2004 FordF150, FX4, 5.4l V8, with 3 valves per cylinder

[civilian]

My daughter has one for sale, About 128k miles. My question is what are the problems with this engine? Some used car salesman told me that he would put one on his lot to sell unless there was proof that the engine had been rebuilt, or a new one installed. Comments? It is fairly clean, I know she wants the most dollar she can get, but neither of us have heard of this engine problem. Thanks in advance for your thoghts. Jon

 

[coobie]

My daughter has one for sale, About 128k miles. My question is what are the problems with this engine? Some used car salesman told me that he would put one on his lot to sell unless there was proof that the engine had been rebuilt, or a new one installed. Comments? It is fairly clean, I know she wants the most dollar she can get, but neither of us have heard of this engine problem. Thanks in advance for your thoghts. Jon

I have a 2006 ford-f150 with the 5.4 triton.Had to have both manifolds changed $525 per side.Spark plugs are a pain in the *** to change.Some folks say cam phasers are a problem also.I have around 107,000 miles on my truck IMHO it has been a decent truck.

 

[Haoleguy]

Sounds like car salesman bs. The only known consistent issue I know of is problems in changing spark plugs.

 

[fxdb96]

Cam phasers

 

[CurlyDave]

The 2004 diesels were dogs, but these were F 250 and F 350.

The Tritons were decent engines. I have a 2000 F 150 with the Triton and it is still going at ~ 180k. But it is on its last legs.

My experience has been that a private sale will almost always allow you to undercut the asking price on a lot and yet put more $ in your own pocket. If you have the time and patience to wait for a buyer.

 

[TMGT]

Have two of them in the family, 05 and 07. As stated the plugs are problematic, however if they've been changed with the updated plugs you'll be fine.

Cam phasers can act up and manifolds have a tendency to warp, they actually aren't that hard to replace as long as the bolts don't break.

I like them, much better engine then the 4.6L.

 

[brown40]

There are a pile of them out there, and honestly I have not heard any complaints. I know folks with them in 150's and 250's and the only thing that sticks out, is that they don't complain about them. I think emissions were likely the motivation to start dropping displacement.

 

[civilian]

I agree with the used car salesman bs. However, I have heard of a few with "blown" engines, one a 150, the other a 250. Just don't know the exact reasons for them. Also agree on trying to sell it privately for better dollar. I just wanted to hear if others around the country had engine problems. It has been a good running truck for her with the usual items of oil changes, brake jobs, tires etc. Thanks for the replies. Jon

 

[deezler]

As states by other the spark plugs are problematic. They can pull the threads out of the head. Exhaust manifold design is also not real good. Otherwise it's a pretty stout motor, but, thirsty. Expect low teens for mpgs.

Honestly a Chevy 5.3L is a better, more reliable and economical engine.

 

[Infinite Wisdom]

Perhaps the salesman is confused.

1997 and early 1998 5.4L engines developed a reputation for piston slap due to a manufacturing error. After that I think the engine was pretty solid.