Phaser/VCT Issue??

[ToddH]

I have a 2010 Roush 427R with <45k miles. I purchased in 2024 as second owner. Car is clean, very original, in great shape and appears to have been taken care of. It has low miles but I'm sure there has been spirited driving. At operating temp, I have what sounds like phaser oscillation on passenger side between 900 and 1100ish rpm. I replaced phaser with no change. Tried unplugging VCT and noise stopped. So I replaced VCT. No change, still have the noise. Both parts are current Motorcraft. I checked oil pressure and it was good.

Not sure what to do. I am considering a full timming job, upgraded pump and possibly cam rollers "while I'm in there". Before I spend money and time, what troubleshooting will determine /confirm the correct solution? Any guidance/advice is appreciated?

What happens if I don't address? Any harm driving with VCTs unplugged (short term)? I have a couple events to attend very soon. Thanks!!!

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

Did you pull the valve cover to replace the VCT solenoid or did you manage to fish it out through the grommet? If it's the latter, you might want to pull the valve cover to check if there's slack in the timing chain. There could be a failed tensioner (blown gasket) or a broken chain guide.
At 45k miles it's definitely too low for the engine to have this problem but it's also 15 years old and not in the first flush of youth. It definitely doesn't help if the car sits idle for long periods.

Edit: Thanks @JC SSP for reminding me that @ToddH had already pulled the valve cover. Todd, did you check the chain? It seems strange to me that unplugging the VCT solenoid stopped the noise while replacing it didn't.

 

[JC SSP]

Wouldn’t he have to take the valve cover off to replace the phaser?

 

[ToddH]

Thanks for the replies and comments. Yes, the cover came off, twice now. I did check for slack trying to confirm guides were intact. It seemed OK to me. I have not heard any sounds that makes me think broken guides.

I agree it seems odd replacing the VCT didn't improve the situation.

This is my first non-daily / "just fun" car. So my first experience with a car that "sits" . Can you elaborate on how sitting extended time could be influencing/impacting my issue?

And opinions on this being a "stop driving and repair immediately" or it's more of an "aggravation"?

Thanks!!

 

[JC SSP]

Post video of what the noise is…

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

Can you elaborate on how sitting extended time could be influencing/impacting my issue?

More time for moisture to build up and for oil varnish deposits to accumulate inside the crankcase because there's no hot oil circulating to get rid of contaminants, increasing the likelihood of clogging up the VCT solenoid mesh screens. This also reduces oil flow to the timing chain tensioners.
It doesn't sound like you have anything that's likely to be immediately catastrophic so if you have to drive the car, just go easy on the engine.

 

[ToddH]

Post video of what the noise is…

I will do so ASAP. Thx