OT: 2005 Ford F150 5.4 Triton Engine

[ChairForceCock]

Sorry, I would have taken this to small talk, but that seems mostly political stuff and I wanted to get opinions from the gear heads on the 5.4 Triton engine from ford. I am looking at possibly buying a 2005 Ford F150 with the Triton engine, but a lot of what I read says that Ford screwed up with this engine. It has 185,000 miles on it which scares me to death, but the engine sounds really smooth. Scrapes on both sides, windshield cracked, and driver must have been 400 lbs because the seat is jacked up, but overall nice truck. They are selling it $1000 below blue book, but my gut says to stay away from this deal.

 

[Rod Dangerfield]

 

[92Pony]

Do yourself a favor and google Ford 5.4 broken spark plugs.

That one factor in itself would be enough to steer me away from any Ford vehicle with that 5.4. I think the problems were during the 2004-2008 year range (or there-'bouts).

Seems Ford made the BRILLIANT move of using a 3-piece spark plug design in those motors. A simple spark plug change more often than not results in spark plugs broken off in the head.


Oh, but despite this Rod, Ford is First On Race Day, baby!

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
This post was edited on 3/11 10:02 AM by 92Pony

 

[bogiecock]

Originally posted by coastguardcock:
Sorry, I would have taken this to small talk, but that seems mostly political stuff and I wanted to get opinions from the gear heads on the 5.4 Triton engine from ford. I am looking at possibly buying a 2005 Ford F150 with the Triton engine, but a lot of what I read says that Ford screwed up with this engine. It has 185,000 miles on it which scares me to death, but the engine sounds really smooth. Scrapes on both sides, windshield cracked, and driver must have been 400 lbs because the seat is jacked up, but overall nice truck. They are selling it $1000 below blue book, but my gut says to stay away from this deal.

Make changing out the plugs part of the deal, but $1000 under bluebook with all those flaws? Personally wouldn't touch it.

 

[ClemsonBlozz]

I know we have a 2002 5.4 powered van at work,,, and it eats coil packs,, and also has blown the #4 spark plug out the head a few times..

 

[Cocky kebo57]

Originally posted by 92Pony:
Do yourself a favor and google Ford 5.4 broken spark plugs.

That one factor in itself would be enough to steer me away from any Ford vehicle with that 5.4. I think the problems were during the 2004-2008 year range (or there-'bouts).

Seems Ford made the BRILLIANT move of using a 3-piece spark plug design in those motors. A simple spark plug change more often than not results in spark plugs broken off in the head.


Oh, but despite this Rod, Ford is First On Race Day, baby!

This post was edited on 3/11 10:02 AM by 92Pony

I owned a 2000 F150 4x4 with the 5.4L Triton that I bought used in 2002 with 24k miles on it. The tranny went out at 73k miles. Had to replace at least 4 coil packs I think within the first 100k miles. The coil packs themselves are easy to change out, but still a pain because the fuel rails run directly over the top of them thus getting in the way.

As for the plugs... I know all too well about them. The way they are mounted in the heads is a pizz poor design (again, under the fuel rails), The bigger issue is that they sit at the bottom of a well, about 4 inches deep. Only way to access the plugs is with a deep well plug socket. Every time you run the truck, after you shut it off and it cools down, condensation can collect at the bottom of the well, right where the plug threads are at. One time I went about two years without changing the plugs and one of them had seized up from the condensation causing the plug to corrode in place, so it broke off pretty easily. Cost me couple hundred dollars to get that repaired. For anyone who has the 5.4L Triton v8, be sure to use anti-seize on the plugs to help prevent that. Another reason the plugs break off (or blow out) pretty easy is that they use the smallest plug available, when means it only has about 4 rounds of threads to tighten it down with, Just a poor design all around.

Oh yeah, the intake manifold is made of a composite material. Mine cracked on the left rear corner and leaked antifreeze all over the place. That cost me several hundred dollars too. I think you can get a replacement manifold that is made of all metal, should anyone run into that issue.

I will say this though, once it got past all that trouble, it was a good engine that was running strong, had very good oil pressure, and used NO oil when I finally sold it two years ago with 198k miles on it. The engine block itself is solid, the heads are what suck on it.

Two years ago I bought a 2013 Chevy Silverado 4x4 with the 5.3L engine, it's got 21k miles on it now and so far ZERO problems, and it's still got three more years left on the drivetrain warranty.

 

[vacock#]

Originally posted by Cocky kebo57:
I owned a 2000 F150 4x4 with the 5.4L Triton that I bought used in 2002 with 24k miles on it. The tranny went out at 73k miles. Had to replace at least 4 coil packs I think within the first 100k miles. The coil packs themselves are easy to change out, but still a pain because the fuel rails run directly over the top of them thus getting in the way.

As for the plugs... I know all too well about them. The way they are mounted in the heads is a pizz poor design (again, under the fuel rails), The bigger issue is that they sit at the bottom of a well, about 4 inches deep. Only way to access the plugs is with a deep well plug socket. Every time you run the truck, after you shut it off and it cools down, condensation can collect at the bottom of the well, right where the plug threads are at. One time I went about two years without changing the plugs and one of them had seized up from the condensation causing the plug to corrode in place, so it broke off pretty easily. Cost me couple hundred dollars to get that repaired. For anyone who has the 5.4L Triton v8, be sure to use anti-seize on the plugs to help prevent that. Another reason the plugs break off (or blow out) pretty easy is that they use the smallest plug available, when means it only has about 4 rounds of threads to tighten it down with, Just a poor design all around.

Oh yeah, the intake manifold is made of a composite material. Mine cracked on the left rear corner and leaked antifreeze all over the place. That cost me several hundred dollars too. I think you can get a replacement manifold that is made of all metal, should anyone run into that issue.

I will say this though, once it got past all that trouble, it was a good engine that was running strong, had very good oil pressure, and used NO oil when I finally sold it two years ago with 198k miles on it. The engine block itself is solid, the heads are what suck on it.

Two years ago I bought a 2013 Chevy Silverado 4x4 with the 5.3L engine, it's got 21k miles on it now and so far ZERO problems, and it's still got three more years left on the drivetrain warranty.

Thanks. That was a good report and good to know.

 

[LegalTiger]

Since we have some knowledgeable folks in this thread, does anyone have any thoughts on the 6.2L? I am looking at a used Raptor for the farm. TIA

This post was edited on 3/11 8:47 PM by LegalTiger

 

[IBleedUSC]

 

[IBleedUSC]

Raptors are cool but the suspension is like 3 times the repair costs as opposed to the regular f150. I would assume brakes and other wearable systems are similarly priced.

The spark plug issue is a stupid design but there is a tsb that if performed prior to replacement will avoid the plug breakage. It involves soaking the plug holes overnight so plan on taking your time if done. I think they have updated the plugs to a more durable one also but not sure. I know 2009 and up have better designs.

Originally posted by LegalTiger:
Since we have some knowledgeable folks in this thread, does anyone have any thoughts on the 6.2L? I am looking at a used Raptor for the farm. TIA

This post was edited on 3/11 8:47 PM by LegalTiger

 

[USCRBCOCK]

Originally posted by vacock#:

Originally posted by Cocky kebo57:
I owned a 2000 F150 4x4 with the 5.4L Triton that I bought used in 2002 with 24k miles on it. The tranny went out at 73k miles. Had to replace at least 4 coil packs I think within the first 100k miles. The coil packs themselves are easy to change out, but still a pain because the fuel rails run directly over the top of them thus getting in the way.

As for the plugs... I know all too well about them. The way they are mounted in the heads is a pizz poor design (again, under the fuel rails), The bigger issue is that they sit at the bottom of a well, about 4 inches deep. Only way to access the plugs is with a deep well plug socket. Every time you run the truck, after you shut it off and it cools down, condensation can collect at the bottom of the well, right where the plug threads are at. One time I went about two years without changing the plugs and one of them had seized up from the condensation causing the plug to corrode in place, so it broke off pretty easily. Cost me couple hundred dollars to get that repaired. For anyone who has the 5.4L Triton v8, be sure to use anti-seize on the plugs to help prevent that. Another reason the plugs break off (or blow out) pretty easy is that they use the smallest plug available, when means it only has about 4 rounds of threads to tighten it down with, Just a poor design all around.

Oh yeah, the intake manifold is made of a composite material. Mine cracked on the left rear corner and leaked antifreeze all over the place. That cost me several hundred dollars too. I think you can get a replacement manifold that is made of all metal, should anyone run into that issue.

I will say this though, once it got past all that trouble, it was a good engine that was running strong, had very good oil pressure, and used NO oil when I finally sold it two years ago with 198k miles on it. The engine block itself is solid, the heads are what suck on it.

Two years ago I bought a 2013 Chevy Silverado 4x4 with the 5.3L engine, it's got 21k miles on it now and so far ZERO problems, and it's still got three more years left on the drivetrain warranty.

Thanks. That was a good report and good to know.

NOT a good comparison at all. A used 2000 he got at 24k miles...his NEW 2013 (13 years better technology) chevy has 23K with no problems. Reports no issues on the Ford until 73K miles. Sounds like a Chevy man who settled on a Ford....never a good idea. Just the same, No Ford guy will ever give you a good report on a Chevy. I'm in the car business--I hear it every day.

 

[LegalTiger]

Originally posted by IBleedUSC:
Raptors are cool but the suspension is like 3 times the repair costs as opposed to the regular f150. I would assume brakes and other wearable systems are similarly priced.

The spark plug issue is a stupid design but there is a tsb that if performed prior to replacement will avoid the plug breakage. It involves soaking the plug holes overnight so plan on taking your time if done. I think they have updated the plugs to a more durable one also but not sure. I know 2009 and up have better designs.

Originally posted by LegalTiger:
Since we have some knowledgeable folks in this thread, does anyone have any thoughts on the 6.2L? I am looking at a used Raptor for the farm. TIA

This post was edited on 3/11 8:47 PM by LegalTiger

Thanks, good points.

 

[92Pony]

Originally posted by IBleedUSC:
...........
The spark plug issue is a stupid design but there is a tsb that if performed prior to replacement will avoid the plug breakage. It involves soaking the plug holes overnight so plan on taking your time if done. I think they have updated the plugs to a more durable one also but not sure. I know 2009 and up have better designs.

But let's be honest..... should we really have to have a TSB on changing freakin' spark plugs?!?

 

[bogiecock]

Originally posted by 92Pony:

Originally posted by IBleedUSC:
...........
The spark plug issue is a stupid design but there is a tsb that if performed prior to replacement will avoid the plug breakage. It involves soaking the plug holes overnight so plan on taking your time if done. I think they have updated the plugs to a more durable one also but not sure. I know 2009 and up have better designs.

But let's be honest..... should we really have to have a TSB on changing freakin' spark plugs?!?

Either that or the plug removal tool, and sometimes both.

 

[Anna_Nimmitty]

Originally posted by LegalTiger:
Since we have some knowledgeable folks in this thread, does anyone have any thoughts on the 6.2L? I am looking at a used Raptor for the farm. TIA

This post was edited on 3/11 8:47 PM by LegalTiger

El manno, if this ain't a typical southern liberal lawyer habit/action then I don't know how else to comprehend such!! LOL!!

All I'm sayin' is that since 2009 you haven't been around much on this site; y'all win a game and "poof" - ya pop back up outta the blue. That's so "councelor-ish" (i.e. in the liberal format) that all I need do is mention it and rest my case. (~_O)

Hope you're doing well sir! And heads-up; don't be surprised if I stop by and (anonymously of course) retain your services the next time I'm down in Mt. Pleasant!!

Later,

Anna_Nimmitty
a/k/a Gaimcock

 

[Sending an SOS]

My uneducated opinion is that the American automakers have really fallen on their faces. Ford has been a good story as of late, but I don't think its been because of their trucks. How about the Tundra?