Need help with my 2018 Raptor, mechanic thinks it might be cam phasers?

General Discussions Forum
1

Hi everyone,

I own a 2018 Raptor I bought about 10 months ago. It’s been running fine aside from regular oil changes and brakes. But about a month ago, the check engine light started coming on. It’s weird because it only shows up for a couple of days, then goes off for a few more days.

When the light is on, I feel a slight rattle when I stop, especially after driving for a while, like over 45 minutes or so. It almost feels like the engine might stall. Power also seems weaker when the light is on.

I took it to a mechanic (who had worked on my axles) and he said the cam phasers might be the issue. But he also mentioned it’s unusual for the light to go on and off like this for a cam phaser problem.

Cam phasers are expensive to replace (around $5k), so I’d love to avoid that if possible. Another mechanic suggested an engine flush, thinking it might be an oil issue from before I bought the truck.

Anyone with experience on this? Any advice would be appreciated, hoping it’s not the phasers!

Thanks!

2

If you get a Forscan tool, you can read the codes and history yourself. It could help us give you better advice here.

3

Zabeen said:
If you get a Forscan tool, you can read the codes and history yourself. It could help us give you better advice here.

I’ll pick one up this week. Thanks!

4

Cam phasers usually show multiple codes for timing issues. You’ll also notice power loss if it’s really bad.

But it sounds like either your mechanic is guessing or you might be in denial and not wanting to believe him.

5

@Ryan
The mechanic just saw a code and immediately told me it’s a $6k fix. Didn’t even check anything else.

6

If the phasers are setting codes but then things go back to normal, they could just be a symptom, not the main issue. Would need more details to be sure.

7

Roger said:
If the phasers are setting codes but then things go back to normal, they could just be a symptom, not the main issue. Would need more details to be sure.

That’s a good point. Another mechanic suggested an engine flush, saying oil buildup might be causing it. Do you think that could help?

8

Are these Ford dealership mechanics? Most Ford mechanics know the common issues with 2017-2020 Raptors (cam phasers, transmission, turbos, sunroofs).

I had the cam phasers fixed twice on my 2018. There was a gravelly rattle on cold starts. Never saw a code, but it might if left too long.

First repair was covered under warranty at 35K miles. Second repair at 66K miles cost me $4.4k, but Ford split the bill 60/40 since I had a good service history.

Turbos can also act up and have their own noise. Check YouTube for videos that show the sounds—might help you figure it out.

9

@Graham
These aren’t Ford mechanics, but I’ll be taking it to Ford soon. The light keeps coming on and off, but I’m not hearing the loud rattle on startup.

10

Sounds like cam phasers to me. I have a 2018 and had the same thing happen. My check engine light would come on and go off, and I had a rattle on cold starts. Mine had about 68k miles when it started.