Hey I'm new to the forum . I need advice.
Ive got a 04 f150 5.4 171,000 miles
I bought it a year ago wt no issues at 158,000. I got in touch wt a previous owner and he sold it at 140k sounded like a diesel.
I thought I was set for a while. The motor started knocking on start up for a few seconds and progressed longer as time has gone on and it smoked on start up too. So 2 weeks ago she let loose on the way home knocking. Timimg chain slaping the cover. So I have tore it down to find both guides broke in 100 pieces. Took oil pan off last night to clean it out. Oil pick up was clogged wt plastic and metal sparkles all in the bottom of the motor from the chain wear. I see each piston rod has been marked wt a yellow paint pen each cylinder #. The cylinder walls look like mirrors.
I don't know what I should do at this point.

 

Probably should've taken care of it when you heard the sound instead of ignoring it. Try replacing all that stuff and hope for the best.

 

I researched online about the noise and others said it was normal operation. I have taken care of the truck. I'm a mechanic for a living so it's neglected. I just bought into someone's elses nightmare of issues.
I tore it down to do a replacement of timing parts but it has snow balled into more than that.

 

It's not normal, it's just common. It should definitely be quiet. Once you do the timing equipment, all of it, and the lifters and roller rockers, it shouldn't make noise. Check the front cover. A lot of the oil sparkle probably comes from the chain scraping it.

 

I can replace all that but it's not helping the fact that it's burning oil also. Im looking at long blocks

 

Can you trust that they will use quality materials. such as a melling 360 oil pump. oem lash adjusters and other timing parts.Do they reuse old parts ?
The oil pump is the source of problems for this engine if you change the oil pump on long block do you void warranty. The intake manifold and throttle body are problem areas also .

Are you getting updated heads with more sparkplug threads .How about metal tensioners . better guides ?

 

I'm not totally sure but since you mentioned it I'll ask when Ill call around for prices. I did call my local ford dealer and it was a long block $4500, assuming it's all new. Advanced auto is reman for $3000 but has no oil pan, valve cover or chain cover. Which isn't worth $1500 dollars extra but it would be if the factory ford is new updated parts. My other option is pull it out and rebuild it myself. I just want the best for my money. Can't sink alot of money into the truck. Just need it to be a dependable daily driver again.