So my '04 5.4 3 Valve with 134'xxx miles has a some sort of knock. Today I was idling on the job site and somebody asked if it was a diesel. It almost sounds like an exhaust leak but I can't quite put my finger on the sound. It does get louder as the truck warms up. Any ideas?? Thanks guys.

 

Most likely cam phasers '04s are notorious for it.

 

Definitely cam phasers.

 

Ha Ha you wouldn't believe how many times I was asked that when I had my '04 near the end of its life. It got soo noisy I used to cut it off at the drive thru windows so I could hear.LOL
As others have mentioned, Cam phaser noise is a common problem on the '04's. Its just noise and doesn't affect performance. My '04 had 155K on it when I crashed it, and I know others with more than 200K with noise. My dad has an '04 with around 95K on it. (Yep makes noise)


Amazingly enough at 105K miles my replacement '05 still sounds perfect with no cam phaser noise.

 

Cam phaser like all the others said. https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...placement.html If you feel up to it try replacing them yourself.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I figured as much, I'll live with it for awhile or until I get a new one :-))

 

I thought mine was the cam phaser as well butim leaning more towards the manifold now do a search there is some info on it with similar symptoms but just a lil different

 

Good idea, I'm going to look into it this weekend.

 

dad had this issue on his, it wasn't the cam phasers though, couldn't be diagnosed and eventually had to replace his engine completely.

 

If it gets louder as the engine warns up, it is an exhaust leak. Mine did the exact same thing.

 

Please let me know what it ends up being I'm curious bc I need to have mine fixed as well

 

VCT Solenoid swap might help. Some folks recommend running 5w-30 instead of the 5w-20.
Oil
http://www.f150forum.com/f4/5w-30-oi...d-idea-130457/
VCT
http://www.f150forum.com/f4/vct-solenoid-171193/index3/