Engine knocking when giving throttle in park

2018 FORD EXPEDITION
133,000 MILES • 3.5L • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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FORDTRUCKS1216
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  • 3 POSTS
my expedition has a knocking noise when I give it gas in park but quiet at idle also I pulled the valve covers and ford only replaced 3 of 4 cam phasers and there is metal in my VVT solenoid screens on Both banks and in the oil puddled up under the valve cover there was a couple flakes of metal all the metal was magnetic I'm not sure what could cause magnetic metal in my oil here's a video of the sound skip to about 30 seconds to hear the noise also has no DTC's
Jul 28, 2026 at 1:35 PM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,051 POSTS
Thanks for the video, yep that noise is not good, I would put your hand on the HPFP to see if this is where the noise is coming from and if so remove the pump to check the camshaft lobe which are known to wear down which will cause the noise can cause low engine power. Can I ask if there are any codes? Why didn't ford replace the last cam phaser, that seems strange. I assume they replaced the timing chain and tensioners correct? Please let me know
Jul 29, 2026 at 7:37 AM
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FORDTRUCKS1216
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it was warranty work so they just did 3 phasers and seals no chains guides or tensioners the noise isn't the HPFP I listened with a mechanics stethoscope the noise sounds like its on the bank 2 front of the valve cover could the metal be from the phasers what could cause that its all magnetic metal shavings thanks for your help
there were no codes for anything other than EVAP system fault
Jul 29, 2026 at 7:44 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Yep, you sound correct, the problem will be in the timing chain or remaining camshaft phaser, did the dealer do the work? If so, back you go and tell them what happened, they do this kind of stuff all the time, jump over a dollar to save a dime.
Jul 30, 2026 at 8:05 AM
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FORDTRUCKS1216
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the dealer did the work but I just bought the vehicle from a guy that said it needed a engine he had the work done and soon after the noise showed up so he took it back and they told him it needed a engine but after looking it over I think its timing related but ive never seen timing shed metal but it does sound like timing this is my first EcoBoost so I don't know what they are like thank you for the help
Jul 30, 2026 at 8:34 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,051 POSTS
Yep, no problem, the first thing I would do is remove the timing chain cover for an inspection. Then upload a short video or images showing the timing chain assembly so I can see it and help you fix it together. First double check that the noise is being generated from the timing cover.
Jul 31, 2026 at 8:31 AM
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