Anyone else having cam phaser issues with the 3.5 EcoBoost?

Technical Discussions
1

I’m looking for some advice regarding cam phaser problems specific to the 3.5 EcoBoost engine in my Ford F-150. Recently, I’ve been experiencing some unusual noises and I’m starting to worry about potential long-term damage.

Here’s a rundown of what I’ve noticed:

  • Knocking sound: It seems more pronounced when the engine is cold.
  • Performance dips: I’ve felt a bit of hesitation while accelerating.
  • Engine lights: At times, the check engine light flickers, but it doesn’t stay on consistently.

I’ve read a bit online and found mixed experiences. Some people managed to replace the cam phasers and saw an improvement, while others faced more severe issues.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this issue:

  • What symptoms did you notice?
  • Did you do the repair yourself or take it to a mechanic?
  • What were the costs involved if you replaced the cam phasers?

I’d really appreciate any tips or experiences you could share! Thank you!

TL;DR: Experiencing cam phaser issues on a 3.5 EcoBoost - looking for advice and experiences.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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2

I’ve been having major cam phaser issues with my 3.5 EcoBoost. Rough idling and a noticeable loss of power – it feels like I’m dragging a boat! Anyone else experiencing this?

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3

Yes! I had similar symptoms. The rough idle can be especially annoying. Have you checked the cam phaser alignment?

4

I noticed decreased power too! My truck stutters when accelerating, and I’m pretty sure it’s related to the cam phasers. Any quick fixes?

5

I had that issue before I replaced the phasers. It made a huge difference!

6

I’ve also heard about timing issues on EcoBoosts. If your timing is off due to phaser problems, it can cause all sorts of mayhem under the hood. Definitely get it checked!

7

Timing issues? Oh no! I thought my engine was just quirky. Does anyone have suggestions on where to get it diagnosed?

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8

I usually recommend going to a Ford specialist for cam phaser issues. They can run specific tests that the general shops might miss!

9

That’s really solid advice! I’ve had bad experiences with non-specialized shops before. They just didn’t get it.

10

Has anyone found a DIY method to fix these phasers? I’m looking to save some bucks here!

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11

DIY can be tricky, especially with timing. You could wind up creating more problems than you fix! Sometimes the pros are worth the price.

12

I tried some DIY adjustments once – it didn’t end well! Let’s just say I ended up on a treadmill rather than fixing my EcoBoost…

13

That’s hilarious, victor60! But seriously, these phaser problems creep up so unexpectedly. Taking care of it sooner than later is key.

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14

Absolutely! I learned that the hard way when my truck stalled in traffic. Not cool!

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15

I’ve been having issues with my EcoBoost as well. I’ve read that replacing cam phasers can be tricky, but it’s doable with the right tools. Has anyone found a good toolkit for this?

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16

Definitely! A quality torque wrench and cam phaser locking tool are essential. Expect about 6-8 hours for the job, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

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17

I agree with cbradshaw! Don’t forget to have some good oil on hand. OEM parts are usually the safest bet unless you find a highly recommended aftermarket option.

18

That’s great advice! I’ve seen aftermarket parts work well too, but I personally stick with OEM for reliability.

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I just had a shop do mine using OEM parts, and it made a huge difference! If you’re unsure about the process, a professional service might save you headaches.

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Thanks for sharing that, johnathan12! Did you notice any specific improvements in performance after the replacement?