What causes a camshaft adjuster to fail?
One of the most common causes of premature camshaft adjuster failure is slightly low engine oil pressure. Camshaft adjusters need sufficient oil pressure not only to operate but also to be lubricated. A lack of sufficient oil pressure due to oil deterioration or oil pump fatigue can quickly damage your engine’s camshaft adjusters.
However, it’s also important to remember that camshaft adjusters can also fail due to normal wear and tear. Like any other mechanical part, time and continued use will eventually cause damage. After all, your engine’s camshaft adjuster is actuated several times every time you drive, so wear and tear is inevitable.
What to do if you suspect a defective camshaft adjuster?
This is because a VVT engine can only achieve maximum efficiency if the desired camshaft timing is achieved.
In any case, the exact cause of your vehicle’s camshaft timing failure should be diagnosed and corrected as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of further engine damage and raise the engine’s performance to a higher level of efficiency.
If you are not sure whether you can perform such repairs yourself, you should make an appointment with a trusted service center as soon as possible. Which vehicles are most susceptible to camshaft phaser failure?
Over the past few decades, the Ford F-150 has experienced camshaft adjuster failures on multiple occasions. The issue was relatively widespread and spanned several years of production. Additionally, many of Ford’s related SUVs that share the same engine as the F-150, such as the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition, have also suffered from cam phaser failures.
What does a camshaft adjuster lockout kit do? A camshaft phaser lockout kit is a common modification that can be applied to most VVT engines. This type of kit prevents the engine’s camshaft from being actuated or phased, thus completely eliminating the option of variable valve timing.
This prevents repeated failure of cam phasers and other VVT-specific components, which can be both frustrating and costly. Lockouts are also commonly used by those who experience a “rattle” from their camshaft adjusters.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a camshaft phaser lockout or removal kit. Car owners may find that the vehicle’s performance is partially affected under certain circumstances due to the lack of camshaft timing function. Reduced fuel consumption may also be a possibility.