How bad is the Ford 5.4 Triton engine ?

[GR]

I'm looking at buying a '99 F150 w/ 87,000 miles, but got a heads up about the plugs. Plugs actually blowing out of the cylinder. Supposedly not enough threads on the heads. "the aftermath of the blown out of the hole spark plug is when the fun begins and gets expensive. That's when it costs over $3000 to repair when the head has to be removed - which Ford dealers are instructed to do rather than "fix" them "A quick google search on this problem now has me very, very leary. There was even an article that the State of California tried to sue Ford over this exact issue.

Is this engine really a time bomb ??

thanks, GR

The problem with the 5.4 liter is that you cannot tighten one spark plug without a special tool and the knowledge of how to do it. Simply put you must have that special tool or you will have problems. Do yourself a favor and have a certified Ford mechanic change your plugs. 297,000 miles on my 5.4 L. Super Duty and still going strong. 3 sets of plugs so far. Not the best on gas, but 0 issues with the motor. i would not let the plug problems hold you back.

[KHedquist]

I went thru this on my 02 last week, 700.00 no they dont replace the head, there is an insert that they use. They changed the plug design, yes the old plugs did not have enough threads, the new plugs are Stainless Steel and they added more threads, there was a space above the present threads that was recessed they now fill that void with threads, From what I was told this resoved the issue. So see if the plugs were changed to the upgraded plugs, if not change them. It is the 3V 5.4 that when taking plugs out they snap off.

Im with viking fan my 2000 ford sd 250 has 192000 miles with very few problems getting ready for the second tuneup (every 100000 miles)replaced alternator at about 160000 and replaced 3 coil packs over the last 8 years which was my fault for power washing the engine down which is a no no as i found out later.Very good engine my neighbor the ford mechanic says 300000 miles cause hes seen it already out of these motors and he wouldnt bs me.

[Manxfishing]

I have a 02 SD F-250 with a 5.4
It's been a good motor so far
I had a 99 with a 5.4 as well, and the guy that I sold it to drove it past 150,000 before trading it in trouble free

The spark plug issue showed up in the 00 and later trucks
In 99 there was a issue with the heads gaskets on some trucks
It was the pass side more the the drivers side
So check to see it leaking (look for oil leaking between the head and block)

But as other have said they get allot of miles out that motor
I've known 4 people that have broke 300,000 all trouble free

[phowler]

I've also got a 1999 F150 with the 5.4. 105,000 miles with zero issues.

Looking forward to buying my next F150 or 250 but the way things are going it may be awhile before I need one.

[OldDawg]

99 Expedition 5.4 engine 125,000 miles no major issues. Have had to change coil pack on one cylinder. Passenger side next to the firewall.

[thump55]

Originally Posted by Manxfishing

The spark plug issue showed up in the 00 and later trucks

Not true.

My '97 has blown out two plugs (4.6L V8) since I got it at 113K (not sure if original owner had any issues). $400 to fix each time with inserts, almost 200K on it now.

Dang good truck though, aside from that.

[capticeman]

I have 2000 5.4 with 107000 hard miles on it. I'm the second maybe third owner.
Plugs and coils hard to get at. been through a few coils, burning some oil. Still strong.
Agree on the warm up deal...
switching to 5w-30 royal purple this Spring. dealer puts 5w 20 in and seems to burn more.
(this is from a suggestion at a very serious F-150 HD board)
adding 4:10 rear end (Johnny lightning performance) and E fan this spring.
This is also a suggestion from some serious F-150 HD guys, should help mileage, towing and reliability.
what the heck, It's paid for and is 11 years old...

I have a 1997 ford expedition with a 5.4 litre engine. To date my SUV have 456,857 miles. Yes this is true miles and just now I have to replace a head gasket. In my opinion, this engine is by far the best engine I have had in ANY vehicle. Oh by the way I have been an auto technician for 27 years and have rebuilt countless of different engines. Hope this information is helpful.