eagle9

Gonna be purchasing a Lariat next year. Been reading a lot about the phaser and sparkplug issues on the forum. I think instead of wading thru 2004 engines to make sure i get a good one, do any of the 2005 up 5.4 engines NOT have these issues? Thanx

ford4wd08

Head redesign wasn't until late 07, 2008 engine build dates for the spark plugs.

eagle9

so, 2008 engines are the "safest". thanx for the information. that year might be out of my budget, but will look into it further. thanx.

ford4wd08

The spark plug issue isn't as much of an issues as it once was. It's annoying, but they can be changed out with special tools. I personally have an 07 and I'm happy with it. You would probably be ok with a late 06 or 07. I do know quiet a few people with 04's and 05's without issues. I believe it's really hit or miss and I only see all the issues on this forum.

fatedstranger

Ford changed the plug and head design starting with the 11/30/07 engine build date. The engine build date is on the drivers side valve cover.

As far as I know, the phaser issue has never been resolved for the 3v 5.4L. Ford has revised the tensioner and the VCT solenoid design which seem to have helped but it's not a complete fix.

The updated tensioner and VCT solenoid came out after the last 2008 came off the production line so only people that have swapped them out have the updated versions. I have a 2008 with the updated head design and my timing chain rattles at start up so it would seem one or both of my tensioners have failed.