Are the 5.4l engines as bad as these forums make them sound?
03-01-2017, 12:26 PM
#41
Overall, it's a real powerful engine. But it doesn't have a long life.
+220k miles on mines.
I've always kept current on oil changes and other maintenance. Oil changes were done every 3,000 miles, not 5,000 like the manual says.
Never done any modifications on it either nor revved that engine like a drag racer either.
However, I've been having a P0345 & P0349 codes since November. After days and days of troubleshooting and throwing nearly $600 in parts, I can't figure out what's wrong. Everyone that reports these codes have lots of other issues (stalling, bogging, shuddering). Mines is running fine.
It likely needs a timing job, like many here recommended. But the parts alone are almost $1,000 and it'll take days to get it done.
Every mechanic that I know says the overall design of the timing components is the Achilles Heel of the V8 5.4L. Which means, even if I buy the parts and install them, the very same problem is going to come back. It only fixes half the problem.
Stuck fuel injectors, O2 sensors going bad, or other components is understandable. The timing however is the beating heart.
My truck has been paid for about 5 years now. Many only offered $1500 as trade-in (they know the problems too).
For a value that low, I rather just keep it as long as possible. It's better not to have a truck note anyway.
I've read the 4.6L is much more reliable, but not as powerful as the 5.4L
+220k miles on mines.
I've always kept current on oil changes and other maintenance. Oil changes were done every 3,000 miles, not 5,000 like the manual says.
Never done any modifications on it either nor revved that engine like a drag racer either.
However, I've been having a P0345 & P0349 codes since November. After days and days of troubleshooting and throwing nearly $600 in parts, I can't figure out what's wrong. Everyone that reports these codes have lots of other issues (stalling, bogging, shuddering). Mines is running fine.
It likely needs a timing job, like many here recommended. But the parts alone are almost $1,000 and it'll take days to get it done.
Every mechanic that I know says the overall design of the timing components is the Achilles Heel of the V8 5.4L. Which means, even if I buy the parts and install them, the very same problem is going to come back. It only fixes half the problem.
Stuck fuel injectors, O2 sensors going bad, or other components is understandable. The timing however is the beating heart.
My truck has been paid for about 5 years now. Many only offered $1500 as trade-in (they know the problems too).
For a value that low, I rather just keep it as long as possible. It's better not to have a truck note anyway.
I've read the 4.6L is much more reliable, but not as powerful as the 5.4L
03-01-2017, 04:50 PM
#42
Super Duper Senior Member
Thread Starter
The timing components were redesigned, from what I understand, and the problems they had resulted from owners neglecting oil changes or not using the recommended oil. Once you get the timing equipment, roller rockers, and lash adjusters replaced, then keep up on the oil changes, I bet you'll be fine.
The tech at my dealership said that Ford had redesigned the oil channels and the oil pump (and a few other things) on the new engine I got under warranty. (Ford engine)
The reason we bought this truck over others was because of the vast service history we had record of due to him having things done at the dealership. I would say it's more about poor design than improper maintenance.
03-02-2017, 11:42 AM
#43
everyone knocks on these motors but i have had nothing but good come from mine *knock on wood*
regular oil changes( about to switch to full synthetic)
as a matter of fact im about to do a complete over haul on it
new plugs, injectors, MSD Coil packs
new timing chain setup
i removed the clutch fan and am running e-fans, have a 170* thermostat on it and an Edge Evo II tuner
no problem, plenty of power
about to also do a manifold back exhaust to let it breathe better, thinking about headers as well
but as stated, no problems what so ever, again *knock on wood*
regular oil changes( about to switch to full synthetic)
as a matter of fact im about to do a complete over haul on it
new plugs, injectors, MSD Coil packs
new timing chain setup
i removed the clutch fan and am running e-fans, have a 170* thermostat on it and an Edge Evo II tuner
no problem, plenty of power
about to also do a manifold back exhaust to let it breathe better, thinking about headers as well
but as stated, no problems what so ever, again *knock on wood*
03-02-2017, 12:53 PM
#44
Super Duper Senior Member
Thread Starter
What I was told by the tech that replaced my engine, is that it was the oil pump that failed in my truck. Every reman engine and even the Ford engines had a redesigned oil pump.
04-01-2017, 10:39 PM
#46
Lucky Number 7
We have finally had bad luck with a 5.4 in our 2009 Expedition. We got it used at 60K miles and change oil with MC oil and filters every 5K miles and the motor blew at 156K... We have had 4-5 vehicles with the 5.4 and this is the only one that has given us any trouble... Swapped in another engine and still working through some quirks... Win some, ya lose some!
04-22-2017, 11:59 PM
#47
Bad
find a nice truck with engine problems,buy it cheap ....put in a reman with warranty with the money you saved. Do correct and timely maint.
its an option
poor maint is most of the problem.Lots of small passages that love nasty old sludge. Early build 3v had crappy VCT parts...
plugs need to be done earlier than 100k.
And some have had no problems!!
I believe now you can also delete variable cam timing with fixed gears and programming.
its an option
poor maint is most of the problem.Lots of small passages that love nasty old sludge. Early build 3v had crappy VCT parts...
plugs need to be done earlier than 100k.
And some have had no problems!!
I believe now you can also delete variable cam timing with fixed gears and programming.
04-23-2017, 12:15 AM
#48
pump
I was a Ford Tech from 03 to 09. never saw a bad oil pump on the gas trucks.
the upgraded pumps were probably a Ford band aid for poor designed head and vct pressure problems.
04-30-2017, 07:35 PM
#49
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Uh oh
So I have been considering a used F150 to be a 2nd vehicle, primarily for towing a boat that I don't own yet (~5500 pounds or more) a couple of times a month and hauling firewood a few times a year. Also 50 mile round trip to work once week just to burn gas and turn the oil over. I have been looking at 5.4l to get the increased towing capacity. Also, only trucks with the towing package. Two that I have my eye on are an 01 that a buddy has with 162k. He had a spark plug on one cylinder early on, but that is it. Most of the miles were put on early (up to about 5 years ago) and it has become a driveway sitter/boat hauler as of late. He wants ~$5k (it's in Delaware). The other is an 06 with 165k that is a daily driver that has a number of after market upgrades (i can list them if it helps). Haven't seen that one yet, but was figuring out if I wanted to go look. It's in Jersey. He wants $8.5 due to the upgrades. Both say they have meticulous records.
I have only owned foreign vehicles and love my Ridgeline. Yeah, I know most folks don't consider it a "real" truck, but it does everything that I need to date, but won't haul the next boat and I'd like a bigger bed for wood. I plan on getting a small daily driver hatchback to get better gas mileage and haul the dogs around. The cash I have for vehicles would come from selling the Ridgeline and splitting into two vehicles, so it's not unlimited.
Now I am wondering if this move is a good idea. Sounds like there are many issues with the 5.4l that could pop at any time. Obviously, neither of the truck I am looking at would have any kind of warranty, so that pop would be on me. Ugh!
I guess I could just forget the F150, keep the Ridgeline and find a smaller boat. That option isn't so great either. Maybe I'll look at used Tundras.
Do you think I should punt on the older 150's?
Thanks!!
I have only owned foreign vehicles and love my Ridgeline. Yeah, I know most folks don't consider it a "real" truck, but it does everything that I need to date, but won't haul the next boat and I'd like a bigger bed for wood. I plan on getting a small daily driver hatchback to get better gas mileage and haul the dogs around. The cash I have for vehicles would come from selling the Ridgeline and splitting into two vehicles, so it's not unlimited.
Now I am wondering if this move is a good idea. Sounds like there are many issues with the 5.4l that could pop at any time. Obviously, neither of the truck I am looking at would have any kind of warranty, so that pop would be on me. Ugh!
I guess I could just forget the F150, keep the Ridgeline and find a smaller boat. That option isn't so great either. Maybe I'll look at used Tundras.
Do you think I should punt on the older 150's?
Thanks!!
04-30-2017, 08:01 PM
#50
So I have been considering a used F150 to be a 2nd vehicle, primarily for towing a boat that I don't own yet (~5500 pounds or more) a couple of times a month and hauling firewood a few times a year. Also 50 mile round trip to work once week just to burn gas and turn the oil over. I have been looking at 5.4l to get the increased towing capacity. Also, only trucks with the towing package. Two that I have my eye on are an 01 that a buddy has with 162k. He had a spark plug on one cylinder early on, but that is it. Most of the miles were put on early (up to about 5 years ago) and it has become a driveway sitter/boat hauler as of late. He wants ~$5k (it's in Delaware). The other is an 06 with 165k that is a daily driver that has a number of after market upgrades (i can list them if it helps). Haven't seen that one yet, but was figuring out if I wanted to go look. It's in Jersey. He wants $8.5 due to the upgrades. Both say they have meticulous records.
I have only owned foreign vehicles and love my Ridgeline. Yeah, I know most folks don't consider it a "real" truck, but it does everything that I need to date, but won't haul the next boat and I'd like a bigger bed for wood. I plan on getting a small daily driver hatchback to get better gas mileage and haul the dogs around. The cash I have for vehicles would come from selling the Ridgeline and splitting into two vehicles, so it's not unlimited.
Now I am wondering if this move is a good idea. Sounds like there are many issues with the 5.4l that could pop at any time. Obviously, neither of the truck I am looking at would have any kind of warranty, so that pop would be on me. Ugh!
I guess I could just forget the F150, keep the Ridgeline and find a smaller boat. That option isn't so great either. Maybe I'll look at used Tundras.
Do you think I should punt on the older 150's?
Thanks!!
I have only owned foreign vehicles and love my Ridgeline. Yeah, I know most folks don't consider it a "real" truck, but it does everything that I need to date, but won't haul the next boat and I'd like a bigger bed for wood. I plan on getting a small daily driver hatchback to get better gas mileage and haul the dogs around. The cash I have for vehicles would come from selling the Ridgeline and splitting into two vehicles, so it's not unlimited.
Now I am wondering if this move is a good idea. Sounds like there are many issues with the 5.4l that could pop at any time. Obviously, neither of the truck I am looking at would have any kind of warranty, so that pop would be on me. Ugh!
I guess I could just forget the F150, keep the Ridgeline and find a smaller boat. That option isn't so great either. Maybe I'll look at used Tundras.
Do you think I should punt on the older 150's?
Thanks!!