What exactly is the problem with the 5.4?
12-17-2015, 03:00 PM
#11
Yeah believe me there are many times where I'm like man this 4.6 is a dog, Even when I was buying mine the salesman told me he even thought the GM small motor the 4.8 had more grunt. But it's true I've never drove a 5.4, in sure if be impressed.
12-17-2015, 03:01 PM
#12
12-17-2015, 03:35 PM
#13
Other than the breaking spark plug issue, my 2004 5.4 has been flawless. 145k miles.
The way I solved the spark plug issue is at every 25k birthday, I have the garage remove and re-install the plugs to insure that they aren't getting stuck in the head.
Problem solved.
The way I solved the spark plug issue is at every 25k birthday, I have the garage remove and re-install the plugs to insure that they aren't getting stuck in the head.
Problem solved.
Last edited by rogersmithiii; 12-17-2015 at 03:37 PM.
12-17-2015, 04:09 PM
#14
12-17-2015, 05:16 PM
#15
What exactly is wrong? I feel like I have written this a thousand times but here goes again.
The 5.4 3V is a good motor, however it has some shortcomings. The primary ones being the timing components. There are three problem areas, 1. The Cam phasers (located under the valve covers) are a component that's job is to advance and retard timing. They are hydraulically driven (by your engine oil) and are a well known failure point. Essentially there is a pin that sheers and you get a knocking/dieseling sound or worse. 2. The VCT solenoids (Variable Cam Timing) control the phasers. (This explains their job in detail http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/VCT_Solenoid.html) by controlling the amount of oil flow to the cam phasers. These have been known to fail or become blocked resulting in improper operation of the cam phasers and thus affects the engine timing. And finally number 3, leaking timing chain tensioners. These engines are equipped with timing chains and these chains are kept tight by means of a hydraulic (again, using your engine oil) tensioners. They function quite well but unfortunately, the seal that holds the oil pressure behind them can fail and they bleed down pressure.
Most people notice the issue on a cold start (like overnight). There is an audible slapping sound lasting 2-5 seconds as the loose chain smacks against its guides and front timing cover. This is a big deal as you could imagine too much slack can result in the engine jumping time. There is also a nasty side effect of a loose chain, there are long plastic/synthetic guides that can be damaged by the chain slapping against them. The pieces of the broken guide fall into the oil pan and block the oil pick up tube, resulting in a lack of lubrication to the top end valve train.
These are broad strokes but essentially embody the problems with this engine and if you are a careful observer you'll notice a pattern. ENGINE OIL. Long oil change intervals can be deadly to any motor but this one is particularly cranky. If the oil pressure to the top end is restricted the cam phasers will not to be able to operate. If there is sludge the VCT solenoids will become plugged. Also, in order to keep the top end lubricated on start up an oil filter must have a proper oil check valve so the engine oil stays up top. Use motorcraft filters here.
Phew, I'm done. Sorry for the wall of text. I really should save this somewhere for later.
The 5.4 3V is a good motor, however it has some shortcomings. The primary ones being the timing components. There are three problem areas, 1. The Cam phasers (located under the valve covers) are a component that's job is to advance and retard timing. They are hydraulically driven (by your engine oil) and are a well known failure point. Essentially there is a pin that sheers and you get a knocking/dieseling sound or worse. 2. The VCT solenoids (Variable Cam Timing) control the phasers. (This explains their job in detail http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/VCT_Solenoid.html) by controlling the amount of oil flow to the cam phasers. These have been known to fail or become blocked resulting in improper operation of the cam phasers and thus affects the engine timing. And finally number 3, leaking timing chain tensioners. These engines are equipped with timing chains and these chains are kept tight by means of a hydraulic (again, using your engine oil) tensioners. They function quite well but unfortunately, the seal that holds the oil pressure behind them can fail and they bleed down pressure.
Most people notice the issue on a cold start (like overnight). There is an audible slapping sound lasting 2-5 seconds as the loose chain smacks against its guides and front timing cover. This is a big deal as you could imagine too much slack can result in the engine jumping time. There is also a nasty side effect of a loose chain, there are long plastic/synthetic guides that can be damaged by the chain slapping against them. The pieces of the broken guide fall into the oil pan and block the oil pick up tube, resulting in a lack of lubrication to the top end valve train.
These are broad strokes but essentially embody the problems with this engine and if you are a careful observer you'll notice a pattern. ENGINE OIL. Long oil change intervals can be deadly to any motor but this one is particularly cranky. If the oil pressure to the top end is restricted the cam phasers will not to be able to operate. If there is sludge the VCT solenoids will become plugged. Also, in order to keep the top end lubricated on start up an oil filter must have a proper oil check valve so the engine oil stays up top. Use motorcraft filters here.
Phew, I'm done. Sorry for the wall of text. I really should save this somewhere for later.
Last edited by ColdinCanada; 12-17-2015 at 05:19 PM.
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connorfx4 (12-17-2015)
12-17-2015, 06:37 PM
#16
Senior Member
What exactly is wrong? I feel like I have written this a thousand times but here goes again. The 5.4 3V is a good motor, however it has some shortcomings. The primary ones being the timing components. There are three problem areas, 1. The Cam phasers (located under the valve covers) are a component that's job is to advance and retard timing. They are hydraulically driven (by your engine oil) and are a well known failure point. Essentially there is a pin that sheers and you get a knocking/dieseling sound or worse. 2. The VCT solenoids (Variable Cam Timing) control the phasers. (This explains their job in detail http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/VCT_Solenoid.html) by controlling the amount of oil flow to the cam phasers. These have been known to fail or become blocked resulting in improper operation of the cam phasers and thus affects the engine timing. And finally number 3, leaking timing chain tensioners. These engines are equipped with timing chains and these chains are kept tight by means of a hydraulic (again, using your engine oil) tensioners. They function quite well but unfortunately, the seal that holds the oil pressure behind them can fail and they bleed down pressure. Most people notice the issue on a cold start (like overnight). There is an audible slapping sound lasting 2-5 seconds as the loose chain smacks against its guides and front timing cover. This is a big deal as you could imagine too much slack can result in the engine jumping time. There is also a nasty side effect of a loose chain, there are long plastic/synthetic guides that can be damaged by the chain slapping against them. The pieces of the broken guide fall into the oil pan and block the oil pick up tube, resulting in a lack of lubrication to the top end valve train. These are broad strokes but essentially embody the problems with this engine and if you are a careful observer you'll notice a pattern. ENGINE OIL. Long oil change intervals can be deadly to any motor but this one is particularly cranky. If the oil pressure to the top end is restricted the cam phasers will not to be able to operate. If there is sludge the VCT solenoids will become plugged. Also, in order to keep the top end lubricated on start up an oil filter must have a proper oil check valve so the engine oil stays up top. Use motorcraft filters here. Phew, I'm done. Sorry for the wall of text. I really should save this somewhere for later.
12-17-2015, 06:50 PM
#17
I had a 4.6 before my truck now and I wouldn't recommend anyone buying that engine. It blew spark plugs in two different spots multiple times, horrible mpg and had no power. If you're pulling anything at all you'll be quite pissed you bought a 4.6. My buddies dad had a 5.4 same truck as mine just different engine that he put over 350k miles on it and didn't have the first problem. My buddy has a 250 with a 5.4 it's lifted and he treats it like crap and hasn't had the first problem and I think he's over 200k on it. I was looking for a 5.4 before I bought my 5.0
12-17-2015, 06:54 PM
#18
Senior Member
My 5.4 has 235,000 trouble free miles and is quiet with no rattles. The key to longevity with these 3v engines is to use a 30w fully synthetic oil. Common sense keeps these engines alive, not the owners manual 
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7broccos (12-18-2015)
12-17-2015, 08:32 PM
#19
Member
Apart from what ColdinCanada said, you are naturally going to hear more negative things about this engine because A LOT of people had/have these trucks. Forums amplify the complaints because for us, this is the first place we go to if there is an issue.
With that said, most of us with a 5.4 enjoy them. I think that they are good engines, but considering the trucks are getting up there in age/mileage, they need their attention. The guys with 4.6's love them because the 4.6 is the cockroach of engines just like how the Crown Vic is the cockroach of cars.
With that said, most of us with a 5.4 enjoy them. I think that they are good engines, but considering the trucks are getting up there in age/mileage, they need their attention. The guys with 4.6's love them because the 4.6 is the cockroach of engines just like how the Crown Vic is the cockroach of cars.
12-17-2015, 08:46 PM
#20
Wow, thanks for all the replies!!
I just really love the looks of the F-150s vs other brands. And now my wife has given me permission to buy...
Of course, I want to do my due diligence. I don't want to be stupid about it and just buy something just based on looks and because I want it.
I'll have to really keep my ears open and listen for any strange noises coming from the engine.
I'm going to convince my wife to look at this one:http://www.route146autosales.com/200..._259914515.veh
It's a little expensive but I love that FX4 package.
I just really love the looks of the F-150s vs other brands. And now my wife has given me permission to buy...
Of course, I want to do my due diligence. I don't want to be stupid about it and just buy something just based on looks and because I want it.
I'll have to really keep my ears open and listen for any strange noises coming from the engine.
I'm going to convince my wife to look at this one:http://www.route146autosales.com/200..._259914515.veh
It's a little expensive but I love that FX4 package.
