2003 with 88k miles needs 5.4 motor replaced?
12-22-2007, 05:56 AM
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2003 with 88k miles needs 5.4 motor replaced?
Well I guess I need to bounce the story that my Ford service department is telling me off of someone else.
My 03 Screw with a 5.4 started knocking with a sound like a stuck lifter after my last oil change. I checked the levels and everything looked fine. I stopped by the local auto part store and they recommended the Lucas oil additive which immediately solved the problem. I figured I was in for a lifter replacement somewhere down the line soon but continued to drive it.
Well a few days ago I was due for my next oil change and as soon as the Lucas was drained out the rattle came back. I immediately drove to my Ford dealer so they could hear the problem and they said it sounded more serious and put it up on the rack. After putting the stethoscopes to it and checking the oil pressure they said it needs a new engine. They say there is valve noise but also lower end noise, possibly a wrist pin. Also the oil pressure was normal at idle but low at 2k rpm.
I bought the truck used in the fall of 2004 with 23k miles on it. I have changed the oil religiously since then. I did haul a 5500# travel trailer from TX to FL and back, but before each trip I did an oil and tranny fluid change. The truck has 88k miles on it now.
I put the Lucas back in and the knock went away for a couple days but is now back as bad as ever. When I took the truck back to the dealer to let him hear how great it sounded with the Lucas in it he suggested I sell it on CraigsList ASAP then move.
I don’t think I will be doing any business with that dealer again. 
I have located a used engine and am scheduled to have it installed the day after Christmas. I just hope I can limp the truck down there so I don’t have to get a tow truck.
Everyone that I have talked to, including the guy that is doing the engine replacement is shocked that the engine died at 88k. Ford has refused to do anything for me. Has anyone else had this problem or heard of this problem with the 03 5.4? Anyone had any luck getting Ford to cover at least some of the costs?
My 03 Screw with a 5.4 started knocking with a sound like a stuck lifter after my last oil change. I checked the levels and everything looked fine. I stopped by the local auto part store and they recommended the Lucas oil additive which immediately solved the problem. I figured I was in for a lifter replacement somewhere down the line soon but continued to drive it.
Well a few days ago I was due for my next oil change and as soon as the Lucas was drained out the rattle came back. I immediately drove to my Ford dealer so they could hear the problem and they said it sounded more serious and put it up on the rack. After putting the stethoscopes to it and checking the oil pressure they said it needs a new engine. They say there is valve noise but also lower end noise, possibly a wrist pin. Also the oil pressure was normal at idle but low at 2k rpm.
I bought the truck used in the fall of 2004 with 23k miles on it. I have changed the oil religiously since then. I did haul a 5500# travel trailer from TX to FL and back, but before each trip I did an oil and tranny fluid change. The truck has 88k miles on it now.
I put the Lucas back in and the knock went away for a couple days but is now back as bad as ever. When I took the truck back to the dealer to let him hear how great it sounded with the Lucas in it he suggested I sell it on CraigsList ASAP then move.
I don’t think I will be doing any business with that dealer again. I have located a used engine and am scheduled to have it installed the day after Christmas. I just hope I can limp the truck down there so I don’t have to get a tow truck.
Everyone that I have talked to, including the guy that is doing the engine replacement is shocked that the engine died at 88k. Ford has refused to do anything for me. Has anyone else had this problem or heard of this problem with the 03 5.4? Anyone had any luck getting Ford to cover at least some of the costs?
