HELP, crazy intermittent problem with engine, VCT????

TonyN

Ford Junkie
Joined
Aug 14, 2009
Posts
950
Reaction score
4
Location
Virginia Beach, VA
With mild cams like NSR cams, I recommend retaining the VCT for the fattest power band possible. It wouldn't 'hurt' anything by installing lockouts but it would need to be tuned for it and you would probably lose a few ponies at either end of the power band depnding on where they are locked.

I personally would start by installing a new phaser. It wouldn't suprise me if it is stuck in full retard or something.
 

classix_stang289

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2009
Posts
1,173
Reaction score
1
Location
New Jersey
With mild cams like NSR cams, I recommend retaining the VCT for the fattest power band possible. It wouldn't 'hurt' anything by installing lockouts but it would need to be tuned for it and you would probably lose a few ponies at either end of the power band depnding on where they are locked.

I personally would start by installing a new phaser. It wouldn't suprise me if it is stuck in full retard or something.


Any TSB's available from ford?
 

ZmanM3

The Evil One
Joined
Apr 6, 2007
Posts
21,617
Reaction score
210
Location
Jackson, NJ
How is the oil pressure? I know that the phasers are activated by oil pressure so I'm wondering if something is up with that. Ohh, I'd also like to see more info on the 51 with a 3v.
 

07calspecial

Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2009
Posts
168
Reaction score
0
Location
Lillington N.C.
My cam installer actually found the spring in the phaser was broken and that's what locked it in full retard. This guy is very versed in 3V technolgy, and even he said it took him a good while to find it.
 
Joined
Dec 28, 2009
Posts
51
Reaction score
0
Location
Houston
Thanks to all for the feeback and info, I will keep you updated with my findings as I tear into it. Still tryn to finish some stuff up at the shop so I can take a day off to go pick up the car and start diagnosing.

Ill post up some pics and info about the 51 with a 3v in the next few days.
 

irishpwr46

Official Site Vandal
Joined
Apr 30, 2009
Posts
8,747
Reaction score
62
Location
NYC
well it turns out my engine was fubar. the vct is oil driven and adjusts according to oil pressure. put a pressure gauge on and see what your oil reads
 
Joined
Oct 30, 2010
Posts
289
Reaction score
1
Location
Dallas, TX
How did this turn out for you guys? I'm having the same problem, same codes. In the Autozone parking lot, replaced one VTC solenoid and the MAF, cleaned & disconnected/reconnected everything possible, & reloaded the modded and stock tunes, but the problem didn't go away.

The symptoms are similar to what has already been reported in this thread. At cold start, the engine is fine. As it heats up, +100 degrees, it surges and idles down low and then runs rough with tapping coming from the valve covers. It sounds like it has cams with a mean lope, but mine are stock. Power is weak and I have to give it a lot of gas to get the RPMs up and get it to move. There is a gas/foul smell and carbon deposits coming from the exhaust.

I pulled and checked the VTC solenoids by connecting them to the battery. They click and behave similar to the new one.

With a mechanical gauge, the pressure reads 50 psi at 2000 rpms. I've read in the Ford specs and Haynes that it should be at 75 at 2k rpms. It idles at less than 10 psi after warming up, but 50-60 or so at cold start.

I had it towed to my place, and I'm in the process of replacing the oil pump with a Melling 10340 now. One question that I have about the Melling is that it came with a 60 psi relief valve spring and an 80 psi relief valve spring. The instructions that came with the pump say that 60 meets that stock specs on the 4.6. I called Melling and the tech said to use the 80.

Any advice/help would be much appreciated?
 

AutoXRacer

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Posts
2,603
Reaction score
6
Location
Florida
I would also like to know the end result on your issue... As my stock 4.6L engine crapped out on me too. My cams spun dry due to a failed VCT system.

How did you guys pan out?
 

NickS

slow3v
Joined
Feb 4, 2011
Posts
269
Reaction score
0
Wow you guys are making me glad I traded in my 05 GT with 98k Friday. I romped the heck outta that thing, spun it to 6800, took it to the track, had fun on the street, etc. VCT didn't always sound happy (loud clack-clack-clack under hood when warm).

Seeing you guys' cars like this makes me sick, I feel horrible.
 

Support us!

Support Us - Become A Supporting Member Today!

Click Here For Details

Back
Top