NEWBIE PURCHASE: 5.4L Triton...
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
NEWBIE PURCHASE: 5.4L Triton...
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.
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.
#2
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.
I lived in Bend for 8 years, Welcome to Oregon.
The following users liked this post:
PBR Streetgang (01-28-2015)
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
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.
If anyone cares to chime in with anything else to look out for I'd appreciate it.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Halifax,Nova Scotia,Canada
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
Received 92 Likes
on
78 Posts
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.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
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?
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?
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Rockie Mountain's. BC
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
17 Posts
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.
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.
Trending Topics
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
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
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
#10
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.