Weird starting sound on my 2017 Expedition

I’ve been hearing a strange noise when starting my 2017 Expedition. Any ideas on what it could be?

Cam phasers. Welcome to the club.

Hero said:
Cam phasers. Welcome to the club.

Yep, I got my transmission fixed, and then the cam phasers went bad. I’m already $20,000 deep in repairs and still need to fix the cam phasers. I really regret buying this Ford.

Hero said:
Cam phasers. Welcome to the club.

What can I do now to prevent more damage?

Sounds like cam phaser rattle.

Ira said:
Sounds like cam phaser rattle.

What should I do to prevent damage?

Riley said:

Ira said:
Sounds like cam phaser rattle.

What should I do to prevent damage?

Get them replaced as soon as possible. Also, I try to change my oil earlier than recommended.

Riley said:

Ira said:
Sounds like cam phaser rattle.

What should I do to prevent damage?

The best fix is to replace them, but until then, you can try this: when doing a cold start, hold the gas pedal to the floor for about 5 seconds before starting. It’s called a flood start, and it helps build oil pressure to the cam phasers so they don’t rattle as much.

@Finley
I’ve tried that with my 3.5, but it doesn’t seem to work for me.

It’s likely your cam phasers. I’m starting to get the rattle again on my 2019 Expedition. Here’s a YouTube video that explains it well and gives you the correct part numbers for the new cam phasers: https://youtu.be/MDzpwsOs3IQ?si=JcytNWN6hpL1al7I

It’s time for a timing job! Unfortunately, there’s no real way to prevent it. Ever since the 5.4 3V, it’s been something you have to deal with in Ford vehicles.

I had mine changed in February. The newer version is supposed to be sealed, without the exposed ratchet mechanism that caused the issues. We’ll see if it holds up.

Remy said:
I had mine changed in February. The newer version is supposed to be sealed, without the exposed ratchet mechanism that caused the issues. We’ll see if it holds up.

Make sure the part number starts with ML3Z. That’s the new part. I had mine done in 2021, but I got the older ones that are still prone to failure. Check out the video I posted for more details.

@Skyler
Just checked, and I do have the ML3Z. It was replaced once before I bought it, but they messed up the tensioners. That time, it didn’t have the ML3Z part.

From the sound in the video, it could be your starter dragging a bit. It’s hard to tell, but that’s one possibility.

I guess my 2014 Expedition never had cam phasers because I’ve never heard that noise. Guess I got lucky!

I also have a 2017 Expedition, and I started hearing the same sound about two years ago. It’s the cam phasers, and in my area, it costs around $4,500 to replace them.

If you don’t fix it, it can mess up the timing chains, which will cost even more to repair (around $6,000). I’ve been living with it for two years so far—it only happens on cold starts. When I trade it in, I’ll make sure to warm the engine first! :joy: