First post. Thought I'd leave it here since this thread helped diagnose my issue. Disclaimer, I'm not very mechanically inclined so most of this is regurgitation from the Ford technician or service manager.
2018 Raptor SuperCrew - Stock motor no tunes etc. 18k miles
1. I was getting the rattle at cold start. The rattle lasted a few seconds then went away.
2. On a 100 mile drive the check engine light came on. I pulled over 3-4 times due to a strange grinding sound that would come and go from the front driver's side as far as I could tell but I didn't notice anything obvious. I took it in to the dealer. They had it for 4 days troubleshooting. Eventually they replace a solenoid (controlled oil flow?). That fixed the issue for about a month.
3. Then the check engine light came back but no noticeable rattle or grinding this time. Dealer pulled codes and it was related to an engine timing issue. I explained my concern after reading this thread but it was dismissed since the light went off by the time they were able to schedule me....Diagnostics didn't warrant pulling the engine cover.
4. Check engine came on a 3rd time.
It's at the dealer for the 3rd time in 3 months. I asked them to check the following based on some "research" here:
- VCT Cam Phaser
- Engine Timing Chain cover/ tension
- PCM/TCM software updates
They have determined that the VCT Phaser has failed. They're pulling the valve cover tomorrow to check the screens for debris.