2018 Cam Phaser Fear

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B Scott

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So, I’m in the process of adding a Gen 2 to the garage but I’m worried. Cam phaser fear is real! I found a 2018 built in late 2017 with 73k miles. It had the cam phaser update flash and when I conducted a cold start, I didn’t hear any of the rattle I’ve heard about. I like the truck but it’s out of warranty so if the problem arises, I’ll be stuck paying for it. Any advice would be appreciated!
 
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B Scott

B Scott

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No warranty included in the purchase…
 

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CoronaRaptor

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Double check, but I believe Ford warranties the cam phasers up to 80,000 miles, but on a prorated scale. Check the maintenance history of the vehicle, if it's been properly maintained, I wouldn't worry about the cam phaser issue. Now, don't believe anything that comes out of the salesmans mouth, lol. You're obviously not buying from a Ford dealer either or there would be some warranty, saying that, I believe you can still get an extended warranty if needed. Hope you get it for a good price and good luck.
 

Speeddeacon

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What is there to advise? It is a known issue that effects some, not all, and is fixable. If it happens, you can get it fixed, live with it or get rid of the truck. What are you afraid of exactly?

You just have to decide your level of comfort. Ford says the cam phaser issue will not damage the engine if you don't fix it, yet they extend the coverage for it out beyond the standard drivetrain coverage period, so you decide what to believe. By the way, there most likely is at least pro-rated warranty from Ford since it had the flash, but that goes away completely at 80k miles. You are buying a used truck, therefore saving money in lieu of having a warranty to pay for things like cam phasers.

So, I guess my advice is that if your "fear" is that it will effect the truck, period, then don't buy an F-150 with anything other that the 2,7L eco-boost motor, as that seems the only one that rarely suffers from the cam phaser issue.
 

WireNutz

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It's an issues plan and simple. And depending on what parts were used in fixing it, it will probably have to be redone at some point with the current revision of parts. Pull an oasis report at a ford dealer to see what has been done to it.

My first 3.EB started making noise at 30k, had them done at 55k, and started making noise again at 82k. Drove till 100k with no issues other than start up rattle noise on cold mornings after sitting over night.

My brothers 18 Raptor had then fixed at 34k and sold it at 50k with no noise yet after the repair.

I expect my 19 will need them done at some point, but it's under warranty till 2027.

If you like the truck and it checks all the boxes for you, buy it. And when it starts to rattle, live with it, or get it fixe. I believe it's around 3k if you pay out of pocket for the repair. You could try to negotiate it into the price of in the deal.
 
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B Scott

B Scott

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Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate everyone’s experience and an having a pre-purchase inspection at a Ford dealership. It’s carfax has all the service records, that’s how I know it received the updated flash. I’m going to listen intently when I start in in the morning for any rattle! I’m pretty much sold on it so I’m trying to talk myself out of it at this point! Always wanted two…
 

dspangler

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Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate everyone’s experience and an having a pre-purchase inspection at a Ford dealership. It’s carfax has all the service records, that’s how I know it received the updated flash. I’m going to listen intently when I start in in the morning for any rattle! I’m pretty much sold on it so I’m trying to talk myself out of it at this point! Always wanted two…
By the way, check the oil pan for leaks. This truck has the plastic oil pan, so read up on user experience with them. Ford switched back to metal pans for late 18 builds through present.
 
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B Scott

B Scott

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Update! Cam Phasers are rattling at start up and need to be replaced. Total price is $3300, all but $1100 is covered until 80k miles. I am planning on getting the low down deal from the dealer to make it worthwhile. Still waiting to pick it up and see if any other issues were found.
 

smurfslayer

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in the ’17-’18 era, the most recent phaser parts weren’t all the way into the pipeline and some trucks had repeat failures as a result. When the latest phaser parts rolled in, phaser concerns fell dramatically.

good luck!
 
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