I've got a 04 Lariet with the 3valve 5.4 engine. It will turn over but will not start. I've got a snap on solus and it shows no codes, have checked fuel cutoff switch, you can hear the fuel pump run, Have checked for voltage at ECT(5.8v), Noid light shows the inj. is firing and the coils are getting fire. I don't have a compression quage that fits this but it sounds OK turning over. Have also checked the anti-theft module for proper operation. I have run out of ideas of what to do, does anyone know of anything else I can try?
Another shop had this before I got it, so there is a chance it had some codes and they cleared them.

 

Will it try to fire if you shoot some ether down the throat? Have you checked the fuel pressure at the rail with a gauge? I'd also make sure it's getting gasoline and not water.

 

Check the wire and connection and at the HDR sensor located in the side of the front cover just behind the AC compressor. Did this engine just stop running or is there more history behind this issue such as a repair etc. and then no start?

 

Check this out........
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...placement.html

 

Just take some starter fluid and give it a shot into the intake. If it starts to run, you have a FUEL issue. If it does not, it is an electronic issue. One shot of Starter Fluid should run for about 20-30 seconds.

 

I bought this truck through the sales like it is, so don't know any of the history. I tried contacting the previous owner it was repoed from but the number was disconnected. It is getting fuel and I have also shot some starting fluid into the intake with no results. The one thing I didn't mention is that when we first hauled it in, I tried to crank it and it did run for just a few seconds, maybe 5 or 6 seconds. I could hear valve noise but I figure that was due to how long it had been sitting. When I turn it now it kind of sounds like one that is out of time but I'am not sure. Is there any way the VCT could hang and stop one from starting?

 

Tough one.... you have never seen the motor actually running normally. You have no idea if the previous owner may have done something because it was going to be repoed... You are going to have to do the basics, Compression test, Flush the fuel system and inspect injectors. and so on.... Sounds like work... keep up advised.

 

Repo........

Make SURE it's got pure gasoline and enough pure oil in it........

 

I put in fresh gas and changed the fuel filter right after I got it hoping for a easy fix. I have noticed that when I pulled off the oil cap it looked like sludge buildiup in the valve cover. I was going to do a compression check but the threads on the plug are different then a normal plug and my hose will not screw into it. I also need to mention this truck has 191000 miles on it.
Have never had any experience on a 5.4 untill this one, sure have read a lot of horror stories about them. I now see why I got the truck at such a cheap price. Its a crew cab 4x4 Lariet with all the options, no damage anywhere and the paint is still good. I gave 5100.00 for it and thought I had stole it, now I'am begining to think they were glad to unload it on someone.

 

The sludge has killed the VCT system. You are lucky you didn't bust the spark plug that you pulled. I'd look for a good used engine and cut your losses the best you can - with proper care the 5.4 is a strong engine.

 

Couldn't I just pull the front apart and replace timing componets?

 

The problem is that you have a real "UNKNOWN" I assume you purchased the truck because the price was right although it was a bit of a roll of the dice. Looks like you are on the loosing side right now. Go ahead and pull some covers for a good look.....

A replacement 5.4 from a newer wrecked truck may be more cost effective in the long run..... I agree with GLC

 

I'll pull the valve covers today and get a better look.

 

Pulled one valve cover and it was gunked, so I went ahead and pulled the engine. The basic short block looks good, I could get by with it by just putting in a fresh set of bearings and rings. The heads are a diff. story, from not enough oil geting to the cam journals the cams had started to sieze in the heads. It ruined the cams and galled the journals in the heads. My question is how late of a model of a long block can I buy that will fit in this truck if I use all of my parts on it?

 

You can essentially use any 5.4 3V long block - in mid-08 the head design was changed to fix the spark plug sticking and breaking issue and to improve the VCT system. I do not know what other changes were made that might affect interchangeability.