I ve got a 2010 f150 with the 5.4 and I ve been looking back and started wondering if this motor will end up having the same problems that the older 5.4s had when I get to higher mileage. Sometimes when the truck sits for a few days it will made one quick knocking sound when i start it like the top end isnt getting enough oil or something. Any reassuring advice would be nice. I love the truck but dont want to deal with the headaches of this thing going bad.

 

Well my newer 08's got 160k on it with 10 pound forced through it.

Not a single problem with the actual motor. 5/20 oil and a ford issue filter.

Come to think about it. No warranty work done to it either.

5.4 3v: Bad motor or Bad owners?

 

Are you using 5W20 oil and a Motorcraft filter?

 

2010 5.4 here with 58900 on the clock....zero issues.

 

2010 5.4, just about to hit 160K km (100K miles) and I have not had any engine issues.

 

It sounds like you might be using a Fram filter. Stop using them. Use a MC FL-820S or other quality filter. It needs a filter with a good anti-drainback valve.
Frams suck.

 

Seen several fleet trucks with the newer 5.4 with 300K on the clock

 

Much of the problems people have with the 5.4 3v is using a non Motorcraft FL -820-S Filter & the wrong viscosity oil other that 5w-20 weight!

 

I have heard mostly positive stories about the 5.4 reliability so long as you take care of it and are aware of its quirks(sparkplugs, etc). I wouldnt worry too much.

 

I just recently got rid of my 2010 5.4. It had 108K on it, and I used only Motorcraft Oil and Motorcraft filters in it the entire time. In fact Ford did all the oil changes on it, and it never hickuped one time. Absolutely reliable.

 

The 2010 doesn't have any spark plug issues. The only questionable thing about the 2010 engine is the VCT system.

 

I thought you still had to have that special tool to get them out, even on the '10s)

 

From May 08 they went with the 12mm plug design. Need a 14mm spark plug socket.

 

Ok I feel a little better about the truck now. I used Mobil1 10w 30 on the last oil change bc I had that lying around the house. If this engines demanad the thinner weight oil then that must explain the knock I hear when the truck has been sitting up for a few days. I also have been using a purolater filter with the anti drain back valve. Are they any good?

 

Purolater should be fine, but next time I would suggest you try the MC. They are relatively cheap as is the MC 5w20 synthetic blend at Walmart.