techrep

iTrader: (1)

Probably because you did not know what you were doing...

screamineagle

If you had to remove the heads to replace spark plugs, you probably should not have picked up a wrench to begin with..... And no, there is not one engine "better" than the other. That's a very uneducated statement.

07KR

Bought a '07 King Ranch about 18 months ago that was in very similar condition. One owner, dealer service it's entire life. First thing I did was have the plugs changed by the dealer and all fluids changed after running a couple bottles of Sea Foam through it as suggested. Not a plug broke. It's never had any of the problems that the 5.4 is "known" for. Regular maintenance and love will avoid lots of problems.
Best truck I've ever owned and I would buy it again in a heart beat.

TOPGLOCK

X2. It had to be said. This engine catches a bad wrap for people's pure lack of maintenance. Very irritating

RickTM

How do I find the engine manufacturing date?

I just bought a '07 XLT 4WD Supercab with 65K miles on it. It's very well maintained and I have the Ford Dealer's (it's a one owner vehicle) service records for it. I just cranked it up in 29 degree (F) weather and it runs like new. Quiet and smooth.

I didn't want to put a lot of money (it was still a lot of money to me, don't get me started on hyper-inflated truck prices) into something that was just to move things around with and have something for bad weather.

I have a 2-year aftermarket Ford Warranty on it (I never buy those, but I got a little spooked by all this spark plug/timing chain/tensioner talk) and I plan on asking them to do a timing chain/plug change/tune-up on it at about 90K, whenever that happens.

Should I go ahead and do it now or wait? Thanks in advance...

TOPGLOCK

HeathMc

I wouldn't be scared of that engine at all. I'd do the plugs just because it will be easier to do right now (or should be). I bought my father in laws 08 King Ranch and sold my 05 Lariat. Neither have ever given me an issue. Both had regular oil changes and maintenance. I think you'll enjoy that truck and continue to take care of it and it and you'll probably get tired of driving it before it gives up on you.

RickTM

Thank you HeathMc and TOPGLOCK! That's what I was hoping to hear.

I'll set up an appointment. Better now than later was what I thought might be the case, but I didn't want to pre-bias an answer with how I asked my question. It's an eleven-year-old truck that may have been left unused (conjecture on my part) for some time. It's "time-machine" clean and I feel lucky to have found it. I don't want to have to deal with those complications if I don't have to.

Next question: I'm pretty faithful about my maintenance, and I usually opting for Oil changes at 5K miles. This truck might "like" 3K better, so I'm fine with doing that instead if it's going "notice" the difference.

I've read recommendations about using the (is it 15K mile now?) Mobile 1 synthetic. But they come with the caveat that once you go THERE there is no switching back to the original recipe. What say you, folks?

I've also read to stick with the manufacturer 5W-20 rather than 5W-30. I live in the mid-Atlantic Southeast. This Winter might be the first "serious" one in about a decade (judging from the Fall), but I acknowledge that our "serious" isn't Minnesota "serious". Thanks again...

TOPGLOCK

getwithit

I have over 140k on my 2007 5.4 ....Bought it with maybe right around 130k...replaced plugs/boots...drivers side cam/rockers....new phasers..timing chain/gears..vct solenoids...upgraded to Mellings HV oil pump.....etc. etc. All of this was done within the first month or so of owning it...