As a parts counter guy I find Fords really frustrating. Chevy, you have a year, make, model, engine size, here's your part, and chances are that part fits the whole generation of GM vehicles with the same engine/body style. Ford? here's a dozen options for the same year and engine size. Oh, one year off, yeah that's not the same, oops. Yes, I'm exaggerating, and a generalization, since there some GMs like that, but it tends to be true. Maybe it's because so many people still daily drive late-90s trucks and that's when the F-150s and F-250s were really confusing, while the late 90s GM 1500s were all pretty much Vortec 5.7L (sure, 1999 and 2007 are annoying with GM trucks due to transition years)... All that said, I own both a Ford and a Chevy - 99 Crown Vic with almost 150K and a 92 Chevy 1500 with almost 250K. Neither are perfect, but both are very well built and generally reliable. Both of those vehicles, it seems that transmissions are the weak points. Then again, that's literally the case with the automatic transmission in any vehicle.
You sound like a crappy parts guy... The computer does all the hard work for you, and the worst part of the job is getting accurate information from the customer....
And you sound like you've never really worked on anything. One thing GM has always been REALLY good about is interchangeability. Once they find something that works really well, they STICK with it. Chevy had only two different bellhousings for decades, and both of them will fit ANY of their engines. Ford has at LEAST one for every engine family. Ford made THREE different 351's. Do you think the average driver would know the difference? Chrysler has a few of the same issues with changing things from year to year, but is still FAR better about it than Ford is. Work on all of the different makes and you'll start to wonder why in the hell anybody would ever want to work on a Ford in the first place.
Nobody works on that crap anymore, and if they do, they can go on ebay.... Autozone/oreilly/etc dont have UNLIMITED space to store garbage that nobody wants anymore, they need to SELL parts, not have shit collecting dust on their shelves. I'm (not really) sorry you are butthurt about autozone not having the part you needed, maybe you should start learning what a computer is for and get the shit you need... It's 2017 dude...
MeMad Max bro, i like the big 3, especially gm and ford, i dont know much about parts, and im not a mechanic, i have a 01 denali and i can find almost every part easily, i have an 04 new body f150 and im trying to find a good 5.4 motor and i haven't been able to find one, so i tried searching for a block and other parts, they were really hard to find. do u know a good site for ford parts that is simple?
Not really, if it had its oil changed every 3k they’re usually fine except for the spark plugs, if you get the stock ones out they’re usually pretty good. Ford makes a good truck but lacks a good heart, throw a Cummins in it or a Vortec & it’s fixed.
Was in a jam for a work truck and found a cheap f250 w 5.4 triton. I don't know if the engine was replaced but the odometer reads 450K! Never had a problem other than maintenance stuff, ignition coils, plugs etc. Recently took it on a 14 hour drive to Louisiana for work. She ain't the prettiest, but I'd drive her anywhere.
My dad had an 05 f150 5.4 he bought new late 04, daily drove it until 2015 and just been a farm truck since. cracked the manifold at 20k kms and never bothered to fix it. the starters get up and go got up and left 2 years ago and last year at 410k kms the cats were getting all plugged up so i just cut them out. Oil changed every 10k kms, all fluids and filters changed once a year. Now at 430k kms. Only rust on it is around the gas cap.
Same, my Fords have been nothing but reliable, change the oil and routine maintenance, sold my first one with 270k miles on it.0 issues, current has 105k, also no issues.
Quick addition if you are willing to learn a little something. If you want a used f-150 but just can't commit to an underpowered 4.6L, I recommend an 09-10 f-150. The 5.4 was updated a little and finally ford got the spark plugs right! The transmission was switched to a very reliable and smooth 6 speed that also provided much better acceleration. The suspension all around is just better and the leaf springs don't break. And the driveshaft was changed to actually be serviceable. I also like the looks of the newer ones a little better. All of this I can attest to since I own one with just barely 200,000 miles on it (owned by family since new). I changed the FACTORY PLUGS at 195,000 miles and they all came out with ease because of the updated design. The new ones cost only $7.00 a piece for the top of the line iridium ones. I had my U-joints replaced at 190,000 miles and had some front end stuff done (it didn't really need it) while it was in there for the U-joints. All of those repairs are very ordinary at those miles, if not, a little better than the average pickup. Engine and transmission have definitely done their job and neither needed repairs in the 200,000 miles they've been on the road (I consider the spark plugs as overdue maintinence). I maybe tow my bobcat with it 2 or 3 times a year but otherwise I don't tow a terrible lot with it. My only complaint with the truck is that it seems to chew through tires fast even though the alignment is up to par. I'm getting to maybe 55,000 miles per set before I need to change them pretty badly. Just remember I'm from the US and when I say miles I mean miles. Now as for the 04-08 5.4's, my bosses have an 05 with 190,000 miles on it. It misfires, clatters, and ticks and feels like it has the power of the average smart car. But hey, at least it's still running on all 8 cylinders, at least most of the time :/ It would definitely leave a sour taste in my mouth about ford if I were a mechanic. But if you want the cat's meow, I would get a 2011+ with the 5.0 4v v8. Proven tough as nails and powerful as a bull ox
Yeah I have a friend asking for her friend if I'd replace an engine in an f1shitty. I've replaced hundreds of motors. Never on one of these. I kinda don't want to
This is whats wrong with youtube. This guys is a awesome mechanic and makes great quality videos. But yet he only has 15k subs. I dont get it. This is the best automotive channel on youtube. Thanks Rich
At this point I’m surprised there isn’t a bunch of shops that just specialize in replacing 5.4 motors in used F150s and expeditions. You’d think they would have it down to a science where you bring your truck, they pull your motor and replace it with one they’ve already worked on. Like a core charge type thing.
I remember changing a motor in a expedition where we actually had to lift the body off to get that turd of a motor out of there. Just look at that motor, what a clusterfuck, hoses and electrical wires running all over the place. Ive always had older chevys my entire life they are so simplistic and the parts interchangeability between years is awesome. That’s why they put LS motors in everything
Then a 90s Ford OBS F350 w460 came along and rich bought it. Everything that the new ones lacked the older 90s F350 had. Ex: labeled fuse panel, good motor, simple computer, easy to fix/engine swap. Truly built ford tough.
I had a 2005 F150 5.4. bought it at 120k miles and sold it at 189k. Had 35s on it the whole time and was a very reliable truck for me. Mobile 1 every 3k miles and got the spark plugs changed when I bought it. Never taken to a shop/ dealership
My 2007.5.4 is going on 175000 miles , regular oil changes with motorcraft oil and changed spark plugs twice already with motorcraft plugs, has zero leaks , she runs pretty good
@@hendo337 I dont drive 500 miles a day ,It's not a pavement princess that racks up mile after mile of pretty long flat strait highways hauling newspapers ,its a contractors truck it hauls steel, stone, wood , anything you can put in it. It only sees the mountains of Pennsylvania , more dirt roads than paved , been a great truck never been stuck never left me stranded.
I have an 02 f250 2 valve 5.4 and it is an awesome truck. I heard that the 3 valves had so many more issues. I've even talked to people that say they regret getting rid of their 2 valve trucks. Cam phasers were a huge issue on the 3v. If you take care of your 2 valve (sparkplugs and oil changes) it'll last a long time. Ford made a huge mistake with those 24v(3v) engines vs the 16v(2v). I've done so much research on the motors. I love my engine I just wish it wasn't so darn heavy and big.
He they need repeat business! They don’t want to build the perfect engine, even tho I’m sure they could. They need to keep selling the parts. Corporate robbery 101
Drake5153 problem is what maintenance schedule do you run? a lot of people aren't gonna drop a significant amount of money to maintain the engine. most people don't replace parts till they fail which isn't the best idea obviously.
i never really dropped that much money into it, just plugs and oil, thing ran like a champ. mind you, i followed the proceedure for everything and i knew of the issues so it wasn't that bad. these engines can run forever if their properly maintained. hell, the even offer the 5.4 in the f250 at the time lol
Drake5153 most common owners don't research common problem to do the preventative maintainence. most modern motors are reliable to 250k. I put an easy 30k on my cars per year and it's quite easy for me to have to stretch an oil change sometimes as far as 10k miles. working 7-12s for 2-3 months at a time doesn't leave me much time. but anyway I do my oil changes at the dealer and use factory oils and filters. I haven't had many issues other than emissions related which aren't really engine issues. my 6.6 duramax hasn't had an issue, but the 2.0 eco diesel hates the dpf system sensors fail every 30-40k. I can delete the emissions but I'm likely to buy a 4runner next year simply because the ole lady loves them. even though I hate the 4.0 v6, it is a reliable design. hopefully I can start doing more often oil changes but really the oil when tested hasn't shown anything that would indicate excessive wear. and the oil life meters always last till about 10k unless I'm towing a lot with the duramax.
Why in this day & age are spark plugs an issue at all? And why are they $25? Spark plugs should never cost more then $10. If they would stop trying to reinvent the wheel, these cars & trucks wouldn't cost $40K!
4thstooge spark plugs get expensive due to the rare metal they put on the contacts. This metal results in a hotter spark while resisting the heat of the explosion and sparking. This they last longer. When you put good plugs in a motor you aren't likely to need to replace them this causes the seize up issues that ford is famous for.
Plugs being the same size is fairly common in my experience. One time, I was working on a PT Cruiser and the cam sensor and ignition coil had the same plug. It belonged to a guy I was friends with who replaced the head gasket on it himself only to find that it wouldn't start. So I check for codes and there were none, and the compression test came back good. Hooked up a smoker in the intake tube, found smoke coming out of a hole in the upper intake manifold. Replaced the upper intake manifold and it still won't start. So I look at a wiring diagram for the ignition coil and notice that the colors on the wires and the colors in the diagram weren't the same. I thought it was strange but I thought nothing of it. I pull the plug and put a voltmeter on the plug and I'm only getting five volts from the battery on a twelve volt circuit. Ah hah, I'm finally I'm on the right track. So I start looking for what might cause the voltage to drop in half when I notice that the colors on the camshaft position sensor match the colors on the wiring diagram for the ignition coil. On a hunch, I look at the wiring diagram for the camshaft position sensor and sure enough the colors on that diagram matched the colors of the wires on the ignition coil. I pull the plugs and they're exactly the same. So after putting the plugs where they're supposed to go and replacing the camshaft position sensor (it was fried from getting way too much voltage), it finally started but it ran like shit. Right away I thought maybe it's a timing issue since it's a DOHC engine and they're difficult to time correctly if you don't know what you're doing. So I line up the timing mark on the crank pulley and sure enough the cam pulleys were off my a couple of teeth. So I adjusted the timing belt so everything lined up and it ran like a dream. I told my buddy to label everything next time and make sure he double checks the timing to make sure that everything lines up the way it was supposed to.
I can't imagine why you complain about working on Fords. I'm sure I'll have no problems finding those 29/64", left-hand, acme-threaded wheel studs for the light-heavy-half, nonfat, 3/4 ton XL at my corner auto parts store. Unfortunately they only sell them in packs of five, and I need seven of them. But wait, are they different for the manual transmission trucks vs. the automatics? Oh, and it's white. Damn...
the 5.4 really isn't that bad of an engine. Cam phaser issues only affected the 3 valves and that was early on in their cycle. Pops has a 2010 with the 5.4 and it passed 200k trouble free miles. He changes his fluids on time and all you gotta do is hit the spark plugs when they're hot and they will come out.
I've owned 3 f150's with the triton motor and have had no issues. The one thing I did have a problem with was the vacuum lines that control the 4x4, they dry rotted and caused my right front axle to lock in going down the road. Other than that I've had great luck.
I guess this video applies more to '04 Fords and up. -For all the people hating on the video, he's not trying to vilify Ford, just stating his experience & observations. I have an '03 F150 Lariat & a '99 Expedition. Both w/just over 140k & they've been rock solid for the most part. Had a few problems like a couple coil pack failures, rusted brake line (New England), rusted rockers (New England), & the dreaded exhaust manifold leak, but 5-6 repairs over 10-15 yrs on a New England truck is pretty damn good! And I've been able to do almost all the repairs myself except the exhaust manifolds. -I'm not a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge fanboy. I've owned all three & they all have their hits & misses. So far, this '99 & '03 have been the most reliable trucks I've ever owned. --But thanks for the heads up about the newer Fords. After seeing this video, I'll probably go with a Titan or Tundra when the time comes.
Barry And the transversely mounted Ford Cyclone 3.5 and 3.7 V6 and 3.5 EcoBoost V6 were a disaster as well because of the timing chain driven water pump that cost $1500-2000 US to fix.
Bud there’s a lot of cars that have a timing belt or chain driven water pump you want to talk about shit timing chain design look at gms 3.6 and the new diseal for the half tons have a fucking belt driving the oil pump that you have to remove the transmission to service or pretty much all of Cadillac engines were awful gm had a lot more bad engines then ford
i got a 02 expedition with a 5.4 with 668k on it. I replaced the head gasket after finding out the previous owners didnt take care of it and it popped. simple fix. my previous 04 f150 had the 4.6 in it and rolled 130k before my wife totaled it. fixed it and drove it. helicoiled 3 plugs when i did the plug change. the packs and plugs were 12 years old. drove it a while and then sold it. these arent bad trucks and the mechanics of them arent that bad. its really awesome that these motors are transferable throughout the years. i love my trucks yes they can be a pain to work on but its not the end of the world when it comes down to it.
IFIXUR360 my 03 5.4 has been great 422k no problems, I'm my opinion every car is a pain the ass to work on but it's not going to get done complaining about it maybe this guy just needs to work on lawnmowers
Drumguy man honestly I drive around like a granny. I also drive a lot for work so its real easy to rack these miles up. I bought the truck 3 years ago and it had 440 something on it and I got it for 600. perfect shape just high mileage. I use castrol high mileage oil and fram high mileage filters. I alternate my oil changes (which some say its not good) between 2500 and 3000. and you gotta check those tie rods and all your bushings. basically get intimate with your truck. know every thread on it.
My 2001 f-150 5.4 is great. It's about to hit 250,000 miles & still running strong. Sure I've done minor things over the years, but nothing terrible. It's been a great purchase & huge money saver when comparing to how overpriced comparable trucks have become over the years. Not sure what kind of plugs you buy, but I've never paid anywhere near $25 for a single spark plug for my truck, usually just a few bucks each.
My 04' 5.4 3 valve run's tits. I have over 240K on it and it's been a strong runner. I keep up on my oil change's, let it warm up and only chevron premium.
I have an '05 Silverado with the 5.3 engine. Whatever else people may have to say about the truck itself the LM7 is absolutely bulletproof. There's many out there with over 500,000 miles. It's amazing how much boost they'll take bone stock. Hot Rod did a story where they got a junkyard motor and put a Chinese 76mm turbo. It stood up to like 30 psi of boost and put down 1200 hp. They have put over 200 drag strip runs on it and it's still running fine. IMO you can't beat a cast iron block
It's not just the 5.3, it's all the lsx engines. 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 etc. Really, the only weak spot in GM trucks was the 4l60 and it wasn't that bad. 4l80 was tough as nails. I've seen 3/4 ton vans with 4.8 and 4l80 with 600k+ miles STILL working everyday. I had a 04 2500 hd with 340k miles when I sold it and it ran like new. If you ever see a lsx truck with low oil pressure that runs, buy it and change the o-ring on the oil pump pickup tube and you'll have a dirt cheap truck. You can get oil pump pickup tube girdles for like 20 bucks so it doesn't re-occur.
the engine in the s10 will never fully tax the 4l60e. the problem with 4l60es behind an ls engine is when that ls gets hot rodded. the 60 in 4l60e means 600lbs/ft of torque and with an ls the 4l80e is a better choice if bigger hp and torque are your goals.
You nailed it my friend on the Fords,this is how it is working in the trenches on them,great job and just being honest on how it really is with the viewers!
I'm changing the spark plugs too and I'm thinking the same !! This is the worse engine I had to replace them, you look under the hood and you think " plenty of space to work " Nope, you're wrong !!
They make a tool kit for broken plugs for like $25. It was pretty helpful. I didn’t have to use it on mine thankfully, but my buddy had to use it on his #7 plug.
@@popeyeandstraussmx4165 not bad, but those last few up under the dash were a bitch. Its mostly trying to not get pissed and rushing it, but those skinny lil bastards still suck lol.
just wanted to say. I have a 2003 f150 with 319,000 miles, just had the intake problem 2000 miles ago so its been a great truck and engine for years. now its starting to have maintenance issues, never done a timing change, never blew a plug.
I've got a 2094 f150 I bought used with 173,000 miles and now have 193,000 and outside of brake issues ie broken caliper, rotors, pads but outside of that runs great always starts! Live my Ford just don't like the rusted fram, exhaust manifolds and brake issues, my hubby and eldest son have f150's and they don't like ford's except the mustang and I'm really the only Ford lover in my household!
I have a 2013 Ford Expedition with the 5.4L Triton with nearly 60K miles. It has been flawless so far. My compliments for a good video. You are a great mechanic. Be proud of that.
@@billbill7894 I am sure I will trade up by then. My Expedition is but my weekend or road trip vehicle. But this is good to know. The question is, what giant SUV do I eventually replace my 2013 Ford Expedition EL with? I don't tow. So another Expedition EL with a 3.5L ecoboost 2nd Gen motor or a GMC Yukon XL with the 6.2L V8?
Love your channel. It's the real deal. No BS and no advertisers to suck up to. You just tell it like it happens... good and bad. Recently bought a '05 F150 XL 4x4 with a 4.6L for $4500. It has over 175k miles and was owned by the local electric utility company. Looks like they put a new tranny in before auctioning it off. The front suspension was clunking because the stabilizer bar links are stupid. New looking brakes, at least in the front. The vacuum actuators in the hubs are still leaking and making that grinding sound... even after putting in two new IWEs. Put in new Bilstein shocks to firm up the ride. It had more mud and dirt in the interior and under the vinyl floor than a hog wallow after a hail storm. Put new plugs and MSD coil packs on it. The plugs came out easy since they'd been done before but were definitely due. Some coils had been replaced. It's a 2 valve so don't have to worry about idiot cam phasers wearing out and making expensive noises. It's pretty gutless (230HP) and gets the normal bad gas milage. My last truck was a '57 Chevy that a buddy helped me put a 327 in... back in 1974. Wish I still had that truck. It was a real Farm Implement with that granny gear 4 speed and dark rusty green paint job.
The Triton engine is not mechanical friendly ore wallet friendly . $600.0 for a tune up with nothing but spark plugs and coils , if you run into any other problem with the tune up then the price ramps exponentially and can run into over a thousand dollars to get the engine running again .
As the owner of a repair facility, I have struggled with how to deal with the 5.4 3V's phaser/timing chain issue. Originally, we were pulling the valve covers, a few cam tower caps and inspecting for signs of scoring. If they looked good, we would replace phasers, chains, guides, hydraulic tensioners and oil pump. However, the comeback rate was high. We then switched to replacing the engine with a quality remanufactured unit such as Jasper or ATK. Once again, comeback rate was unacceptable. Two Jaspers and two ATK's have failed. It is not my intent to beat up on either builder. I don't know the answer. I have worked with Melling Products on oil pump design. The billet back plate pump helps, but still isn't a "fix all". In my opinion, there are simply too many items requiring oil volume, for the pump to keep up at idle. Since the pump turns at crankshaft speed, it isn't a large volume pump. When the rpm is low, it isn't moving much volume. You have 24 hydraulic lash adjusters, two phasers, two tensioners all requiring a certain volume of oil to function properly. If you have even minimal wear on cam journals, the pump can't keep up. We have disassembled engines with repeat phaser failure. The rod and main bearings will look nearly new, even with high mileage. However, cam saddles in the head will have scoring. Some folks "lock out" the phasers and load a new tune. However, I have driven two trucks which had the "lock out" installed, there was a noticeable decrease in power. One of my customers owns a car lot. He says there is a new company from Florida who sells a lock out kit and their "tune" is much better and power loss is minimal. I told my customer if he buys one of the new kits and supplies the truck, I will install it for free to determine if it functions as advertised.
I think you nailed it spot on. We have guys claiming 200k+ on these engines and I just don't see it. Too many engine parts needing oil and the factory pump tends to be weak. I use the Melling pump with success. I as well don't see the plastic timing guides holding up and the tensioners commonly fail. And the camshaft phasers and related parts tend to fail.
is there anyway for a machine shop to open up the oil passages to allow more oil flow? Since thats what is causing these engines to blow up so much is a lack of oil pressure via clogged channels laeading up to the heads.
Here's what took care of those ticks for mine! At 30,000 I changed to Full synthetic oil with synthetic filter and it still runs great at 130,000 miles!!
In the shop I work in, we do occasionally run into the 7 bolt rim F150's. They are kind of rare. Good luck finding a rim for one if you need one. The 3.5L turbo ecoboost is a bit of an enigma. It's about 3,000.00 more than a comparable 5.4L engine truck, but doesn't make much more in hp or mileage than a 5.4.
I just 180,000 on mine. 2005 lariat 4x4. Never had an issue. Never changed the plugs. I run synthetic fluids throughout and change my oil every 7k. Only thing i did was change the alternator and new window motor/cable system
210,000 on our 05. Never been in the engine or transmission. Tow 8k with it once a week. One alternator. 2 sets of plugs. 1 set of coils. Always use quality parts and full synthetic fluids.
I had a '98 F-150 with the 5.4 v8 for 4 years until I needed a crew cab and traded it in on a F-250. I found that the engine was very powerful and dependable. I kept synthetic oil in it and cared for it very well. I loved that truck!
I have the same truck, I get the broken/misfiring spark plug problems pretty regularly (about every 2 years of light driving). I can always tell when one fails because my engine can't decide what gear to stay in when I maintain a steady 70-80 km/h. In the past 2 years I've started to have some leaking gaskets that need replacing, but no real major work so far. Knock on wood.
Had an ‘01 5.4 F-150 that I rarely changed the oil on, ran without coolant on a hot summer day on one occasion, most of its life it towed a trailer full of tools or construction equipment and once it was passed down to me I used it as a drift truck. I even ran it without a radiator before selling it. It’s still running strong and the current owner didn’t even need to rebuild the engine, when I sold it it was running 303,xxx miles. The 2v 5.4 triton is a monster, everyone confuses the 2v’s and 4v’s with the 3v’s and generalize any 5.4 vehicle as being garbage. TL;DR Ford’s 5.4 is good so long as you don’t get a 3v model.
I feel ya. I drive a 12 valve cummins, not much issues, my wife has a Mazda (ford) and let me tell you, never again. I have a lot of mechanical background. Been to college for automotive and worked in a shop for 8+ years. Every word of what you say is the truth. 👍🏻👌🏻
The triton is a great reliable engine if cared for and maintained. They don't respond well to neglect. A friend of mine has one with 320,000 miles that runs strong. No weird noises, leaks or problems. With that said there are other trucks that can rack up the same miles without the high maintenance cost associated with the triton. I'd own one but I'd be living in fear of a major repair bill that could strike at anytime.
"Neglect" means performing service at the ford recommended intervals, right? Those intervals are very generous - and not accurate. Most mechanics will tell you NOT to go by the ford recommended intervals!!!
I’ve got two 5.4s with over 500,000 km on em burnt a tranny on one pulling my 30’ fifth wheel. Ones got the phaser lock out and billet aluminum timing chain guides and the other has been rock solid. Good quality 5/20 synthetic does wonders for the timing problems that arise. Stuck plugs crack em abit 1/8 of a turn fill the plugs up with carb cleaner soak for a few hours and they come on out
I have a 2004 Ford f150 lariat 5.4 v8, 3 valve and it had 300,000 miles. This truck was taken care of very well. The inside and out was like a 75,000 to 95,000 except the engine finally blew a valve in the number 6 cyclander intake rear valve rod broke and shot through the intake when it dropped into the piston. I lost vacuum, but still was able to drive without load and getting higher than 2,000 rpm for 42 miles home. I then had no power brake or steering, but I made it home. I did have a very minor tic about the right cam bearing and I knew that high mileage motors above 120,000 miles almost always had that issue. Unless you was right on top of motor you could not hear it. So I figured I may get another 50,000 Total miles left before it being a major problem and planning on replacing the right side cam phaser in 10,000 mile. So I felt good going out and back trip of 350 miles from home. But at least I made it back within 42 miles with limited hp and power issues I got home. I had it for 450 miles after buying it from a card dealer that the 1 time owner trade it in for a brand new one. He changed the spark plugs every 50,000 miles and the oil after every 1,900 to 3,000 mile trips from NYC to Salt Lake straight for 2 week intervals pulling a small camper. They drove a different vehicle inside the city, so the truck was basically used for those trips 5 to 6 times a year. I am putting in a Jasper or very close engine in it myself with everyday Ford mechanic help, because other than that engine everything else is in such 75,000 miles look, run and drive shape! I don't plan on selling it to make money. I wanted it for easy local work and I figured replacing the main engine part it will continue another 50,000 to 75,000 miles before everything else stops working and it will be finished by the cost being to much to keep going. I also don't want to pay a crap load of money just for something newer with 50,000 miles or less, when this one was doing great. Does anyone think this is a great idea or just put a salvaged engine with less than 80,000 miles or so?
It's probably been covered already, but I'm not reading 750+ comments to find it. The 7-lug F150s are the 7700 model, built on a 250 chassis and drivetrain, but with a 150 body. I have one, a 2003 XLT Supercab. Just turned over 218,000 miles.
hornhospital I have a 98 7lug 3 door 4x4 supercab xlt f250 3/4 with the triton 5.4. Got it for free, sat for five years and little work to get it running. Good truck
I agree with the sentiments in the video. My brothers F150 is a massive pain. There are noises that happen sometimes and when i try to diagnose them they go quiet. Not to mention an engine swap will be awful since half the engine is under the cowl. Ill stick to chevy the engines are simpler and still get better fuel economy
I've got an '06 Navigator with the 5.4 with 219K that runs like a sewing machine and is what I use to haul our camper around. It's the nicest tow vehicle I've ever owned. Around 170K, I started having misfires and was really sweating changing the plugs, I even bought the Lyle Broken Plug Remover, "Just in case". I Didn't have a single plug break. I also replaced the coil packs while I was in there and it ran, and still runs, like a new engine. I'm hoping that my wife's 2013 Expedition 5.4 (120K and smooth as silk) holds up just as well.
I had a 2003 F150 with the 7 bolt lug. It was known as the f150 7700 here in the States. It also had the Sterling 10.5 rear axle. basically it was a heavy 1/2 ton.
I bought a 2000 F-150 XL with 5.4 about 4 years ago. Runs fine, but it doesn't tow or get heavily loaded. I also bought a 1997 F-150 XLT with 4.6 V8 about 9 years ago, it's a solid runner, again not put to heavy use. Both trucks have easily paid me back and run good. Nevada trucks with body and paint like new, no rust.
I just saved a friend from a 2008 by turning him on to this video. The deal looked too good to be true and it was. The tuck was in excellent condition but needed minor engine work. At 200k on the odometer he figured it may need a few dollars to get it in tip top shape. This video convinced him it would be more than a few bucks. Great video Rich.
I just gave 500 bucks for an 08 with the 5.4 in it. 170k on the odometer. Clean truck no rust and runs. Had to put a power steering line on it so far. Figured I couldn't possibly go wrong for the price
I got one for my birthday thinking it whuld be okay for my boat Slash fishing truck but I don't think I'll ever buy another one unless it's 2011 or newer I want a tundra but one is not in my budget right now
Actually, the 5.4L Triton went through 2014. We own a 2014 Expedition with the 5.4L in it. I've owned 7 to date with literally zero issues with any of them. From 2000 - 2014.
Bought a used 07 5.4l, got the engine replaced for cam phasers under warranty at 90,000kms. Never had one issue with that truck after that. Wrote the truck off at about 320,000kms and I miss it, very comfortable and always had good power.
Travis K keep changing ur oil, pretty much the only thing u can do to try and prevent the cam phasers from failing. Even with good maintenance I’ve seen a lot of 5.4’s in my shop with cam and timing chain issues.
@@danb2 I never seen the phaser problem on a replacement engine, only on the factory engines. I think ford did it on purpose to keep mechanics busy with warranty.
Some manufacturers got it right - but I agree, new vehicles are way to expensive, so if you're going to buy a new one, why chance it on something with a 'four-letter word' on the grill???
It's nice to know about the tick in the valve train. I have a work truck that is ticking we've done a whole bunch of work on it and now I know it's a ticking time bomb 💣 👍
I’m a firm believer that the 5.4 2v is a great engine other than the spark plugs blowing out. Like you said rich if you keep up on your plugs and do the job right you shouldn’t have a issue.
@@78fordtruck4 I knew someone who used to say manufacturing changed things yearly so they would have something to sell next year. I thought he was full of it. But then look at cell phones. No I am a believer.
What I see here is Ford taking the blame for poor maintenance and probably poor driving habits. I have an 06 F150 5.4 FX4...The drive train has never been taken apart cept for a few little things. 1 Rear universal joint, a few Tie Rod ends, Lower and upper Ball joint...yes..just 1 upper on both sides after 320,000 Klms...Towing, heavy loads and back road running to go camping, hauling heavy 120HP Boat, 26Ft. camper and hauling my Prowlers over the last 9 years. plugs are over due for the 2nd set, always had synthetic oils and filters changed when necessary. Transmission and all fluids in Trans and both diffs changed at 301,000 Klms. 2 New rear leafs and ended getting a leveling kit. Honestly, if your not a real engine builder or a good one familiar with Ford Triton's...don't build or rebuild them...plenty of good ones out there. Sorry but I can't believe all the bitching here...I've never changed the manifolds, timing chains or exhaust...all I did was take care of it and it took care of me. My father said it best...leave it to the idiot behind the wheel!!!
Fords are like smokers. Lots make it to 90, but there are a lot more that don't. A 90 year old smoker can't say that there is nothing wrong with smoking, because a doctor will tell you otherwise. Not every Triton will have these issues, but the problems are more common then they should be
DEBOSS GARAGE That doesn't make any sense Ford generally makes the best cars and trucks on the road. They have they best transmission's and axles. The problem with their timing chains are blown out of proportion. My buddy had his 5.4 fixed and hasn't had any ticking or timing issues since. These trucks are known for the their issues but under proper maintenance they last a long as any other truck. Don't act like what you know every brand until you've work on all of them.
Nope they don't make the best cars or the best trucks or anything close. I've maintained a fleet of trucks for 12 years and the Fords are not only the least reliable but most certainly the hardest to service
My brother works on all kinds of trucks that work in the outer logging and mining camps. He has found the Fords last the longest under severe service, the Chevrolet is good as long as it is on smooth roads and the Dodge trucks are broken all the time. But they all break over time. He has found it is how it is abused and how long the service intervals are.
Loved my 2006 f150 towed well and drove well. Ran synthetic and never had engine issues. Unfortunately after 130 000 kms everything else on the truck broke. Never went a month without working on it even with meticulously taking care of it. Vacumm hubs, vacuum check valves, vacuum solenoid, mid steering shaft, fuel temp/pressure switch, fuel pump relay, both exhaust manifolds multiple times, 2 power window motors, power window main control switches, vct solenoids and on and on. Went back to a gmc, no issues but only have 90 000 kms so I cant directly compare until I get into the same milage range I had on my 5.4 Ford. Hopefully things get better for them, with the cost of trucks these days you shouldn't have to rely on extended warranties.
Owned a 2001 f150 with the 5.4 and that was a excellent truck! Did spark plugs myself and wasnt nearly as hard as I had heard about... do ur research take ur time and easily done!
I feel like this is a bunch of bashing due to people who don't maintain their vehicles or bought one from someone who didn't maintain it. We had a 97 Expedition that we put 400,000 miles on before it was sold, only minor maintenance. An 03 Expedition with 300,000 miles before it was wreck, an 01 Explorer Sport with 220,000 miles on it before it was also wrecked, now have an 07 Expedition with 240,000 miles on it, no issues. And an 08 Sport Trac with 204,000 miles on it. Every single vehicle was driven hard, bought new or close to new and never had anything more than regular maintenance.
DropGearz Crew I just bought a 2001 Ford Expedition 4 WD from one of my best friend with 144,550 k miles and he put in all new plugs and on top of plus’s solenoids or whatever you call it no cheap and runs great I think and I hope that it keeps going
As a fellow mechanic I find myself saying the same thing; "How the hell do I get myself into these jobs" 😂 If I had a dollar for every time I swear I could pay off most my mortgage" 😂🤣😂🤣😂
I’m a little late to the board here but my property maintained original owner 2009 5.4 3V is still running great over 14 years into owning it. I’ve had a couple repairs to it over the years but after a decade and a half of driving it I’m more than pleased. I’m crediting my lack of issues to proper oil change intervals and using Motorcraft filters exclusively.
Fram oil filters are perfectly fine as you keep up on your maintenance. We use Fram filters where I work because they're really cost effective when you compare it to buying a high end aftermarket filter or an OEM filter. We use Fram but we basically cut the oil change intervals in HALF for our equipment. Personally I think they're fine, but I don't think Fram would be my 1st choice for a filter.
@@kadenwatt2033 I don't think I've ever bought a high end oil filter unless you consider Wix or the napa store brand high end. When I was in the shop just under 10 years ago... Fram was a big nono.
@@oldsoul5263 "High end" as in Mobil-1, Wix XP, K&N, etc. Fram isn't that bad today (other then the paper end caps on the filter material), and their top tier stuff is on par if not better than OEM. However I definitely wouldn't use their cheaper filters for as long as Fram says they're good for. Oil and filters are cheap; engines aren't.
I'm glad I came across this video. Guess I'll stick to my Windsor V8 swapped Ranger. Dirt cheap motor and truck. Never gave me any issues beyond the typical 20 year old truck stuff.
Patryk K the ranger part is way more than enough to walk away from mo matter what your powertain is you still sit inside one of the worst small trucks ever built no matter the year
nathan greer:you sir are out of your mind,the Ford Ranger is the best small pickup ever made,I just sold a 97 Ranger a couple of months ago that had 278,000 miles on it and I used it as a regular half ton truck everyday(pulled trailers,hauled loads,even pulled junk cars to the scrap yard). You name it,my Ranger was made to do it. It still didn't use any oil or give me any problems even though I beat on it unmercifully everyday. I've owned small Nissans,Mazdas ,Dodge Dakotas,and S10/S15 trucks,the Ranger beats them all hands down.
Yes I know,Ive owned a few Rangers with the twin-I beams and they never gave me any issues even though I abused them daily. My last Ranger was a 1997 Extended Cab 2wd 3.0 V6 Automatic which had 275,000 thousand hard miles on it and it still ran great and didn't use any oil between changes when I sold it to buy an F150.
I have a 98 F150 Lariat, same engine. Had all the problems you mentioned including exhaust manifold rot, intake manifold warping having to replace the gaskets twice, plus weird break habits (I suspect MC/booster combo) cracked rear diff cover (plastic), broken rear spring shackles, and the legendary FORD starter issues. Don't start it for a week? Bring a hammer and plan on some back crawling. I have to say, though, never popped a spark plug. And it did have a ton of power. Glad to have it. Major learning experience. Sorry to be so long winded. Love ya Rich. Here we go.
Aubreey Green those actually have several more issues. With this modern ones (2004-2007) to make it reliable just keep good maintenance up on it like changing fluids and oil and spark plugs and then at about 200k miles most need new timing chain, timing chain tensioner and then rocker arms and bam it’s just like new and keep going for another 100k miles before considering the timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and rocker arms again because idek how long they will last after being replaced. After market ones will be more reliable probably
My grandpa has a 1998 triton xlt v8 ext cab it runs great about 150k miles on it it’s been In My family it’s whole life my uncle bought it sold it to my grandpa and has been a truck to haul things around his acreage needs an alignment, the steering grinds when wheel is turned all the way to the left or right, but other than that it runs really good just needs to be cleaned up. Easily one of my favourite trucks I’m trying to buy that one off of him or one like it
Unfortunately, It's not what ford used to make. It's the shit they are making today. If this keeps up, I predict ford will go under in the next ten years. Good riddance.
My '97 F150 went 264,000 miles, lasted 21 years. 264,000 hard miles. Replaced a few coil packs, lower ball joints, radiator and A/C compressor in 21 years, not bad. What killed it was a blown head gasket, mechanically, it was rock solid. I'll be getting another one soon.
Thanks again so much for the heads up on the Chevy LTZ engine package.. 6.2 liter. That engine is AWESOME!!! Thanks for great videos......... I sent a few of my RV people over to your channel.
I'll be honest, I take videos like this with a grain of salt, I had a 454 dually ran great, a f150 4.6 pulled everything behind it, f250 super duty that pulls like a monster. I've had tons of vehicles that do the job, but they're cared for also. Any vehicle with maintenance will live it's life, alot of you people don't do shit but drive them
5.4 was a completely shit engine...I was religious with my maintenance....there's a reason ford redesigned replacement parts for the engine...total engineering fk up...they scrapped it for a reason....4.6 was a good engine, but the 5.4 cannot be defended by anyone with mechanical knowledge!
Ive redone the cam phasers once and the timing tensioners and guides twice in less than a year. I also had to replace 4 vct solenoids. If you replace the tensioners buy the Melling ones that are not plastic. They also ratchet out to keep it from being pushed back and skipping time.
mines at 208K. Has not had a nice life either. Bought it when I was 17 made it threw my stupid years. Now its my work truck and just pulls trailers 24/7. Still original motor trans and rear end. Only thing iv ever done is plugs and oil changes.
I have a thunderbird with a 2v v8, maintained very well, driven very hard, runs like new. over 300K. Only repair I did was valve seals, and it wasn't a must do repair. Has a metal mainifold. I guess they started pinching pennies as time went on.
crashandburnbirner f150 crew 02 2valve strong 110,000 original owner just put on new rockers and door bottoms bodywork is my part time job. rear wheel bearings, alternator original just failed after 100,000
The 2007 I drive was a construction superintendents truck until about 375,000 miles until it became my company truck. It was never shut off for twelve hours a day winter and summer so mileage is a low rep of the hours on the motor. I am my companies mechanic and when I took the truck I was going to replace the timing chain and guides but zero wear so it was put back together. NOTHING has been done to the motor except maintenance. at 410.000 m it still runs strong and uses 0 oil. And I by no means baby it. Put anti sieze on the plug threads and not where they seal against the head and you wont have a grounding problem. Nickel and copper anti sieze, I wonder if that's conductive? When there are millions of them out there don't you think mechanics are going to see 100 percent of the low percentage of them that have problems? if
That old 300 inline 6 is indestructible and has great low end torque. Damn good engine. They should have kept it and maybe put a dual overhead cam head and variabke valve timing to make it meet emissions and keep the lower end.
I have a 2010 and just had both exhaust manifolds replaced. My brother had a 1998 and suffered the spark plug issue. So now after watching this video, I have a few more things to keep me up at night. hehe
I have an 04 f150 with 295k on the clock. Uber surprised its made it this long! Personally think this thing has been a dog performance wise. But its been so good to me its hard to knock it. Firm believer in keep up with your fluids, fix your leaks and keep up with your belts- it'll be good to you.
I'm a bit late to the party, but my 04 F-150 XL with the 4.6L V8 runs fantastically at over 200k. Only major issue I've had so far is the Speedometer and LCD display in the gauge cluster dying.
@@volvo09 Honestly i changed oil 6-8K used Marvels a bit around 100K using it again. I think Marvels could be a game changer. I also haul butt up the 80 to Tahoe a lot over the years and wind it up all the way. Sounds weird, but must have helped.
Daniel Bargas I'll stick with my 4.6 242k never opened runs and sounds like new no joke no ticks or pings not even when you listen to the heads intake or block. The later models like mine it's an 07, proven to be one of the best engines ever made. A prime example is one of my dads work vans 570k miles never opened not even a gasket.
Company truck I had blew a spark plug while driving, was a 2000 F250 V10 with 180,000 miles on it. Drove it for a few more months and did it again, we got rid of it.
I'm so glad I got out of turning wrenches when I was young. Good for you for doing quality work tho. Hey wouldn't a leakdown test be as good or better than a compression test? Maybe not as easy tho eh? Edit: watched more of the video and holy shit I'm glad I've been a Chevy guy all my life.
GM builds great engines and trannies, but their other shit like their breaks are shit! i had 3 yukons and they always blew out their break lines and master cylinders!
I had a 08 E250 with the 5.4 put 250k miles on it everything original except the starter and battery's. I beat the shit outta that van and still ran like brand new when we got rid of it.
Got 290,000 on the 2003 E250 I am driving now. All our vans get about 300k on them with just basic repairs. Engines have been lasting great, driving them balls out every day.
i had an E 250 with 5.4 triton with 256k miles. the 1st 3 years I owned it I didnt even change the oil. Beat the ever lasting shit out of it, changed the oil added water to the radiator and guess what. It ran like a brand new van. I couldn't kill it no matter how much abuse i gave it.... I wound up selling it and bought a new F 150
I still have my 2007 Ford F-150 FX4 with 86,500 miles. I bought it new and I am proud to say that it has never been in the shop. I do all of my own basic maintenance. It is my baby and I hope to have it as long as I can. My truck was definitely Built Ford Tough.
I've replaced several of these engines in F150s and Ford Van's and I've seen 3 of them with the lower chain guide bolt completely loose. They must have not been tightened down enough and worked themselves out. All the the engines suffered from a loose timing chain on the drivers side. Dunno how Ford did it, but if you get good at fixing them, you can be rich!
Sounds like the same kind of engineering cost deferment that the 4.0 SOHC V6 had. The timing chain guide cartridges could go out at any point, 20k miles or 200k, and the engine is shot. Replacement is a $4k engine-out proposition and is not a bulletproofing fix.
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As a parts counter guy I find Fords really frustrating. Chevy, you have a year, make, model, engine size, here's your part, and chances are that part fits the whole generation of GM vehicles with the same engine/body style. Ford? here's a dozen options for the same year and engine size. Oh, one year off, yeah that's not the same, oops. Yes, I'm exaggerating, and a generalization, since there some GMs like that, but it tends to be true. Maybe it's because so many people still daily drive late-90s trucks and that's when the F-150s and F-250s were really confusing, while the late 90s GM 1500s were all pretty much Vortec 5.7L (sure, 1999 and 2007 are annoying with GM trucks due to transition years)...
All that said, I own both a Ford and a Chevy - 99 Crown Vic with almost 150K and a 92 Chevy 1500 with almost 250K. Neither are perfect, but both are very well built and generally reliable. Both of those vehicles, it seems that transmissions are the weak points. Then again, that's literally the case with the automatic transmission in any vehicle.
You sound like a crappy parts guy...
The computer does all the hard work for you, and the worst part of the job is getting accurate information from the customer....
And you sound like you've never really worked on anything. One thing GM has always been REALLY good about is interchangeability. Once they find something that works really well, they STICK with it. Chevy had only two different bellhousings for decades, and both of them will fit ANY of their engines. Ford has at LEAST one for every engine family. Ford made THREE different 351's. Do you think the average driver would know the difference? Chrysler has a few of the same issues with changing things from year to year, but is still FAR better about it than Ford is. Work on all of the different makes and you'll start to wonder why in the hell anybody would ever want to work on a Ford in the first place.
working on a chevy right now. nope they are junk
Nobody works on that crap anymore, and if they do, they can go on ebay.... Autozone/oreilly/etc dont have UNLIMITED space to store garbage that nobody wants anymore, they need to SELL parts, not have shit collecting dust on their shelves. I'm (not really) sorry you are butthurt about autozone not having the part you needed, maybe you should start learning what a computer is for and get the shit you need... It's 2017 dude...
MeMad Max bro, i like the big 3, especially gm and ford, i dont know much about parts, and im not a mechanic, i have a 01 denali and i can find almost every part easily, i have an 04 new body f150 and im trying to find a good 5.4 motor and i haven't been able to find one, so i tried searching for a block and other parts, they were really hard to find. do u know a good site for ford parts that is simple?
Had an 03 f150 5.4l short bed single cab, it was amazing, never gave me problems it was perfect.. turns out a thief liked it alot too...
Buddy you lucked out.
Not really, if it had its oil changed every 3k they’re usually fine except for the spark plugs, if you get the stock ones out they’re usually pretty good.
Ford makes a good truck but lacks a good heart, throw a Cummins in it or a Vortec & it’s fixed.
Michael Benoit
Are there still people that change their engine oil every 3k? Surely not, unless it’s some dollar general brand.
Michael Cleveland I use royal purple in all my cars, and change it every 3k, the most it’s ever gone over is 4K. Oil is cheap, a new motor/car isn’t.
There is always a exception to the rule
I have a 5.4 Triton that thing is a tank I have 350,000 miles on it with low maintenance no serious problems still going strong today’
Cool. Did you have to do cam phasers or anything?
@@raleigh2747 No never did any serious work just typical maintenance
Was in a jam for a work truck and found a cheap f250 w 5.4 triton. I don't know if the engine was replaced but the odometer reads 450K! Never had a problem other than maintenance stuff, ignition coils, plugs etc. Recently took it on a 14 hour drive to Louisiana for work. She ain't the prettiest, but I'd drive her anywhere.
My dad had an 05 f150 5.4 he bought new late 04, daily drove it until 2015 and just been a farm truck since. cracked the manifold at 20k kms and never bothered to fix it. the starters get up and go got up and left 2 years ago and last year at 410k kms the cats were getting all plugged up so i just cut them out. Oil changed every 10k kms, all fluids and filters changed once a year. Now at 430k kms. Only rust on it is around the gas cap.
Same, my Fords have been nothing but reliable, change the oil and routine maintenance, sold my first one with 270k miles on it.0 issues, current has 105k, also no issues.
Quick addition if you are willing to learn a little something. If you want a used f-150 but just can't commit to an underpowered 4.6L, I recommend an 09-10 f-150. The 5.4 was updated a little and finally ford got the spark plugs right! The transmission was switched to a very reliable and smooth 6 speed that also provided much better acceleration. The suspension all around is just better and the leaf springs don't break. And the driveshaft was changed to actually be serviceable. I also like the looks of the newer ones a little better. All of this I can attest to since I own one with just barely 200,000 miles on it (owned by family since new). I changed the FACTORY PLUGS at 195,000 miles and they all came out with ease because of the updated design. The new ones cost only $7.00 a piece for the top of the line iridium ones. I had my U-joints replaced at 190,000 miles and had some front end stuff done (it didn't really need it) while it was in there for the U-joints. All of those repairs are very ordinary at those miles, if not, a little better than the average pickup. Engine and transmission have definitely done their job and neither needed repairs in the 200,000 miles they've been on the road (I consider the spark plugs as overdue maintinence). I maybe tow my bobcat with it 2 or 3 times a year but otherwise I don't tow a terrible lot with it. My only complaint with the truck is that it seems to chew through tires fast even though the alignment is up to par. I'm getting to maybe 55,000 miles per set before I need to change them pretty badly. Just remember I'm from the US and when I say miles I mean miles. Now as for the 04-08 5.4's, my bosses have an 05 with 190,000 miles on it. It misfires, clatters, and ticks and feels like it has the power of the average smart car. But hey, at least it's still running on all 8 cylinders, at least most of the time :/ It would definitely leave a sour taste in my mouth about ford if I were a mechanic. But if you want the cat's meow, I would get a 2011+ with the 5.0 4v v8. Proven tough as nails and powerful as a bull ox
Killer review !! 👏👍 Very informative
As a mechanic when he said "how do I get myself into these jobs" I know exactly how he feels...
Yeah I have a friend asking for her friend if I'd replace an engine in an f1shitty. I've replaced hundreds of motors. Never on one of these. I kinda don't want to
This is whats wrong with youtube. This guys is a awesome mechanic and makes great quality videos. But yet he only has 15k subs. I dont get it. This is the best automotive channel on youtube. Thanks Rich
Thanks for that! Every big channel only had 15k subs at one point! We will get there
Nicholas Weber scotty kilmer and chris fix are pretty good too
Nicholas Weber you obviously haven't seen chrisfix then......
South main auto also
Nicholas Weber honest mechanic has washed away there Moore Bootlegs taking folks money Electric vehicles are going take over soon.
At this point I’m surprised there isn’t a bunch of shops that just specialize in replacing 5.4 motors in used F150s and expeditions. You’d think they would have it down to a science where you bring your truck, they pull your motor and replace it with one they’ve already worked on. Like a core charge type thing.
8:33 "How do I get myself into these jobs?" Dunno how many times I've asked myself the same thing... Hat's off to ya for jumping right in!
I remember changing a motor in a expedition where we actually had to lift the body off to get that turd of a motor out of there. Just look at that motor, what a clusterfuck, hoses and electrical wires running all over the place. Ive always had older chevys my entire life they are so simplistic and the parts interchangeability between years is awesome. That’s why they put LS motors in everything
Then a 90s Ford OBS F350 w460 came along and rich bought it. Everything that the new ones lacked the older 90s F350 had. Ex: labeled fuse panel, good motor, simple computer, easy to fix/engine swap. Truly built ford tough.
I had a 2005 F150 5.4. bought it at 120k miles and sold it at 189k. Had 35s on it the whole time and was a very reliable truck for me. Mobile 1 every 3k miles and got the spark plugs changed when I bought it. Never taken to a shop/ dealership
That’s because you kept after the engine with very good maintenance. Good job bro!
My 2007.5.4 is going on 175000 miles , regular oil changes with motorcraft oil and changed spark plugs twice already with motorcraft plugs, has zero leaks , she runs pretty good
When it hits 400-500k like a 4.8 or 6L Vortec commonly does in fleet use let us know.
@@hendo337 I dont drive 500 miles a day ,It's not a pavement princess that racks up mile after mile of pretty long flat strait highways hauling newspapers ,its a contractors truck it hauls steel, stone, wood , anything you can put in it. It only sees the mountains of Pennsylvania , more dirt roads than paved , been a great truck never been stuck never left me stranded.
I have an 02 f250 2 valve 5.4 and it is an awesome truck. I heard that the 3 valves had so many more issues. I've even talked to people that say they regret getting rid of their 2 valve trucks. Cam phasers were a huge issue on the 3v. If you take care of your 2 valve (sparkplugs and oil changes) it'll last a long time. Ford made a huge mistake with those 24v(3v) engines vs the 16v(2v). I've done so much research on the motors. I love my engine I just wish it wasn't so darn heavy and big.
The truest statement on here
Eh. It was a problem but quite overblown.
2:44 making engines for 120 years and they still don't know how to properly put a spark plug in it lmfao!
robglez
Aluminum heads are new to Ford. I know it is not an excuse.
That's why I still have my 67 f100 truck with a 352 big block much easier and never ever left me stranded!
I'm a fan of Ford don't get me wrong but the 5.4 Triton always fuckin blows pistons. Literally
Spark plugs*
He they need repeat business! They don’t want to build the perfect engine, even tho I’m sure they could. They need to keep selling the parts. Corporate robbery 101
i've had a 5.4 that ran past 450 000km, then sold it to a family member as a farm truck and it still has good power, just gotta take care of them..
Drake5153 problem is what maintenance schedule do you run? a lot of people aren't gonna drop a significant amount of money to maintain the engine. most people don't replace parts till they fail which isn't the best idea obviously.
i never really dropped that much money into it, just plugs and oil, thing ran like a champ. mind you, i followed the proceedure for everything and i knew of the issues so it wasn't that bad. these engines can run forever if their properly maintained. hell, the even offer the 5.4 in the f250 at the time lol
Drake5153 most common owners don't research common problem to do the preventative maintainence. most modern motors are reliable to 250k. I put an easy 30k on my cars per year and it's quite easy for me to have to stretch an oil change sometimes as far as 10k miles. working 7-12s for 2-3 months at a time doesn't leave me much time. but anyway I do my oil changes at the dealer and use factory oils and filters. I haven't had many issues other than emissions related which aren't really engine issues. my 6.6 duramax hasn't had an issue, but the 2.0 eco diesel hates the dpf system sensors fail every 30-40k. I can delete the emissions but I'm likely to buy a 4runner next year simply because the ole lady loves them. even though I hate the 4.0 v6, it is a reliable design.
hopefully I can start doing more often oil changes but really the oil when tested hasn't shown anything that would indicate excessive wear. and the oil life meters always last till about 10k unless I'm towing a lot with the duramax.
Why in this day & age are spark plugs an issue at all? And why are they $25? Spark plugs should never cost more then $10. If they would stop trying to reinvent the wheel, these cars & trucks wouldn't cost $40K!
4thstooge spark plugs get expensive due to the rare metal they put on the contacts. This metal results in a hotter spark while resisting the heat of the explosion and sparking. This they last longer.
When you put good plugs in a motor you aren't likely to need to replace them this causes the seize up issues that ford is famous for.
Plugs being the same size is fairly common in my experience. One time, I was working on a PT Cruiser and the cam sensor and ignition coil had the same plug. It belonged to a guy I was friends with who replaced the head gasket on it himself only to find that it wouldn't start. So I check for codes and there were none, and the compression test came back good. Hooked up a smoker in the intake tube, found smoke coming out of a hole in the upper intake manifold. Replaced the upper intake manifold and it still won't start. So I look at a wiring diagram for the ignition coil and notice that the colors on the wires and the colors in the diagram weren't the same. I thought it was strange but I thought nothing of it. I pull the plug and put a voltmeter on the plug and I'm only getting five volts from the battery on a twelve volt circuit. Ah hah, I'm finally I'm on the right track. So I start looking for what might cause the voltage to drop in half when I notice that the colors on the camshaft position sensor match the colors on the wiring diagram for the ignition coil. On a hunch, I look at the wiring diagram for the camshaft position sensor and sure enough the colors on that diagram matched the colors of the wires on the ignition coil. I pull the plugs and they're exactly the same. So after putting the plugs where they're supposed to go and replacing the camshaft position sensor (it was fried from getting way too much voltage), it finally started but it ran like shit. Right away I thought maybe it's a timing issue since it's a DOHC engine and they're difficult to time correctly if you don't know what you're doing. So I line up the timing mark on the crank pulley and sure enough the cam pulleys were off my a couple of teeth. So I adjusted the timing belt so everything lined up and it ran like a dream. I told my buddy to label everything next time and make sure he double checks the timing to make sure that everything lines up the way it was supposed to.
I can't imagine why you complain about working on Fords. I'm sure I'll have no problems finding those 29/64", left-hand, acme-threaded wheel studs for the light-heavy-half, nonfat, 3/4 ton XL at my corner auto parts store. Unfortunately they only sell them in packs of five, and I need seven of them. But wait, are they different for the manual transmission trucks vs. the automatics? Oh, and it's white. Damn...
o2boutdoors priceless
o2boutdoors
o2boutdoors they're just a bit too complicated for those with limited brain power.
Hey, as I said above, might as well get the local Ford dealers part dept. on the line, EVERYTHING is different! The better idea company !
Sir , you are absolutely correct ! I think FoMoCo is the last place on our planet that still uses /64ths!! Brilliant! Thanks for that one !
6:08 That's not what they meant when they told you to walnut blast your engine😄
the 5.4 really isn't that bad of an engine. Cam phaser issues only affected the 3 valves and that was early on in their cycle. Pops has a 2010 with the 5.4 and it passed 200k trouble free miles. He changes his fluids on time and all you gotta do is hit the spark plugs when they're hot and they will come out.
I've owned 3 f150's with the triton motor and have had no issues. The one thing I did have a problem with was the vacuum lines that control the 4x4, they dry rotted and caused my right front axle to lock in going down the road. Other than that I've had great luck.
Hollow Point I guess I have too.
F350, 450, 550 etc are more commercial in nature.
The old f150 are bullet proof
Because there actually really great motors… they get a bad rap because of peoples lack of maintenance…
I guess this video applies more to '04 Fords and up. -For all the people hating on the video, he's not trying to vilify Ford, just stating his experience & observations. I have an '03 F150 Lariat & a '99 Expedition. Both w/just over 140k & they've been rock solid for the most part. Had a few problems like a couple coil pack failures, rusted brake line (New England), rusted rockers (New England), & the dreaded exhaust manifold leak, but 5-6 repairs over 10-15 yrs on a New England truck is pretty damn good! And I've been able to do almost all the repairs myself except the exhaust manifolds. -I'm not a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge fanboy. I've owned all three & they all have their hits & misses. So far, this '99 & '03 have been the most reliable trucks I've ever owned. --But thanks for the heads up about the newer Fords. After seeing this video, I'll probably go with a Titan or Tundra when the time comes.
That 99 will run to 200k miles easy. the 2V 5.4's are sort of boring, but they are bulletproof.
The chrysler 2.7 was a disaster.
*5.4 Triton* "Hold my beer."
Barry And the transversely mounted Ford Cyclone 3.5 and 3.7 V6 and 3.5 EcoBoost V6 were a disaster as well because of the timing chain driven water pump that cost $1500-2000 US to fix.
6.4 Powerstroke: 'Am I a joke to you?'
Y’all must have forgot about the northstar v8 ..
4.2 v6 got towed to the chat. Were on our 4th pair of heads
Bud there’s a lot of cars that have a timing belt or chain driven water pump you want to talk about shit timing chain design look at gms 3.6 and the new diseal for the half tons have a fucking belt driving the oil pump that you have to remove the transmission to service or pretty much all of Cadillac engines were awful gm had a lot more bad engines then ford
i got a 02 expedition with a 5.4 with 668k on it. I replaced the head gasket after finding out the previous owners didnt take care of it and it popped. simple fix. my previous 04 f150 had the 4.6 in it and rolled 130k before my wife totaled it. fixed it and drove it. helicoiled 3 plugs when i did the plug change. the packs and plugs were 12 years old. drove it a while and then sold it. these arent bad trucks and the mechanics of them arent that bad. its really awesome that these motors are transferable throughout the years. i love my trucks yes they can be a pain to work on but its not the end of the world when it comes down to it.
IFIXUR360 my 03 5.4 has been great 422k no problems, I'm my opinion every car is a pain the ass to work on but it's not going to get done complaining about it maybe this guy just needs to work on lawnmowers
LOL
Nate ACGD if your a dumbass working on a piece oh shit motor you will complain
YUKI JINJUJI a dumbass is going to complain regardless of the skill level required for anything.
Drumguy man honestly I drive around like a granny. I also drive a lot for work so its real easy to rack these miles up. I bought the truck 3 years ago and it had 440 something on it and I got it for 600. perfect shape just high mileage. I use castrol high mileage oil and fram high mileage filters. I alternate my oil changes (which some say its not good) between 2500 and 3000. and you gotta check those tie rods and all your bushings. basically get intimate with your truck. know every thread on it.
Old thread I know but 98 5.4 here, 170,000 ,miles, runs like a champ 👍
When my rebuild comes in my 02, it will be a 351 with a C-6 conversion. It does not have fly by wire. And our state has eliminated inspections.
My 2001 f-150 5.4 is great. It's about to hit 250,000 miles & still running strong. Sure I've done minor things over the years, but nothing terrible. It's been a great purchase & huge money saver when comparing to how overpriced comparable trucks have become over the years. Not sure what kind of plugs you buy, but I've never paid anywhere near $25 for a single spark plug for my truck, usually just a few bucks each.
Glad I watched. The 5.4 is a deal breaker. I noticed Ford never fixes anything, they just move on to the next.
Jay Stoner
Good point
Neither does GM Chrysler does with no problem that is why they are a better auto maker than Ford they take good care of their customers
@@michaelflores2318 I know about Fiat/ Dodge. No thanks.
2003 F-150 5.4 Triton over 200,000 running like new, only replaced coil pacs and plugs at 180,000
Larry Hottle I also had an 03 triton ran it to 250k with just general maintenance unfortunately crashed it into a dump truck and totaled it
i have a 03 4.6 and it has 160k
My 04' 5.4 3 valve run's tits. I have over 240K on it and it's been a strong runner. I keep up on my oil change's, let it warm up and only chevron premium.
Larry Hottle
Yeah sure... Furd is pure shit
I have an 02 5.4 f150 it blew out a spark plug at 190k
I have an '05 Silverado with the 5.3 engine. Whatever else people may have to say about the truck itself the LM7 is absolutely bulletproof. There's many out there with over 500,000 miles. It's amazing how much boost they'll take bone stock. Hot Rod did a story where they got a junkyard motor and put a Chinese 76mm turbo. It stood up to like 30 psi of boost and put down 1200 hp. They have put over 200 drag strip runs on it and it's still running fine. IMO you can't beat a cast iron block
i sold my 2000 tahoe with 275k to a co worker, he's taken several trips to florida from NY and it still runs like a top. can't beat a 5.3
Gotta give it to you while the were hit an miss, when you got a good one that 5.3 can make A LOT of power per Liter.
It's not just the 5.3, it's all the lsx engines. 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 etc. Really, the only weak spot in GM trucks was the 4l60 and it wasn't that bad. 4l80 was tough as nails. I've seen 3/4 ton vans with 4.8 and 4l80 with 600k+ miles STILL working everyday. I had a 04 2500 hd with 340k miles when I sold it and it ran like new.
If you ever see a lsx truck with low oil pressure that runs, buy it and change the o-ring on the oil pump pickup tube and you'll have a dirt cheap truck. You can get oil pump pickup tube girdles for like 20 bucks so it doesn't re-occur.
+Jason L shit, my 02 S10 has the 4l60e. 147k no issues yet..
the engine in the s10 will never fully tax the 4l60e. the problem with 4l60es behind an ls engine is when that ls gets hot rodded. the 60 in 4l60e means 600lbs/ft of torque and with an ls the 4l80e is a better choice if bigger hp and torque are your goals.
You nailed it my friend on the Fords,this is how it is working in the trenches on them,great job and just being honest on how it really is with the viewers!
I love my truck, but I must admit I almost sold it after changing the spark plugs...
Vance same lol, dreaded it like the plague. Didn’t break a plug thou.? She still going
I'm changing the spark plugs too and I'm thinking the same !! This is the worse engine I had to replace them, you look under the hood and you think " plenty of space to work " Nope, you're wrong !!
They make a tool kit for broken plugs for like $25. It was pretty helpful. I didn’t have to use it on mine thankfully, but my buddy had to use it on his #7 plug.
Vance it ain’t even that bad lmao. Heat motor up a little bit, spray plugs with WD-40, use an impact. They’ll come right out.
@@popeyeandstraussmx4165 not bad, but those last few up under the dash were a bitch. Its mostly trying to not get pissed and rushing it, but those skinny lil bastards still suck lol.
just wanted to say. I have a 2003 f150 with 319,000 miles, just had the intake problem 2000 miles ago so its been a great truck and engine for years. now its starting to have maintenance issues, never done a timing change, never blew a plug.
Ever have low oil pressure issues?
I've got a 2094 f150 I bought used with 173,000 miles and now have 193,000 and outside of brake issues ie broken caliper, rotors, pads but outside of that runs great always starts! Live my Ford just don't like the rusted fram, exhaust manifolds and brake issues, my hubby and eldest son have f150's and they don't like ford's except the mustang and I'm really the only Ford lover in my household!
I have a 2013 Ford Expedition with the 5.4L Triton with nearly 60K miles. It has been flawless so far. My compliments for a good video. You are a great mechanic. Be proud of that.
60k is almost nothing 5.4L start seeing huge issues around 200k wich is a problem for people who are putting 500k +
@@billbill7894 I am sure I will trade up by then. My Expedition is but my weekend or road trip vehicle. But this is good to know. The question is, what giant SUV do I eventually replace my 2013 Ford Expedition EL with? I don't tow. So another Expedition EL with a 3.5L ecoboost 2nd Gen motor or a GMC Yukon XL with the 6.2L V8?
Love your channel. It's the real deal. No BS and no advertisers to suck up to. You just tell it like it happens... good and bad.
Recently bought a '05 F150 XL 4x4 with a 4.6L for $4500. It has over 175k miles and was owned by the local electric utility company. Looks like they put a new tranny in before auctioning it off. The front suspension was clunking because the stabilizer bar links are stupid. New looking brakes, at least in the front. The vacuum actuators in the hubs are still leaking and making that grinding sound... even after putting in two new IWEs. Put in new Bilstein shocks to firm up the ride. It had more mud and dirt in the interior and under the vinyl floor than a hog wallow after a hail storm. Put new plugs and MSD coil packs on it. The plugs came out easy since they'd been done before but were definitely due. Some coils had been replaced. It's a 2 valve so don't have to worry about idiot cam phasers wearing out and making expensive noises. It's pretty gutless (230HP) and gets the normal bad gas milage. My last truck was a '57 Chevy that a buddy helped me put a 327 in... back in 1974. Wish I still had that truck. It was a real Farm Implement with that granny gear 4 speed and dark rusty green paint job.
marscruz I have a 96 Ford F150 with 5.0L Windsor V8 with 203,355 miles on it and it's still going strong.
Not relevant, a '96 5.0L is a much more reliable yet also repair/wallet friendly engine.
The Triton engine is not mechanical friendly ore wallet friendly . $600.0 for a tune up with nothing but spark plugs and coils , if you run into any other problem with the tune up then the price ramps exponentially and can run into over a thousand dollars to get the engine running again .
As the owner of a repair facility, I have struggled with how to deal with the 5.4 3V's phaser/timing chain issue. Originally, we were pulling the valve covers, a few cam tower caps and inspecting for signs of scoring. If they looked good, we would replace phasers, chains, guides, hydraulic tensioners and oil pump. However, the comeback rate was high. We then switched to replacing the engine with a quality remanufactured unit such as Jasper or ATK. Once again, comeback rate was unacceptable. Two Jaspers and two ATK's have failed. It is not my intent to beat up on either builder. I don't know the answer. I have worked with Melling Products on oil pump design. The billet back plate pump helps, but still isn't a "fix all". In my opinion, there are simply too many items requiring oil volume, for the pump to keep up at idle. Since the pump turns at crankshaft speed, it isn't a large volume pump. When the rpm is low, it isn't moving much volume. You have 24 hydraulic lash adjusters, two phasers, two tensioners all requiring a certain volume of oil to function properly. If you have even minimal wear on cam journals, the pump can't keep up. We have disassembled engines with repeat phaser failure. The rod and main bearings will look nearly new, even with high mileage. However, cam saddles in the head will have scoring. Some folks "lock out" the phasers and load a new tune. However, I have driven two trucks which had the "lock out" installed, there was a noticeable decrease in power. One of my customers owns a car lot. He says there is a new company from Florida who sells a lock out kit and their "tune" is much better and power loss is minimal. I told my customer if he buys one of the new kits and supplies the truck, I will install it for free to determine if it functions as advertised.
I think you nailed it spot on. We have guys claiming 200k+ on these engines and I just don't see it. Too many engine parts needing oil and the factory pump tends to be weak. I use the Melling pump with success. I as well don't see the plastic timing guides holding up and the tensioners commonly fail. And the camshaft phasers and related parts tend to fail.
is there anyway for a machine shop to open up the oil passages to allow more oil flow? Since thats what is causing these engines to blow up so much is a lack of oil pressure via clogged channels laeading up to the heads.
@@garysisk3431 I have 206,000 miles on my engine..I changed to Rotella 15/40 every oil change no problems so far...
2011-2014 5.4l v8 3v are more reliable
@@theshield1613 I agree. I'm not sure what Ford changed but the years you mentioned have far less issues.
Here's what took care of those ticks for mine! At 30,000 I changed to Full synthetic oil with synthetic filter and it still runs great at 130,000 miles!!
In the shop I work in, we do occasionally run into the 7 bolt rim F150's. They are kind of rare. Good luck finding a rim for one if you need one.
The 3.5L turbo ecoboost is a bit of an enigma. It's about 3,000.00 more than a comparable 5.4L engine truck, but doesn't make much more in hp or mileage than a 5.4.
I just 180,000 on mine. 2005 lariat 4x4. Never had an issue. Never changed the plugs. I run synthetic fluids throughout and change my oil every 7k. Only thing i did was change the alternator and new window motor/cable system
Russian Roulette players many times win also.
You were lucky.
Got a 2004 lariat, never an issue on the mechanics.
210,000 on our 05. Never been in the engine or transmission. Tow 8k with it once a week. One alternator. 2 sets of plugs. 1 set of coils. Always use quality parts and full synthetic fluids.
I had a '98 F-150 with the 5.4 v8 for 4 years until I needed a crew cab and traded it in on a F-250. I found that the engine was very powerful and dependable. I kept synthetic oil in it and cared for it very well. I loved that truck!
98 is what I drive. It was my grandfather's originally. Absolutely love this truck and it's a solid beast.
I have a 2006 f150 with a 5.4 and after replacing my spark plugs I’ve had absolutely no issues
I have the same truck, I get the broken/misfiring spark plug problems pretty regularly (about every 2 years of light driving). I can always tell when one fails because my engine can't decide what gear to stay in when I maintain a steady 70-80 km/h. In the past 2 years I've started to have some leaking gaskets that need replacing, but no real major work so far. Knock on wood.
@@-Keith- do you use autolite spark plugs? Because those are currently the worst ones you can get.
This is someone’s idea of making a living and having fun at the same time
Had an ‘01 5.4 F-150 that I rarely changed the oil on, ran without coolant on a hot summer day on one occasion, most of its life it towed a trailer full of tools or construction equipment and once it was passed down to me I used it as a drift truck. I even ran it without a radiator before selling it. It’s still running strong and the current owner didn’t even need to rebuild the engine, when I sold it it was running 303,xxx miles. The 2v 5.4 triton is a monster, everyone confuses the 2v’s and 4v’s with the 3v’s and generalize any 5.4 vehicle as being garbage. TL;DR Ford’s 5.4 is good so long as you don’t get a 3v model.
I feel ya. I drive a 12 valve cummins, not much issues, my wife has a Mazda (ford) and let me tell you, never again. I have a lot of mechanical background. Been to college for automotive and worked in a shop for 8+ years. Every word of what you say is the truth. 👍🏻👌🏻
Just because Ford owned Mazda doesnt make Mazda a Ford lmao
The triton is a great reliable engine if cared for and maintained. They don't respond well to neglect. A friend of mine has one with 320,000 miles that runs strong. No weird noises, leaks or problems. With that said there are other trucks that can rack up the same miles without the high maintenance cost associated with the triton. I'd own one but I'd be living in fear of a major repair bill that could strike at anytime.
"Neglect" means performing service at the ford recommended intervals, right? Those intervals are very generous - and not accurate. Most mechanics will tell you NOT to go by the ford recommended intervals!!!
My 3 valve went 195k pulling over it's rating 3 to 4 times a week 24/365.
7 lugs is the ford “light duty” basically the F-250 for a couple years, I believe they started in 97 or 98
I’ve got two 5.4s with over 500,000 km on em burnt a tranny on one pulling my 30’ fifth wheel. Ones got the phaser lock out and billet aluminum timing chain guides and the other has been rock solid. Good quality 5/20 synthetic does wonders for the timing problems that arise.
Stuck plugs crack em abit 1/8 of a turn fill the plugs up with carb cleaner soak for a few hours and they come on out
You shouldn't have to do that! Bad design!
I have a 2004 Ford f150 lariat 5.4 v8, 3 valve and it had 300,000 miles. This truck was taken care of very well. The inside and out was like a 75,000 to 95,000 except the engine finally blew a valve in the number 6 cyclander intake rear valve rod broke and shot through the intake when it dropped into the piston. I lost vacuum, but still was able to drive without load and getting higher than 2,000 rpm for 42 miles home. I then had no power brake or steering, but I made it home. I did have a very minor tic about the right cam bearing and I knew that high mileage motors above 120,000 miles almost always had that issue. Unless you was right on top of motor you could not hear it. So I figured I may get another 50,000 Total miles left before it being a major problem and planning on replacing the right side cam phaser in 10,000 mile. So I felt good going out and back trip of 350 miles from home. But at least I made it back within 42 miles with limited hp and power issues I got home. I had it for 450 miles after buying it from a card dealer that the 1 time owner trade it in for a brand new one. He changed the spark plugs every 50,000 miles and the oil after every 1,900 to 3,000 mile trips from NYC to Salt Lake straight for 2 week intervals pulling a small camper. They drove a different vehicle inside the city, so the truck was basically used for those trips 5 to 6 times a year. I am putting in a Jasper or very close engine in it myself with everyday Ford mechanic help, because other than that engine everything else is in such 75,000 miles look, run and drive shape! I don't plan on selling it to make money. I wanted it for easy local work and I figured replacing the main engine part it will continue another 50,000 to 75,000 miles before everything else stops working and it will be finished by the cost being to much to keep going. I also don't want to pay a crap load of money just for something newer with 50,000 miles or less, when this one was doing great. Does anyone think this is a great idea or just put a salvaged engine with less than 80,000 miles or so?
It's probably been covered already, but I'm not reading 750+ comments to find it. The 7-lug F150s are the 7700 model, built on a 250 chassis and drivetrain, but with a 150 body. I have one, a 2003 XLT Supercab. Just turned over 218,000 miles.
hornhospital I have a 98 7lug 3 door 4x4 supercab xlt f250 3/4 with the triton 5.4. Got it for free, sat for five years and little work to get it running. Good truck
I agree with the sentiments in the video. My brothers F150 is a massive pain. There are noises that happen sometimes and when i try to diagnose them they go quiet. Not to mention an engine swap will be awful since half the engine is under the cowl. Ill stick to chevy the engines are simpler and still get better fuel economy
I also did that swap ,what a joke .
I've got an '06 Navigator with the 5.4 with 219K that runs like a sewing machine and is what I use to haul our camper around. It's the nicest tow vehicle I've ever owned. Around 170K, I started having misfires and was really sweating changing the plugs, I even bought the Lyle Broken Plug Remover, "Just in case". I Didn't have a single plug break. I also replaced the coil packs while I was in there and it ran, and still runs, like a new engine. I'm hoping that my wife's 2013 Expedition 5.4 (120K and smooth as silk) holds up just as well.
I had a 2003 F150 with the 7 bolt lug. It was known as the f150 7700 here in the States. It also had the Sterling 10.5 rear axle. basically it was a heavy 1/2 ton.
I have an 04 F-150 5.4 Triton, 130k and it runs like a champ. Never had an issue
acesoftrul3z hehe thats funny wait a while bud i wouldnt brag
I bought a 2000 F-150 XL with 5.4 about 4 years ago. Runs fine, but it doesn't tow or get heavily loaded. I also bought a 1997 F-150 XLT with 4.6 V8 about 9 years ago, it's a solid runner, again not put to heavy use. Both trucks have easily paid me back and run good. Nevada trucks with body and paint like new, no rust.
I just saved a friend from a 2008 by turning him on to this video. The deal looked too good to be true and it was. The tuck was in excellent condition but needed minor engine work. At 200k on the odometer he figured it may need a few dollars to get it in tip top shape. This video convinced him it would be more than a few bucks. Great video Rich.
not every truck has the same problem
I just gave 500 bucks for an 08 with the 5.4 in it. 170k on the odometer. Clean truck no rust and runs. Had to put a power steering line on it so far. Figured I couldn't possibly go wrong for the price
Ran into the same situation. I replaced the engine and transmission. Now the truck runs great. Cost quite a few bucks.
@@joshuadickerson3373 priced about right!
I got one for my birthday thinking it whuld be okay for my boat Slash fishing truck but I don't think I'll ever buy another one unless it's 2011 or newer I want a tundra but one is not in my budget right now
Actually, the 5.4L Triton went through 2014. We own a 2014 Expedition with the 5.4L in it. I've owned 7 to date with literally zero issues with any of them. From 2000 - 2014.
You sold them before the issues
You've owned 7 trucks in 14 years?!?
Bought a used 07 5.4l, got the engine replaced for cam phasers under warranty at 90,000kms. Never had one issue with that truck after that. Wrote the truck off at about 320,000kms and I miss it, very comfortable and always had good power.
"a little tick, a loud tick, a big bang", yep Ford engineering for you
Craig Be that’s what I’m curious about. I own this kind of truck, what can I do to get ahead of this problem?
Travis K keep changing ur oil, pretty much the only thing u can do to try and prevent the cam phasers from failing. Even with good maintenance I’ve seen a lot of 5.4’s in my shop with cam and timing chain issues.
@@danb2 I never seen the phaser problem on a replacement engine, only on the factory engines. I think ford did it on purpose to keep mechanics busy with warranty.
You've convinced me to get an old truck and rebuild it Like a mid 70s
Some manufacturers got it right - but I agree, new vehicles are way to expensive, so if you're going to buy a new one, why chance it on something with a 'four-letter word' on the grill???
That's alot of time and money to put into a 3,000 dollar / bare bones XL. Just saying.
3000??? lol You mean 300.
It's nice to know about the tick in the valve train. I have a work truck that is ticking we've done a whole bunch of work on it and now I know it's a ticking time bomb 💣 👍
I’m a firm believer that the 5.4 2v is a great engine other than the spark plugs blowing out. Like you said rich if you keep up on your plugs and do the job right you shouldn’t have a issue.
This is a 3v
@@devonsdoppleganger3768 I’m well aware of that. I’m just giving some credit to the Older 5.4 engines
in this day an age they should have already designed a truck that would last a 100 years and gets a 100 miles to gallon
It's All About the Benjamins
I'd take 50 and 30.
Yeah the problem is they found out that they need to sell more to stay in business
All aboot the PENTIUMS!
@@78fordtruck4 I knew someone who used to say manufacturing changed things yearly so they would have something to sell next year. I thought he was full of it.
But then look at cell phones.
No I am a believer.
@joecugo Exactly my thought. There's only so much energy in a gallon of gas....
Gotta love Ford redesigning everything everyday
Yea while gm copy and paste everything
@@na-gt3720 ain't nothing wrong with that tbh easier to work on and shopping for
@@na-gt3720 really that isn’t a bad thing 😂
a "bandaid" is not a "redesign" - it's a temporary fix - in hope that it will make it until the warranty runs out...
What I see here is Ford taking the blame for poor maintenance and probably poor driving habits. I have an 06 F150 5.4 FX4...The drive train has never been taken apart cept for a few little things. 1 Rear universal joint, a few Tie Rod ends, Lower and upper Ball joint...yes..just 1 upper on both sides after 320,000 Klms...Towing, heavy loads and back road running to go camping, hauling heavy 120HP Boat, 26Ft. camper and hauling my Prowlers over the last 9 years. plugs are over due for the 2nd set, always had synthetic oils and filters changed when necessary. Transmission and all fluids in Trans and both diffs changed at 301,000 Klms. 2 New rear leafs and ended getting a leveling kit. Honestly, if your not a real engine builder or a good one familiar with Ford Triton's...don't build or rebuild them...plenty of good ones out there. Sorry but I can't believe all the bitching here...I've never changed the manifolds, timing chains or exhaust...all I did was take care of it and it took care of me. My father said it best...leave it to the idiot behind the wheel!!!
Fords are like smokers. Lots make it to 90, but there are a lot more that don't. A 90 year old smoker can't say that there is nothing wrong with smoking, because a doctor will tell you otherwise. Not every Triton will have these issues, but the problems are more common then they should be
DEBOSS GARAGE. Hey, I was just wondering if u feel dodge ram 1500s are more reliable than the f150s?
DEBOSS GARAGE That doesn't make any sense Ford generally makes the best cars and trucks on the road. They have they best transmission's and axles. The problem with their timing chains are blown out of proportion. My buddy had his 5.4 fixed and hasn't had any ticking or timing issues since. These trucks are known for the their issues but under proper maintenance they last a long as any other truck. Don't act like what you know every brand until you've work on all of them.
Nope they don't make the best cars or the best trucks or anything close. I've maintained a fleet of trucks for 12 years and the Fords are not only the least reliable but most certainly the hardest to service
My brother works on all kinds of trucks that work in the outer logging and mining camps. He has found the Fords last the longest under severe service, the Chevrolet is good as long as it is on smooth roads and the Dodge trucks are broken all the time. But they all break over time. He has found it is how it is abused and how long the service intervals are.
Loved my 2006 f150 towed well and drove well. Ran synthetic and never had engine issues. Unfortunately after 130 000 kms everything else on the truck broke. Never went a month without working on it even with meticulously taking care of it. Vacumm hubs, vacuum check valves, vacuum solenoid, mid steering shaft, fuel temp/pressure switch, fuel pump relay, both exhaust manifolds multiple times, 2 power window motors, power window main control switches, vct solenoids and on and on. Went back to a gmc, no issues but only have 90 000 kms so I cant directly compare until I get into the same milage range I had on my 5.4 Ford. Hopefully things get better for them, with the cost of trucks these days you shouldn't have to rely on extended warranties.
Owned a 2001 f150 with the 5.4 and that was a excellent truck! Did spark plugs myself and wasnt nearly as hard as I had heard about... do ur research take ur time and easily done!
there was no need to change those plugs until 200,000 miles!
I feel like this is a bunch of bashing due to people who don't maintain their vehicles or bought one from someone who didn't maintain it. We had a 97 Expedition that we put 400,000 miles on before it was sold, only minor maintenance. An 03 Expedition with 300,000 miles before it was wreck, an 01 Explorer Sport with 220,000 miles on it before it was also wrecked, now have an 07 Expedition with 240,000 miles on it, no issues. And an 08 Sport Trac with 204,000 miles on it. Every single vehicle was driven hard, bought new or close to new and never had anything more than regular maintenance.
DropGearz Crew
I just bought a 2001 Ford Expedition 4 WD from one of my best friend with 144,550 k miles and he put in all new plugs and on top of plus’s solenoids or whatever you call it no cheap and runs great I think and I hope that it keeps going
02 F150 5.4 Triton. 602,000 miles. Changed oil every 5K myself 10/30 Motorcraft. Changed plugs1x. Zero engine issues. Still strong daily driver.
I could honestly listen to you talk all day. I think you're pretty awesome.
As a fellow mechanic I find myself saying the same thing;
"How the hell do I get myself into these jobs" 😂
If I had a dollar for every time I swear I could pay off most my mortgage" 😂🤣😂🤣😂
I’m a little late to the board here but my property maintained original owner 2009 5.4 3V is still running great over 14 years into owning it. I’ve had a couple repairs to it over the years but after a decade and a half of driving it I’m more than pleased. I’m crediting my lack of issues to proper oil change intervals and using Motorcraft filters exclusively.
Fram oil filter??? I would have walked away from that engine
Fram oil filters are perfectly fine as you keep up on your maintenance. We use Fram filters where I work because they're really cost effective when you compare it to buying a high end aftermarket filter or an OEM filter. We use Fram but we basically cut the oil change intervals in HALF for our equipment. Personally I think they're fine, but I don't think Fram would be my 1st choice for a filter.
@@kadenwatt2033 I don't think I've ever bought a high end oil filter unless you consider Wix or the napa store brand high end. When I was in the shop just under 10 years ago... Fram was a big nono.
@@oldsoul5263 "High end" as in Mobil-1, Wix XP, K&N, etc. Fram isn't that bad today (other then the paper end caps on the filter material), and their top tier stuff is on par if not better than OEM. However I definitely wouldn't use their cheaper filters for as long as Fram says they're good for. Oil and filters are cheap; engines aren't.
@@kadenwatt2033 ok
@@oldsoul5263 lol look inside any oil filter they are all peices of shit with a stupid paper filter that don't differ much from each other
I'm glad I came across this video. Guess I'll stick to my Windsor V8 swapped Ranger. Dirt cheap motor and truck. Never gave me any issues beyond the typical 20 year old truck stuff.
Patryk K the ranger part is way more than enough to walk away from mo matter what your powertain is you still sit inside one of the worst small trucks ever built no matter the year
nathan greer:you sir are out of your mind,the Ford Ranger is the best small pickup ever made,I just sold a 97 Ranger a couple of months ago that had 278,000 miles on it and I used it as a regular half ton truck everyday(pulled trailers,hauled loads,even pulled junk cars to the scrap yard). You name it,my Ranger was made to do it. It still didn't use any oil or give me any problems even though I beat on it unmercifully everyday. I've owned small Nissans,Mazdas ,Dodge Dakotas,and S10/S15 trucks,the Ranger beats them all hands down.
Yes I know,Ive owned a few Rangers with the twin-I beams and they never gave me any issues even though I abused them daily. My last Ranger was a 1997 Extended Cab 2wd 3.0 V6 Automatic which had 275,000 thousand hard miles on it and it still ran great and didn't use any oil between changes when I sold it to buy an F150.
old trucks are the best. i have a 78 f150. 351 windsor swapped in, aod swapped in, original 9 inch rear end. i dont want anything else.
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I have a 98 F150 Lariat, same engine. Had all the problems you mentioned including exhaust manifold rot, intake manifold warping having to replace the gaskets twice, plus weird break habits (I suspect MC/booster combo) cracked rear diff cover (plastic), broken rear spring shackles, and the legendary FORD starter issues. Don't start it for a week? Bring a hammer and plan on some back crawling.
I have to say, though, never popped a spark plug. And it did have a ton of power. Glad to have it. Major learning experience. Sorry to be so long winded. Love ya Rich. Here we go.
Get 03 or before and the triton is amazing
Aubreey Green those actually have several more issues. With this modern ones (2004-2007) to make it reliable just keep good maintenance up on it like changing fluids and oil and spark plugs and then at about 200k miles most need new timing chain, timing chain tensioner and then rocker arms and bam it’s just like new and keep going for another 100k miles before considering the timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and rocker arms again because idek how long they will last after being replaced. After market ones will be more reliable probably
My grandpa has a 1998 triton xlt v8 ext cab it runs great about 150k miles on it it’s been In My family it’s whole life my uncle bought it sold it to my grandpa and has been a truck to haul things around his acreage needs an alignment, the steering grinds when wheel is turned all the way to the left or right, but other than that it runs really good just needs to be cleaned up. Easily one of my favourite trucks I’m trying to buy that one off of him or one like it
Aubreey Green actually 2002 or before. 2003 is when they started turning to shit
@robertmon3 Nice! My 03 has 105,000. No problems yet.
Unfortunately, It's not what ford used to make. It's the shit they are making today. If this keeps up, I predict ford will go under in the next ten years. Good riddance.
Seeing all of the rust, I am SOOOOO glad I don't have to deal with that. Split the rotors? WOW.
My '97 F150 went 264,000 miles, lasted 21 years. 264,000 hard miles. Replaced a few coil packs, lower ball joints, radiator and A/C compressor in 21 years, not bad. What killed it was a blown head gasket, mechanically, it was rock solid. I'll be getting another one soon.
Thanks again so much for the heads up on the Chevy LTZ engine package.. 6.2 liter. That engine is AWESOME!!! Thanks for great videos......... I sent a few of my RV people over to your channel.
I'll be honest, I take videos like this with a grain of salt, I had a 454 dually ran great, a f150 4.6 pulled everything behind it, f250 super duty that pulls like a monster. I've had tons of vehicles that do the job, but they're cared for also. Any vehicle with maintenance will live it's life, alot of you people don't do shit but drive them
You were lucky and got the 4.6....the 5.4 isn't a matter of maintenance..Mine was cared for 100%...just a shit engine!
5.4 was a completely shit engine...I was religious with my maintenance....there's a reason ford redesigned replacement parts for the engine...total engineering fk up...they scrapped it for a reason....4.6 was a good engine, but the 5.4 cannot be defended by anyone with mechanical knowledge!
@BLACK RAIN WARRIOR 02 had the 5.4 2v...great engine....not the 5.4 3v peice of shit!
@Tile Setter 191 lucky man!
4.9 300i6 completely happy
Ive redone the cam phasers once and the timing tensioners and guides twice in less than a year. I also had to replace 4 vct solenoids.
If you replace the tensioners buy the Melling ones that are not plastic. They also ratchet out to keep it from being pushed back and skipping time.
I've seen a lot of early 2 valve motors with well over 300k miles
mines at 208K. Has not had a nice life either. Bought it when I was 17 made it threw my stupid years. Now its my work truck and just pulls trailers 24/7. Still original motor trans and rear end. Only thing iv ever done is plugs and oil changes.
I have a thunderbird with a 2v v8, maintained very well, driven very hard, runs like new. over 300K. Only repair I did was valve seals, and it wasn't a must do repair. Has a metal mainifold. I guess they started pinching pennies as time went on.
crashandburnbirner f150 crew 02 2valve strong 110,000 original owner just put on new rockers and door bottoms bodywork is my part time job. rear wheel bearings, alternator original just failed after 100,000
My 2 valve 250,000 miles when I sold mine. Still going Strong at 315,000 miles. My 3 valve won't make it to 100,000 miles.
thats the thing. all modular 3v motors are garbage. 2v motors are by far the most reliable but the 4v heads are fantastic for boost.
The 2007 I drive was a construction superintendents truck until about 375,000 miles until it became my company truck. It was never shut off for twelve hours a day winter and summer so mileage is a low rep of the hours on the motor. I am my companies mechanic and when I took the truck I was going to replace the timing chain and guides but zero wear so it was put back together. NOTHING has been done to the motor except maintenance. at 410.000 m it still runs strong and uses 0 oil. And I by no means baby it. Put anti sieze on the plug threads and not where they seal against the head and you wont have a grounding problem. Nickel and copper anti sieze, I wonder if that's conductive? When there are millions of them out there don't you think mechanics are going to see 100 percent of the low percentage of them that have problems? if
There's a video on youtube comparing a 5.4 that has been well maintained and one that hasn't. The one with consistent oil changes looked perfect.
There are camshafts made now with .085 oversized journals so the head can be line-honed .080 over (or so) and so the head will be re-usable.
my 95 300 6 has almost 250,000 miles on it,no problems.
They were much better trucks in the 90's
That old 300 inline 6 is indestructible and has great low end torque. Damn good engine. They should have kept it and maybe put a dual overhead cam head and variabke valve timing to make it meet emissions and keep the lower end.
Why do you think the 4.0 AMC Powertech engine is so good? It's the same block! Almost indestructible with proper maintenance!
I like the 95 F150 with the 4.9L I6 with 4 speed Automatic Transmission
Had several of those 300 I6 great engine, Keeping my 1995 5.0 F150 after hearing about this engine.
Lucky fuckers. Finding a good one in Wisconsin is impossible
I'm still running my '95 I6, it's got 200k on it, here's hoping for 200k more :D
Had a 96 single cab short box with the 4.9 5spd manual and it was an awesome truck!
I have a 2010 and just had both exhaust manifolds replaced. My brother had a 1998 and suffered the spark plug issue. So now after watching this video, I have a few more things to keep me up at night. hehe
The squirrel was just trying to polish those intake and exhaust ports with walnut shell media. You should feel very lucky.
I have an 04 f150 with 295k on the clock. Uber surprised its made it this long! Personally think this thing has been a dog performance wise. But its been so good to me its hard to knock it.
Firm believer in keep up with your fluids, fix your leaks and keep up with your belts- it'll be good to you.
I'm a bit late to the party, but my 04 F-150 XL with the 4.6L V8 runs fantastically at over 200k. Only major issue I've had so far is the Speedometer and LCD display in the gauge cluster dying.
I just turned 291K original motor, 05 5.4 XLT 4X4.
Nice, sounds like she's been well cared for.
Can you explain the maintenance you did on the truck and problems that you have had?
@@volvo09 Honestly i changed oil 6-8K used Marvels a bit around 100K using it again. I think Marvels could be a game changer. I also haul butt up the 80 to Tahoe a lot over the years and wind it up all the way. Sounds weird, but must have helped.
My 03 5.4L Triton has 150k miles. Still running strong. 😎
Tony Bruno you think 03 5.4 is better than the 2010 5.4? Maybe they buld it better tru the years?. Or is the same issues?
Honestly I agree the only fords I mess with are windsors, clevlands and big blocks
Daniel Bargas That's cool man I have a 96 Ford F150 with 5.0L Windsor V8 with 203,387 miles on it and it's still going strong.
+CJ Colvin that's a Windsor for you
Daniel Bargas Oh dentfully man.
baha windors were dog shit and so was the 460
Daniel Bargas I'll stick with my 4.6 242k never opened runs and sounds like new no joke no ticks or pings not even when you listen to the heads intake or block. The later models like mine it's an 07, proven to be one of the best engines ever made. A prime example is one of my dads work vans 570k miles never opened not even a gasket.
Company truck I had blew a spark plug while driving, was a 2000 F250 V10 with 180,000 miles on it. Drove it for a few more months and did it again, we got rid of it.
I'm so glad I got out of turning wrenches when I was young. Good for you for doing quality work tho.
Hey wouldn't a leakdown test be as good or better than a compression test? Maybe not as easy tho eh?
Edit: watched more of the video and holy shit I'm glad I've been a Chevy guy all my life.
GM builds great engines and trannies, but their other shit like their breaks are shit! i had 3 yukons and they always blew out their break lines and master cylinders!
I had a 08 E250 with the 5.4 put 250k miles on it everything original except the starter and battery's. I beat the shit outta that van and still ran like brand new when we got rid of it.
Got 290,000 on the 2003 E250 I am driving now.
All our vans get about 300k on them with just basic repairs. Engines have been lasting great, driving them balls out every day.
i had an E 250 with 5.4 triton with 256k miles. the 1st 3 years I owned it I didnt even change the oil. Beat the ever lasting shit out of it, changed the oil added water to the radiator and guess what. It ran like a brand new van. I couldn't kill it no matter how much abuse i gave it.... I wound up selling it and bought a new F 150
250k miles isn't very many miles, double that mileage with a fleet vehicle and you'll see otherwise. They are shit.
I still have my 2007 Ford F-150 FX4 with 86,500 miles. I bought it new and I am proud to say that it has never been in the shop. I do all of my own basic maintenance. It is my baby and I hope to have it as long as I can. My truck was definitely Built Ford Tough.
I've replaced several of these engines in F150s and Ford Van's and I've seen 3 of them with the lower chain guide bolt completely loose. They must have not been tightened down enough and worked themselves out. All the the engines suffered from a loose timing chain on the drivers side. Dunno how Ford did it, but if you get good at fixing them, you can be rich!
Sounds like the same kind of engineering cost deferment that the 4.0 SOHC V6 had. The timing chain guide cartridges could go out at any point, 20k miles or 200k, and the engine is shot. Replacement is a $4k engine-out proposition and is not a bulletproofing fix.
My 2000 f150 has a 5.4 with 300,000 miles and no spark plugs issue
My 2000 super duty with a 5.4 Triton has been beaten the most out of all our vehicles hasn’t had an oil change in eight years and still runs
Thank god i bought a chevy 1500.. Easiest engine swap I've done(besides a go kart)
@big bee didn't have to. Wanted to... Bought a new truck, swapped the 4.8 for a 6.0