How bad is the Ford 5.4 Triton engine ?

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.

[ChuckD]

Wow! Almost 500K!

I had a '97 F150 with the 5.4L. I loved the truck, hauled some pretty hefty loads with it and besides a few coils failing it was a great truck. 140,000 miles when I sold it.

Like already mentioned, '99 5.4L (and some 4.6L) motors had oil leak issues through the head gasket. I understand that year primarily there were some machining issues at the engine plant.

The repair typically costs $1500+ for the repair.

Ford updated head gaskets for these motors, otherwise this leak could reappear every 30,000 miles without the updated gasket.

Google "99 F150 oil leak pass side" Read all about it.

Almost 250k on my 5.4

[Knutson21]

I have had a 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005 and now a 2009 Ford F-150 all with the 5.4 and I love the engine. A guy I work with put 260k miles on his expedition with the 5.4 before he traded it last year for a new one. The only thing that I heard bad about the engine was to make sure you changed the plugs before they seized to the engine.

Married with a kid now. This truck will have to go over 200k miles for me. I traded them often when I was single. As you can see.

[wallymn99]

i had and traded recently a 2006 F150 Screw. It was a good truck for me and never had any issues with the plugs. I had 80k when i traded it. Besides the power windows needed to be fixed, and a few fuel injectors (cause = Ehtanol) it was pretty good to me. They tow well that is for sure. I wouldn't let it scare you.. there are so many on the road that have never had any issues at all.

[slambone]

Had a 99 Expedition with 5.4, wife totalled it on black ice. Walked away. No problems. Bought a 98 with 171K, well maintained for 17 yo daughter because I know its safe and bulletproof and well maintained in June. No issues whatsoever. Bro in law Ford service mgr- I know this is good, reliable equipment. I am no ford fan, just realistic consumer. Guess this thread confirms.... solid motor! We have a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner that has been exceptional, but Ford is a serious contender- long term.

2000 Ford Super Duty, 5.4 liter. Original owner
308,000 miles, 3 sets of plugs and still waiting to blow my first plug.
Use 5-30w Mobil 1 Synthetic oil. Change it every 5000 miles. Usually half a quart low when I change.
Most of the drive train is still original.
Not the best on gas. 10-14 mpg. That is not what I bought it for.
Still runs and looks like the day I brought her home. -9 below and started right up this morning again.
Now you got me worried as to just when it will crap out on me?

[walteye]

After my 2002 F150 was totalled-I bought a 2004 F150 with the 5.4 and 92000 miles. @ 96000 I took it to my local mechanic who I have dealt with for over 25 years to get a tune up done. 4 plugs broke while removing-(Not a thread issue) and they had the proper tool to remove the remaining pieces. The tune up, along with replacing all hoses/serpentine belt/antifreeze and oil change was $1200. Belt and hoses changed precautionary-I always get it done before it gets me done! And it is the 3V 5.4.
Walteye

[Further North]

I had 1998 Expedition with the 5.4 and traded it at around 150,000 miles with no problems.

[rvrdrifter]

02 F-150 181,000 miles, problems have been few, smiles have been many, it's done everything I can imagine it doing and still going strong