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Hi Drew, I have a 2009 Ford F-150 5.4 v8

Great, how can I help?

It started making a barely audible knocking sound about a month ago and my guy friend asked me if I had got the oil changed and i said yesI thought that maybe I was hearing things but i heard it again and I took it to Valvoline oil change place and they told me that I wasn't ready for an oil changeThey said my oil was cleanI didn't think much of itI work from home and barely drive so I thought the cold weather was causing the soundYesterday I drive it at lunch and heard it louder and got concerned then it almost stalled on me on an incline

Okay, does the knocking sound increase with engine speed?

I freaked and took it to a Ford dealerI'm not sure...They said it would cost $150 to diagnoseI left it there overnightThey called me today to tell me they needed my permission and $500 more just to open the left side valve coverI'm like what?I said no

Okay. Engine knocking is never a good sign. There are some common issues with these engines, specifically in the valve train. This is where they want to open and disassemble to inspect.

They said the origin of the noise they think is under the left side valve cover the valve trainLiked “Okay. Engine knocking is never a good sign. There are some common issues with these engines, specifically in the valve train. This is where they want to open and disassemble to inspect.”

Does the noise only happen once the engine is warmed up or does it happen all the time?

They said cylinder head and the words lifters and rockers do idkI think it's when I start it but I'm not sure cause once I start driving the radio is oneOnI bought this truck brand new but it was my husband's truck and he maintained it at that Ford dealership I took it to. He died and now I drive it

Okay, there is a common issue with the VCT (variable camshaft timing) system that can cause this issue. It's difficult to say but it does require disassembly. If the issue is more severe in the valve train it can get much more expensive as the top of the engine must be disassembled.

I took it to this same dealership after he passed to get a diagnostic report and I paid $175.00...in SeptemberLiked “Okay, there is a common issue with the VCT (variable camshaft timing) system that can cause this issue. It's difficult to say but it does require disassembly. If the issue is more severe in the valve train it can get much more expensive as the top of the engine must be disassembled.”because I barely drive it and basically have only changed the oil once...not sure what could've happened sinceI don't want to get ripped offI need to know all the possibilities

Either way the only option is to disassemble and inspect to confirm the source of the issue. Unfortunately there is no way to know until it's inspected. There will be more charges as if it's the well known VCT system issue then the repairs cost around $700-$950. If the issue is in the cylinder head it gets much more expensive, even double. If the knock if deeper in the engine then it could be major repairs. This is not something you've done wrong, this is a part failure. It's difficult to know why, but based upon what you are telling me this is not something you've created. But the vehicle is out of warranty so you'll either need to decide to fix it or [sell](/topics-sell/) it.

Oh okay...I'm glad that this is not something that I didI only have this truck...I sold my 18 year old Lexus a few months after I decided to drive itI have to fix it

Yes, no reason to believe you've done something wrong. Part failures happen. I would pay to have it diagnosed or take it to a reputable repair facility in your area that can confirm what they're telling you. I’m glad that I was able to answer your question today. My goal is to ensure you receive a 5 STAR experience. Once you’re satisfied with my answer please take the time to rate me 5 stars at the top of your computer screen or by following the link on your phone. These ratings are extremely important to us experts. Tips are never expected by greatly appreciated as they make up a large part of our income. If you have further questions please request me by opening a new question and I’ll be glad to help you with any of your automotive issues. Thanks for using Just Answer!

Thank you so much

I have another question

Sure, we do need to keep questions separate but if its related I'll be glad to review for you.

It's related.I googled VCT a few minutes ago to get a better understanding of what it is and it happened to list the types of fords that had them...mine wasn't on the list

Customer attachment 2/18/2021 3:01:01 PM

I wasn't sure if mine model has one or not...does my truck use the engine in the Ford Explorer?

Your engine has VCT. See attached for a detailed explanation. This is part of what they are removing the valve cover to inspect as the VCT is located under the valve cover. The information you found is incomplete and being interpreted incorrectly. You do not have Ti-VCT with independent camshaft control. All 5.4L engines have some sort of VCT system dating back to 2004.

Oh thank you for this confirmation...

You're very welcome.

I have a question

Good morning. JustAnswer has a 1 question per post policy. If you have another question please send me the question directly in a new request and I'll be glad to assist you.