History and Track Record of the 4.6L V8
 

What is the general track record of reliability and durability for this 4.6L V8? I would love to do some research on it, learn about its history, design, performance, and quality information. If anyone has any links or references, please let me know.

Has this been a solid powerplant for Ford?

TIA! :)

The Story as I Know It:
 

:)The 4.6L SOHC modular engine appeared in 1991 in the Lincoln TC and related Panther chassis cars. Aside from changes in manifolding, etc., the engine has remained the same throughout the years. I presume the engine is still in production, but I'm not too sure about that with the advent of the 5.4L Triton.

The 4.6L SOHC has a record of reliability, durability and economy largely demonstrated by its use in the Ford Crown Victoria P71 Police Units. Cars outfitted with the engine have been the favorites with New York taxi cab operators for the reasons of size, reliability and economy.

Members of the Lincolntowncar.org site (of which I am a member) have vehicles with more than 300K miles on the clocks, some even exceeding 400K with nothing more done to the cars other than regular maintenance.

My 1994 LTC (4.6L/AODE) has 160K miles on the clock, runs perfectly and gives around-town driving mileage in my area of 21.5mpg even using the cheap gasoline that contains 10% ethanol. Straight 87 octane gas would give 1-2mpg more mileage.

The car makes 30mpg at a steady 50mph in OD on a flat road, 24-26mpg at 70-75mph cruise and 17mpg at 95mph.

When I was looking for a truck I chose the F150XLT with the 4.6L/4R70W combination based upon my experience with the same setup in my LTC. :whistling2:

^^^ agreed I think if you ask around you will find that this is one tough and reliable engine. Ask any taxi or limo driver and they will tell you nothing but the good from my experience. An added bonus is parts are cheap and plentiful and there are many independent garages that specialize in fleet vehicles that can fix these engines in a flash

Great long lasting engine. Many with over 200k miles.

That's all good to know, as I plan to keep this truck for a long, long, long time. I drive over 30K miles per year, too. :blink:

4.6 liter V8 best ever
 

hello. I joined this forum because i wanted to find out what people were saying about Ford 150s and the 4.6 liter V8 engine. I have a 1998 Ford F-150 with this engine and I just hit 247,000 miles. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and I use full synthetic. I have never had to do anything other than regular maintainance until just recently. Back in December I replaced the brake lines, the stearing gear box, the fuel pump and the valve cover gasket. Just recently I noticed the smell of antifreeze in conjunction with some white smoke coming out of the exhaust. I thought it was a head gasket but i was told by a reputable mechanic that it was just an intake manifold gasket. The engine runs great, does not burn or leak oil. This has been an amazing automobile, just amazing. Starts every morning and has taken the nickname "old reliable." I hope to get at least 300,000 out of it and I am confident that I will. Anyway, just joined the forum and wanted to say how much I LOVE:D this truck and it engine.

Ditto to what JOSH160 said,I was recently forced to upgrade my 1998,4.6l because of being rear-ended(totaled)....My 2010 has the 4.6 as well...in 190,000 miles...I had to replace an alternator...that it..Zero other problems,best vehicle I've ever owned

mine is a 2005 xlt screw that i use for work. has 242000 miles and no major repairs, just breaks, oil, tranny fluid, the required stuff, and 1 alternator since i have a sound system

I had one in my 97 F150 and I had over 150K miles on it when some dope "T-boned" me in the drivers door and totaled the truck. Changed the oil every 5000 miles and I have no doubt that engine would have gone over 250K miles easily. Never had one issue with the engine.

my 97 f150 4.6L 4x4 has 200K miles on it and runs perfect and hauls great. the only thing wrong with mine is that my exhaust manifold gasket is cracked, but it still doesn't take anything away from the performance.