5.4 questions
04-12-2021, 08:46 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
5.4 questions
okay we had a 07 expedition with a 5.4 it was the limited trim loved it. but the engine gave us trouble lots of trouble till it just blew at 230,000. Any way I have a 97 with 4.6 over 400,000 miles untouched other than maintenance parts. i have a chance to by a 03 with the 5.4 is this a good year for that engine the truck has 137,000 miles original owner all records he is now 87yo. Anything I should know I don't want the same problems as the 07. also the 4spd automatic 03 any things to look out for or to do to them. the truck has been serviced at the ford dealer since new.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
04-12-2021, 10:05 AM
#2
07 was 3v engine with lots of problems. Notably spark plugs and insufficient oil pressure for cam phasers.
03 is a great 2v engine. None of those problems.
But it is 18 yo, and age counts as well as miles where plastic parts are concerned.
The issues the 2v has, imo
Plastic Intake manifold cracks when old. Count on replacing at some point.
Pcv rubber hoses and connectors degrade
COPs fail at high mileage
Heater core hose fittings fail eventually with age/mileage.
Might get oring leak on heater pipe under manifold at high mileage
Plastic timing chain guides wear and can fail at high mileage. Oil and maintenance is important here.
head gaskets failures at high mileage 200k+ are not that uncommon. There were some with a burr on block from factory that may contribute, also neglected cooling system maintenance is likely a factor.
Neglected cooling system leads to heater core pluggage and failure
Well maintained vehicle, particularly coolant, should be great. Wont be trouble free. Only expensive issue is likely timing chain guides needed around 200k.
I had minor hg leak develop on mine at 180k. Just a rough start after sitting overnight. By 195k, was occassional misfire. Was able to drive it until got bad at 200k. Had a year to plan replacement. 100K currently on replacement engine, no issues.
In retrospect i should have replaced heater hoses, cops, heater pipe, manifold when installed reman engine, because ended up doing those anyway a few yrs later
03 is a great 2v engine. None of those problems.
But it is 18 yo, and age counts as well as miles where plastic parts are concerned.
The issues the 2v has, imo
Plastic Intake manifold cracks when old. Count on replacing at some point.
Pcv rubber hoses and connectors degrade
COPs fail at high mileage
Heater core hose fittings fail eventually with age/mileage.
Might get oring leak on heater pipe under manifold at high mileage
Plastic timing chain guides wear and can fail at high mileage. Oil and maintenance is important here.
head gaskets failures at high mileage 200k+ are not that uncommon. There were some with a burr on block from factory that may contribute, also neglected cooling system maintenance is likely a factor.
Neglected cooling system leads to heater core pluggage and failure
Well maintained vehicle, particularly coolant, should be great. Wont be trouble free. Only expensive issue is likely timing chain guides needed around 200k.
I had minor hg leak develop on mine at 180k. Just a rough start after sitting overnight. By 195k, was occassional misfire. Was able to drive it until got bad at 200k. Had a year to plan replacement. 100K currently on replacement engine, no issues.
In retrospect i should have replaced heater hoses, cops, heater pipe, manifold when installed reman engine, because ended up doing those anyway a few yrs later
Last edited by mbb; 04-12-2021 at 10:36 AM.
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fts1966 (04-13-2021)