otter5555

ok, i mentioned the noise that i have in my 2005 4.6. after listening to several videos on youtube i now know that it is cam phaser noise. sounds just like a diesel engine.

now, mine only does it after a good drive, idleing in gear, with ac on. it will NEVER do it unless you have the lowest possible idle speed. the ac just helps to get it there.

the cure is to raise the rpm to near 1000 rpm and the engine is 100% normal again. no diesel sound at all.

here's my question, as long as i do not let it get to an rpm that starts the diesel sound am i all right or is this a deteriorating condition of a static condition that will not get worse?

is it something that must be fixed right now, or on down the road?

i dont have any problem at all keeping the rpm out of the "diesel zone".

thanks for the help

Dino Dino Bambino

It'll be OK for now but it's only a matter of time before it gets worse, and there's always the small risk of sudden failure.
Better to replace it sooner than later.

Derf00

The question should be are you in the market for any significant internal upgrades in the future? If so, don't bother doing anything. The engine will eventually fail and you won't have put money into it to keep it stock.

If you plan on keeping the cars internals stock, fix it now or see above.

BTW Dino's right i could fail now or it could fail a long time from now. You a gamblin' man?

Dino Dino Bambino

You didn't mention the mileage on your engine. That could factor into what other parts might need replacing in the near future. It's unusual for a phaser to fail at less than 100k miles unless the engine has had frequent visits past 6000rpm.