josh_truck

took my truck in for a misfire under 1000 rpm on cyl 3, they come back with a compression test saying the piston is shot, either dump the truck or put a new motor in it. And the price he gave me for the new motor was $6200 ford remanufactured or 4700 for a used engine with 96k miles. Im not too familiar with motor prices for these trucks but ive been told by a couple people that sounded too high. Thoughts?

ToughFX4

I think you can get a remanufactured motor for around $3,500-4,000

CBigley

Get a second opinion.

Chris

Teddy

Its just the 3rd cylinder? Is there no possible way to just replace that? I'm not sure

Mod (Ret.)

Did that price include removal of the old engine and installation of the new/remanufactured/used engine? If so, then the labor charges are reasonable if you're not willing to do this work yourself.

In any event, I'd still get a second opinion from another reputable mechanic/shop as to the diagnosis before I consider the first opinion. This is an expensive repair; it deserves a couple of opinions.

Go to Ebay motors, parts and accessories and search on "F150 2004 5.4 engine" and get an idea of prices for these used engines. Based on thier mileage and distance, this will give you an idea on what a used engine will cost delivered to you. Obviously finding one in your local junkyards with low mileage will be better; you save on freight shipping. Also hearing it run is a plus, as you have to know by now that these 5.4's have plenty of issues with cam phasers, etc.

If it does require engine replacement, I'd target one that has low mileage that I could hear run, and perhaps comes with a warranty from the junkyard. Keep in mind that there may be differences in sensor electrical connections between the 04 to 08 years which could make for a simple swap turning into a more difficult one. Some of the earlier 5.4's had 4 cats, the latter had only two, so O2 sensors may be a factor when swapping late model with early model engines.

Do you like the rest of the truck? In other words, is it in good enough shape to warrent an engine replacement if this is required? Maybe cutting your losses and going with a new truck is a better option. Only you can make that decision.

PJ The Kid

You might pull the valve cover and check valves, i have seen a few lately with springs broke. Also check into a short block it should be a lot cheaper if it is just a lower end problem.

msdins

I got a reman with 100k mile warranty installed for $4300 from a local mechanic. The dealer quoted me $7500.

josh_truck

yeah, i will deffinatly get a couple more opinions, and bucko, yeah i know all about the cam phasers, spark plugs, injectors, ect issues you're talking about. And the truck is in great shape, its out of florida so no rust, and its a lariat too, so the rebuild would be justified, and the motor would be warrantied for 3yr/36k which would be nice. My only concern would be if something else major went wrong after the rebuild. id probably have a nervous breakdown lol. im going down to the dealership today after i get out of class to look at some other trucks and if i dont get a really good deal on one, then im probably gonna rebuild. im also gonna ask to see the compression test, and the pictures they took of the piston. lol wish me luck, ill let you guys know how it goes.

'08f150stx

I see you have high esteem for the Ford garage. Not a bad thing, they are trained on Ford vehicles, it will cost you more though. 3 year, 36K may seem long but to me not enough for what you may spend. Let the Ford dealer know that, try to get a longer warranty if you can. I certainly would not get used.

Mod (Ret.)

looks like you have a plan. Good deal.

Some folks that know me think I'm nuts (the wife agrees) with my logic. I'm one of those that buys a good clean USED vehicle (lower depreciation "hit"), then I search around and buy low mileage OEM replacement parts that commonly need replacement, such as an alternator, starter, etc.

In my garage sits a low mileage 4.2 V6 engine and automatic transmission (bought out of a totalled 2005 F150 with 23K on it when it got totalled). My current drivetrain has 86K and is running strong. Assuming I'm not involved in any sort of wreck (knocking on my head as I write this), I plan on keeping this truck for a long time. My other rides are a 1984 VW Vanagon camper (it has 238K on it's original engine) and a 2000 Harley-Davidson FLHT (on it's second engine; the first gave me 104K). In all these cases, I bought low mileage used replacement engines and stored them in my garage. Since I do the work myself, labor is cheap. Best time to shop for replacement engines/transmissions is when you don't need them.
I paid $1300.00 for the low mileage used engine and transmission for the 2005. It will be sitting awhile, as I'm sure the current drivetrain will get me into the 200K range without internal problems. That's why I bought it with a 4.2. They don't have the issues of the 5.4. I also don't have the power of the 5.4, but I live with that. remember, my other vehicle is a 1984 VW vanagon camper with a 4 banger! Power and speed are not my first concerns in transportation!