laterongc

you got a 2016 f150 with a 5.4 3v in it?

thebestengines

The start up rattle can occur with plastic tensioners that have good seals occasionally from engines sitting long periods depending on the position engine was tuned off possibly from strain exerted by valve-train cause the tensioner to relax- as they have no ratchet mechanism to hold them like the cast iron tensioner. After truck sits for long periods or oil changes found holding gas peddle to the floor and let engine crank several extra revolutions Helps tighten chain - before releasing gas pedal and allow engine to start normal (PCM will not allow engine to fire up at WOT). Plus this gets oil moving b4 starting in those compressed plastic tensioners - will help prevent the chain whip that eventually break the plastic chain guides that end up In oil pan clogging oil system. This is a good trick for a compressed tensioner not a blown one that rattles every startup as you will kill your starter!

RA1221222

Good catch! That's what happens when I think and type at the same time.

Corrected it to 2006.

Slicefixer

Don't be spooked about the 5.4 3v.....

I got 276k out of my original engine. It was still running fine, but, TP showed it was spitting misfires like a slot machine at hot idle (couldn't feel the misfires). I replaced with an AER reman through Powersource out of Memphis. It runs perfectly at 21k with zero issues. I'm still running the original tranny as it shifts fine, but, plan on installing a reman when it eventually grenades

As for all the 5.4 BS on the net, you have to understand most posters are having issues and are searching for help (same with Chevy's, Ram's, etc). Tens of thousands of 5.4's have proven to be very reliable and provided millions of miles of service.

Change the oil DEAD on time and replace the plugs every 50k. Check your COPS carefully every 50k. Clean MAF sensor periodically, etc. Utilize TP to monitor your engine while driving. That way you'll have a chance of catching any issues EARLY. If you'll do that you should be good to go for a long time.

AdaminMN

I'm at 195,000 with all the original timing components. The only items I've had to replace under the hood are the plugs, COPs, and alternator. Oil changed every 5000 miles, with full synthetic.

ZSK

My 5.4 is a late 2006 build I bought the truck in 2014 at 77k and it has 166k now. Immediately put a tuner on it, I've swapped spark plugs twice, put new springs and plug boots on the coils at the second changed, an idle pulley that was making noise. The passenger exhaust manifold is leaking a little because I can hear a tick but I haven't had any real issues engine wise mostly just maintenance items.

John Sweeney

Really and truly my truck has been great. Most everything I've been forced to do to my truck due to failure, or wear has been routine stuff. Brakes, starter, battery. Most everything else has been replaced because I wanted to do it, or as a preventative measure. The 2 worse things I have had to do to my truck were the dreaded exhaust manifold, and timing set. I did the timing set more out of paranoia. My truck is still in pretty good shape and didn't want to risk blowing it up.

Devil Horse

'06 XLT, original owner with 172k. Has had a tapping for years coming from area of #3 cylinder which I have read horror stories about. Has recently developed an oil leak a rear of oil pan but all in all she still runs great, even after the wife hit a bridge.

Kkanoski

Those are two things maybe on my list. The passenger side exhaust manifold is load at startup, but just for a min. and is then fine. Engine pulls strong but worry about timing as it has 220k on it. How much was the timing job?

TheExiled

Another success story here, bought at 30k, now about to hit 200k, lived most of it's life as a long travelled family adventure rig and not babied at all..

So far other than the passenger exhaust stud breaking off and an alternator, reliable as can be. (Religeous maintenance practices)