Started making the timing chain guide noise on start up ?

2006 FORD F-150
150,000 MILES • 5.4L • AUTOMATIC
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JERRYLS
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  • 1 POST
I have a 2006 f-150 Lariat and it's defective Ford parts are failing , Cam phasers, chain tensioners, low pressure oil pump.... the truck runs great and just started making the timing chain guide noise on start up for about 1 1/2 to 2 seconds then it stops and if it sits for about 1 to 2 hours it will make this noise again...I suspect its a blown out gasket or seal on one of the plastic tensioners.. So I just started holding the gas pedal to the floor on star up so I can pressurize the tensioners on first startup, this seems to work for now , once the truck starts up there are no other noises or red lights ...If I could find a good mechanic that can do this job I will come to you within 3 or 4 hundred miles from where I am here n Taos New Mexico where there are not many mechanics and the few that there are do not want to even look or hear my truck............ Help... 562 236-7094 Jerry... I have a California area code because I moved here 3 years ago (retired elevator mechanic) ...
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Aug 20, 2026 at 6:36 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,081 POSTS
Hi Jerry,

Yep, I see what you are talking about. So what happens on these is the timing chain guides break and cause the noise. We did this job in the shop a while back, here is the full video so you can see what needs to be done to help you bullet proof your truck.

https://youtu.be/dler2t2e4Zw?si=SQqRzVCOg8cX1TD-

I am sorry we don't know anyone in your area to do the work, but you have tools these video guides will show you how to do it, plus we will be here to help you. These engine are great and this is the only thing that goes wrong with them. The one we worked on, the bottom end had very little wear, so I would not do a full rebuild. If your goal is to make this 5.4L as reliable as practical at 150,000 miles, I would repair the timing system rather than just replace the one component that appears to be failing. Let me know how it goes.
Aug 21, 2026 at 7:41 AM
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