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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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
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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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JERRYLS
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thanks brother , I may end up doing it myself.... I appreciate your input ...
Aug 21, 2026 at 1:33 PM
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STRAILER
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np brother, we got you covered, let me know if you need any help, I have done this job before
Aug 21, 2026 at 6:08 PM
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JERRYLS
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right on.... If there are any specialty tools or tricks I might need to know about, I would appreciate it... I think I have all the basic tools I should need for this part of the motor.....
Aug 21, 2026 at 6:40 PM
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STRAILER
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Yep, you will need the timing chain/camshaft phaser holder/timer set to make it easier, but you should be able to do the job anyway here is the set I am talking about.

https://amzn.to/4zzcDqN

let me know if you get stuck, I can help walk you through it.
Aug 22, 2026 at 8:42 AM
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JERRYLS
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I will, wouldn't this tool work as well https://www.amazon.com/MOEBULB-Complete-Holding-Crankshaft-Positioning/dp/B07TG8QJPJ?th=1 .. I'm going to try and recruit another mechanic to help me if I decided to do it myself Thanks again brother ...
Aug 22, 2026 at 8:53 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, that will work as well. We got this brother!
Aug 22, 2026 at 8:56 AM
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JERRYLS
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I can't seem to reply anymore
]
Aug 22, 2026 at 9:10 AM
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JERRYLS
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everytime I try and add a list of parts to show you it wont let me
Aug 22, 2026 at 9:11 AM
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JERRYLS
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Aug 22, 2026 at 9:11 AM
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JERRYLS
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that is weird ... these are the parts I was thinking of getting ... what do you think,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/cart/view.html
Aug 22, 2026 at 9:12 AM
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JERRYLS
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I can only share one URL link at a time for some reason...
Aug 22, 2026 at 9:14 AM
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JERRYLS
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maybe you can call me so I can ask a few specific questions .. Jerry 562 236-7094
Aug 22, 2026 at 9:15 AM
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STRAILER
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Hmm,, it wont let me see your Amazon cart this is normal. You should be able to copy the link though and paste it in the response box here. We need to keep the conversation online so it will help others.
Aug 23, 2026 at 9:21 AM
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STRAILER
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Have you tried to respond?
Aug 24, 2026 at 5:23 PM
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JERRYLS
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I have.... but it wont let me leave the links for you ... I have no idea why
Aug 24, 2026 at 8:10 PM
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STRAILER
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https://2carpros.com/questions/i-want-to-bullet-proof-my-2006-ford-54l-3-valve-lariat--1713225#last The links work. Did you try getting the link from the browser window?
Aug 25, 2026 at 6:58 AM
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JERRYLS
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yes
Aug 25, 2026 at 7:38 AM
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STRAILER
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hmmm.. can you upload an image of the link?
Aug 26, 2026 at 9:39 AM
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JERRYLS
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I ended up buying a an Autozone FEL-PRO Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Set HS26306PT and a Melling M340HV oil pump with larger oil sump assembly and Melling cast iron tensioner also the cam phasers, water pump, timing chains,solenoids, thermostats, park plugs, crank shaft pulley bolt all OEM ford parts.... at a cost of about $1800 that includes all the fluids filter involved... including the cam phaser locking tool
Aug 26, 2026 at 11:22 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, nice work, this is a job you can do correctly but you need to follow the video I sent, it helps a lot. The bottom end on these engine is super strong so don't worry about that. Do not allow gasket material or any dirt/debris down inside ethe engine while working, use gasket sealer sparingly.
Aug 26, 2026 at 5:48 PM
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JERRYLS
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will do... thanks for the video. ;)
Aug 26, 2026 at 6:33 PM
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STRAILER
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You bet! happy wrenching :)
Aug 27, 2026 at 4:53 PM
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JERRYLS
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;)
Aug 27, 2026 at 6:01 PM
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