PBR Streetgang

Hi Everyone,

I've wanted an F-150 for a while now, especially as I'm moving from L.A. to Central Oregon and want more of an outdoor vehicle with the added bonus of being able to haul.

Anyway, as I can't afford a new truck optioned the way I want, I've been looking for a used one and came across a beautiful 2007 FX4. It has the 5.4 and 85k miles on it. While I've seen many postings thus far on this engine, I came across a particular site that scared me a bit with regards to the misfire issue that many of you have posted about (carcomplaints.com).

Many of the people posting claimed that the issue many times is fatal, requiring a new motor. I'm aware that this is a tried-and-true tested motor, but can anyone here give me a little more insight about what to watch and listen for?

So far, I know to be on the lookout for:
Bad Plugs
Engine Knocking
Transmission Issues
Rear Diff problems

Many thanks in advance, I'm off to test drive the truck. Hoping to be a fellow owner ASAP, just want to make sure I don't buy something I end up regretting.

RainDesert

If that truck has not been abused and had regular maintenance, then I will bet it will be a good truck for you. I have had a 2006 5.4, great truck, no problems. I have had so many friends with that motor and none of them ever had anything major go wrong. I always thought the exhaust manifold leak was the most common problem.

I lived in Bend for 8 years, Welcome to Oregon.

PBR Streetgang

Thank you, RainDesert! Yup, moving to Bend, cannot WAIT!
Have had family there for over 10 years and have visited regularly - and in 2015 I make the leap...hopefully with an F150!!!

Thanks again.

PBR Streetgang

BTW, getting a pre-purchase inspection at the local Ford dealership to make sure all is well. $174...not too bad I thought.

If anyone cares to chime in with anything else to look out for I'd appreciate it.

BUILTTOLAST

Engine knock would be the cam phasers,another known issues is the cam phasers failing on the 5.4 3v,its really hit or miss,but alot of times when they fail,they take the engine with them.Best way to avoid this is running the proper good quality oil (5-20) and ONLY a Ford Motorcraft oil filter.

PBR Streetgang

Great info - thank you very much!
Have read a lot about the cam phasers, really hope they seem ok.
Do you guys recommend one of the after-market replacements more than another?

Rossco

This Never had a problem with a 5.4 3v using good quality 5/20w synthetic and an $8 ford filter.

First thing I do when I acquire a 5.4 3v is change oil / filter / fuel filter an reset the Service intervals to my rotation.

If you look at buying pop the vehicles VIN up, see if I can run a Ford Dealer Service check if your worried about pervious problems.

Good luck.

Neptunescab

Check your timming chain guides one of my fell out of alignment on my old truck and it killed the motor cause these are interference engines

PBR Streetgang

Rossco, thanks so much!!
I've searched the VIN to see if anything odd came up but could find nothing in a limited search. If you can provide any info I'd certainly appreciate it - this rig is almost all I can think about!

2007 F150 FX4 Supercrew:
1FTPW14567FB82416

ford15012

The past 3 F-150's I've owned all had the 5.4L. I had no issues with them. I thought it was a great engine. I talked to a mechanic once that did maintenance and service work for a company on a fleet of Econolines with the 5.4L. He said all the engines lasted between 300,000 and 400,000 miles with no major issues.