happened to RU-vid and me thank you buddy 🙏

I made the boneheaded mistake of buying another Ford about a week ago now. 06’ F150 Lariat 5.4 3v and the seller somehow bamboozled me and must’ve cleared the engine codes out by disocnnectiing battery before I got there to test drive. As soon as I gave him money and received title, my drive home was a very frustrating one. Lacked power at acceleration, nearly stalled out at stops, diesel knocking nose at stops. Looked on RU-vid and found Brian’s God work, and immediately thought I needed a whole timing kit/phaser job. I found the video (and this one) that suggested unplugging the vct solenoids to get me home temporarily. I’ve been driving it like that all week, thinking it still needed the timing job but just came across this video which is refreshing as I may just need the vct solenoids replaced w/ oil flush and new 5w-30 detergeant oil. (I live in Denver, 5280’ elevation, so idk if 5-30 is still the best for altitude). Thinkin I’ll go to a junkyard today to see if I can get some cheap used oem solenoids for now, but I’m also getting a “hissing” noise from passenger side engine well/wheel well after shutting off engine hot. Can’t track down a bad vac line, but wondering if it’s the iac hose that goes to booster as I have a spongy brake and abs light on as well. Hopefully I find the right parts at junkyard as I just spent my wad on a shovel and an alibi

I didn't even watch your video before I changed them. I work at a parts store and all I've heard is cam phaser this and cam phaser that. I knew it had to do with the vct system so I figured I'd get the solenoids and swap them out. Took me like 10 minutes in the parking lot after work. So far so good. I was running vr1 50 sae through the engine becuase thats what sombody had told me to do and it stopped the engine from cluttering but now it's much better

Hi Brian, Thanks for the great videos!! The way you explain things is truly amazing!! So, I did a timing job on my 2007 Expedition back in Feb 2023. I replaced the complete timing kit, vct's, the updated roller followers, lifters all with the motorcraft parts you recommended and also did the oil pump with the Melling M360v. I followed your videos step by step and got it done. Everything was working great, now Im getting a bad miss every once in a while and it appears to be exactly like what you are talking about in this video. Which leads me to believe i might have a bad VCT. My question for you is, have you ever had a bad motorcraft VCT after a new months? or a bad motorcraft Phaser?

you rock, once again very helpful, you have the most helpful channel on youtube ty

good video brian..cant stress oil changes enough in these motors..ive got an 08 with 123k and never had an issue. use the correct weight and you shouldn't have an issue.

I'm watching cause I bought a truck off my cousin and he's usually pretty good at taking care of his vehicles but when you come to a stop it will stall out every so often. He told me the cam phaser where bad but I know alot off shops are half a## so I just want make sure 800.00 is 800.00. I've worked on alot of cars in garages most of my life but never ran into this problem so trying to make sure it was properly diagnose. Like I said in almost 20yrs in the field this would be the first I have ran into this problem. So the more I watch the more curious I get. Thanks for the info

Great information Brian.

thanks mate, you explained it so well

Wow this video actually helped a lot, now I know what my issues are, now I got to fix them. Bought 2010 xlt 4.6 3v, and the sensor was unplugged, I plugged it back in and my truck was just running nasty. I unplugged it and been driving it fine for about 1000 miles, but now my oil pressure light comes on. Already bought a new switch so I’m hoping thats all i need.

Someone just gave me a 2004 F150 FX4 package.....it has a timing issue but the engine actually runs great. Thank you for your site, I've learned so much about the 5.4 by watching your vids. It's perfect because it lets me know what I can handle on my own and what I need an expert for and saves me $$$. Much appreciated! You're a Master Teacher by the way - should probably come up with some crazy Kung Fu name for you!:)

That's the best video it fixed my problem

@FordTechMakuloco i finally order a VCT from your link, installed it on bank 2 today, truck idle so damn smooth and was quiet, i was shocked, drove it a bit but when i got home it started to shake and ratlle bad again, disconnected the bank 1 side VCT and reved the enigne and the rattling went away so im going to go ahead and swap out the bank 1 VCT, codes popped up as well, said bank 1 is over retarted but i feel like its not the phaser or anything or i at least hope not,either way thanks for all the info, youve helped me alot with my 5.4

I have this ticking noise that I've been told numerous things it could be. This noise doesn't happen when in park, only when in drive and between 800-1300 rpms. I have had a violent engine once when parked on a steep incline but when I increased rpms to 1500+ it calmed down and leveled off at 750 rpms. Any help is appreciated!!! Love your videos. Keep it up!!

So maybe change the fuel filter and coil packs I’m guessing? Thanks for responding man you are a life saver! Ford Genius!

Great video, thanks. Many problems with the DBW throttle bodies on the 2v 4.6? 08 Marquis dies when you put it in gear after it's been sitting very very rarely. Reason I suspect the TB is it doesn't seem to respond to throttle input at all when this happens. Restart it and it's fine. One of the times it was very hard to restart, long crank time and would die when put in gear repeatedly. Seems like as soon as the load is put on the engine from the converter, it goes flat.

I found your channel when searching for the reason my 1994 4.6L in my Grand Marquis uses or loses oil so quick. the engine runs great and gets good gas mileage. Poor PCV? the plugs all looked great when just changing them...Thx

Brian. I don't have this exact problem. I have the "stop and stall" problem. Stumbled across this while researching. Can the VCT also cause the stall problem as well? 2010 Ford F-150 SuperCrew XL 4X4, 4.6L 3 valve. Thanks ahead of time if you have a chance to answer this or any fellow fans of your channel. One guy said in the comments down below your channel is awesome. I agree, you are my go-to when I start researching about my truck. Thanks for your channel and you taking so much personal time to show us how to fix our Ford products correctly and easily

Thanks for the great info! I just did the test and you were on point. I have a 2008 Navigator L with 340,000 miles on it and I want to know while I wait for the parts to be ordered moneywise (possibly a week or so) and want to know if it causes any issues/ damage if I were to keep the VCT's disconnected until I get the parts... Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance!!!

First off thank you for all the vids. They've helped alllot. Second, I changed both cam sensors and both vct solenoids. The truck no longer dies out or shakes violently buuuutttt, if I'm at stop and go traffic, with light taps to the gas pedal it rattles like a can of spray paint type noise. If I unplug the vct solenoid (new) on bank 1, the noise goes away. I do not have check engine lights. Truck is a 05 5.4 4x4. What if I just leave it unplugged. It is driving me nutttts.

I will give this a try tomorrow unplug and drive around town for a few and see what happens thanks for the info

Hi Brian. I have a 2003 Expedition and it seems to have the idle symptoms you’re explaining. I don’t think the 2003 has VCT solenoid. Any suggestions?

Thank you, Brian! The details and thoroughness of your videos is really appreciated! I have a question for you. I have a 2007 5.4 F150 that is getting a P0016 and no other codes. The engine is running a bit rough at idle but not violently rough and the engine is pretty quiet, only a single light tick that seems to be about half the speed of the rpm. I am thinking of starting with changing out the VCT but reading online I am starting to think maybe it is a stretched timing chain or bad phaser. Since you have to pull the valve cover on this engine to change the VCT should I just replace everything that could cause this? I was thrown off by only having the single P0016 code and not another accompanying it. I am thinking I am going to try your VCT "shock it" method to see if it makes any difference. The engine has 134K miles and appears to have never been apart, for sure not apart in the past 45K miles. Scan shows VCTADV 9.81 ~ VCTADVERR -9.56 and VCTADV2 0.50 ~ VCTADVERR2 6.81 Your thoughts? Thank you -Kris

I found him, the one mechanic in existence who recommends Pennzoil!

Hey there, appreciate your videos. I had a strange problem I was on the freeway in Southern California and came to a quick stop. I noticed immediately after that and stop and go traffic the truck would run really rough like it wanted to stall out. After driving it at higher speeds for about 20 minutes the problem went away. A month later I came to a not so sudden stop and the truck exhibited the same problems which went away again. My engine is pretty clean being in Southern California and I change the oil about every 5000 miles. I recently had the spark plugs change with no problem but not the coil packs. Any ideas?

Right on !! Thank you for this video!!

Your a life saver just fixed my issue god bless you

Mine has a kind of rough idle, and every once in a while, start shaking violently like it wants to cut off. I’m going to change the VCT solenoid and hope it works!

Thanks for video! For how long can you go with the vct disconnected?

Thanks for the heads up 👍✌️

That happen when I can to a stop, I changed the air filter and it worked..my little voice inside told me did it myself..I have a 97 150 ford..thanks

outstanding! thank you for your help... subscribed :)

Your videos are great and very helpful.. Concerning VCTS on 5.4L If one is bad and makes car rock at idle can you unplug just that one? Also. Do you come right off the battery when you hit the solenoid with 12v?

My 2005 Ford Limited shakes a bit at a stop in drive but stops when I put it in neutral. Not shaking bad but enough to notice. Maybe mine is starting show these effects. My engine light came on awhile back and I saw your video on the wiring harness resting on the low pressure A.C line and over time wearing through. . Sure enough that was the culprit. I fixed that and the engine light is good to go now.

I had a P0012 code on Bank 1 a month or so ago. I changed the VCT solenoid with a new Ford OEM part. I changed the oil with the OEM spec filter FL280S and Motorcraft 5W20 just a bit before that VCT solenoid. Anyway, a few weeks later (today) that P0012 code is coming up again. I'm a bit frustrated with this and don't know where to look next. How do I tell if the new solenoid is actually working? How can I tell if I am getting oil to that area as well?

Hi brian, just watched the vct diagnosis video and caught what you said about the pennzoil platinum oil. would you recommend this oil over the 5w20 Motorcraft synthetic blend? I want my triton to last a long time.