Article: Cam Phaser Issue Explained

[ivotuk]

(I've seen several issues with the Cam Phaser and thought people might find this article interesting.)

At the heart of the 3.5L Ecoboost engine’s performance lies the cam phaser – a precision-engineered component designed to optimize the engine’s valve timing. Cam phasers are a type of variable valve timing (VVT) mechanism, a technology that has revolutionized the efficiency and power output of modern engines.

Cam phasers work in conjunction with the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. By adjusting the position of the camshaft in relation to the crankshaft, cam phasers can alter the valve timing to suit different driving conditions. This dynamic timing adjustment ensures optimal air-fuel mixture combustion, leading to enhanced power, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions.


https://newparts.com/articles/ford-3-5l-ecoboost-series-cam-phaser-issues-explained/

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[nikhsub1]

My Gen 2 had the phasers replaced 6 months ago - my noise started a long time ago and I lived with it for fear of a crappy repair job. All is good now though, purrs like a kitten.

 

[John E Davies]

So does this continue to be a possible future problem with brand new engines? Or is the root cause considered to be fixed?

Thanks,

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[ivotuk]

As per several posts on here, it is an ongoing problem. I think the most important thing is to be able to recognize when you have this issue.

From what i read, it''s a rattle when first cold started, that goes away fairly quickly.

 

[nikhsub1]

Oh, you can't mistake cam phaser noise.

 

[FullSend]

I've had to replace the cam phasers twice on my Gen 2 (105K miles total to date). I recommend the extended warranty just for that issue alone!

 

[sikedsyko]

Pretty wild that Ford still has issues with cam phasers. Their system works very similar to BMW VANOS that's been around for 30 years now. BMW has had it sorted for 20+ years now.

 

[08mojo]

Pretty wild that Ford still has issues with cam phasers. Their system works very similar to BMW VANOS that's been around for 30 years now. BMW has had it sorted for 20+ years now.

You are right, and I agree, BMW does seem to have it sorted today. Not sure why ford can't figure this out.

It's function is the same, but how the function is performed is very different. BMW uses a helical gear to advance or retard the cam timing. The helical gear is moved by a plunger that is controlled by oil pressure, but the point is: vanos does not require a locking pin to keep the variable timing components from slapping around at startup.

BMW VANOS did have a nasty habit in the 2000s of snapping the bolts and in-turn grenading the engine. I had and e46 M3 for awhile and changed the bolts as a precaution. When those bolts snapped, the pistons and valves would crash.

Silver lining: when the ford phasers fail, the pistons don't meet the valves

 

[jeffers]

(I've seen several issues with the Cam Phaser and thought people might find this article interesting.)

At the heart of the 3.5L Ecoboost engine’s performance lies the cam phaser – a precision-engineered component designed to optimize the engine’s valve timing. Cam phasers are a type of variable valve timing (VVT) mechanism, a technology that has revolutionized the efficiency and power output of modern engines.

Cam phasers work in conjunction with the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. By adjusting the position of the camshaft in relation to the crankshaft, cam phasers can alter the valve timing to suit different driving conditions. This dynamic timing adjustment ensures optimal air-fuel mixture combustion, leading to enhanced power, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions.


https://newparts.com/articles/ford-3-5l-ecoboost-series-cam-phaser-issues-explained/

Does this effect the 2.3L?

 

[danmoochie]

Guys several posts on here about the Camn Phaser issues, I have mine that started at 900 miles, dealing with Ford on next move. It requires a full motor pull to repair. My issues is, if they do it and put the same part in, what is the purpose? I am trying to get a completely new motor dropped in, we shall see what they do. I also have the front drive line whistle that started, again posts here, appears to be the front drive shaft, that is the next issues to resolve. So sad, we spend the big money for a performance truck, and have issues before our first payment is due! Ford customer service was no help at all, heads in the sand!

 

[RANGER/HOBB]

An audio or more precisely a video of the exact issues would be helpful. Obviously, the rattle must be quite audible, so there shouldn’t be a issues with recording it.

 

[Raptor1996]

While this article explains what the cam phasers are and that there is an issue, it does not explain why there is an issue. Is this a quality problem? Is there some revision issue? Is this an issue at assembly?

 

[danmoochie]

Ok I gave up. Traded it back in. Could not sit an wait for total cam phaser melt down. Still not sure how Ford lets this known issue occur. But I'm out.

 

[RRaptor24]

Ok I gave up. Traded it back in. Could not sit an wait for total cam phaser melt down. Still not sure how Ford lets this known issue occur. But I'm out.

What did they give you on a trade in?
Mine isn’t giving me any issues, I’m just wanting something else.

 

[danmoochie]

With tax savings 57k give or take. What I paid basically. I was ok with that.

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