arbryant1

I referenced some of my issues in a previous post:

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/2004-f1...engine-248928/

After taking my truck to another shop, they just called to tell me they're going to run some Marvel's Mystery Oil through it for a couple of hours and then re-test it, but if that doesn't help matters then I'm looking at a new motor.

Every mechanic I've talked to, and the research I've done online, indicates that there have been several issues with the Triton and that it's a bad design.

So I guess I'm looking to see if anybody has had any experience with replacing this particular engine, and if so, was it worth it?

The first mechanic I took it to said he only puts Jasper engines in that truck and the quote for parts and labor was more than $8000!

A buddy of mine talked to his mechanic and he said labor would be between $900 and $1000 for labor. Used motor for around $1500 and a new motor for around $2500. I guess I'm looking at between $3500 and $4000.

If that's legit, and it comes with a 3 year warranty, then it might not be too bad.

I've got 94,000 miles on the truck. Any thoughts on if it's worth putting a new engine into this model truck, especially if the engine has so many known issues? Can I expect the transmission to go out next?

I don't like the idea of spending $35K to $40K on a new truck, but I don't want to pour good money into a bad situation.

Anybody found themselves in this situation with this particular model?

Adam013085

I don't recall reading where there are multiple issues with these engines. In fact there are tons of owners on this forum with 150-200k+ on their original engine. No way would I put $8k into a 04 truck. I would have a hard time biting the bullet at $4k. If it were me I would go the used engine route or Id buy a new truck.

canddmeyer

Tough choice. I've done it both ways. I've had a remanufactured engine installed, and I've traded in a vehicle with issues on a new one. You'll recoup your $$$ and more if you replace the engine and then sell the vehicle, or you might like it enuf to keep it another several years.


Personally, I'd go new as I can afford it. Btw, factory Ford replacement long blocks are $5000 (plus installation).

screamineagle

Actually the 5.4 is a good motor very capable of 300k + if it's well maintained. My 06 is at 189k with no issues. Maybe yours wasn't taken care of by the the previous owner?

Like mentioned above, no way would I spend 8k on a 10 year old truck. If I were in your position I would buy a used engine and replace it myself to save on labor.

luvf150

From the other thread I see you owned it for 4 years. If not anyone else you should probably know more about its behavior/history. These are great truck except for those cam phaser issue that some encounter due to poor maintainence. Did you ever try those VCT change and Coil Pack change. Going with a good used engine at $2500 budget sounds right. Having said that if you now try VCT & New coil packs you are still going to use them again. So its worth a try.

gdeg12

I put a new-used engine in my 08 screw fx4. Had 100k km on it. Cost me about 7 here in Canada. Also got a 1 year warranty. Worth it in my books. Even if you don't want to keep it, it may be a smarter choice to put the engine in it and sell it. Its worth next to nothing without an engine.

sigmanf150

Got 285k out of my original 04 5.4. Had it swapped out with a brand new long block and most accessories for $2500 installed! Best investment for me since the truck is in fantastic shape! New motor makes all the difference!

aoessand

151k on my 04 lariat and I plan to put a new engine when mine goes got the truck used for a steal (5k) would be stupid to get rid of it if all that went out as engine lol

arbryant1

I asked the mechanic about changing the solenoid and the coil pack. He said they were going to wait and see what the diagnostics revealed after they used the mystery oil. I haven't heard back from them yet.

I bought it a little less than four years ago from a woman on Craigslist. It had a little more than 50K miles when I got it. She told me it was her husband's truck and he had died a couple of years ago and she didn't drive it much any more. She told me that she didn't have any oil change records but assured me he changed the oil regularly himself. It makes me wonder if she let it sit for a while or didn't change it much after he passed away, but I would think issues would've arisen before now.

I only paid $13,500 for it which I considered a steal at that time. If I can truly get 100K plus out of a new motor for less than $5000, then I'm starting to lean in that direction.

Adam013085

Id say there was a good chance she may have not done any maintence after he passed away if she rarely drove it. That being said, I think this would have been seen prior to now and yes 13500 would have been a steal 4 years ago on this truck. I just paid $10,500 for an 04 STX supercab 7 months ago with 58k miles.