The piston slap is only the Canadian built engines. You will be able to spot one by checking the vin code. There is alot of info on the piston slap in this website.

I have a 4.6 with 57,000 miles on it in my '99 Regular Cab Flareside. It feels like it would run with a stock 5.4 with the mods I have done to it (see signature). I had the head gasket sepage problem while under warranty. Other than that haven't had any service on it. I did have the plug/wire problem around 55,000 miles. I replace the plugs and wires myself. It has been a great truck so far.

Good Luck,

 

My 98 4.6 is a great motor. Likes to rev, but mine does ping a little. 54,000+ miles and still runs like the day we bought it in jan 98. 17+ mpg, all ive replaced was the PCV valve. I just got back from a 578 mile round trip yesterday and it behaved flawlessly.
You will definetely like the 4.6 with a auto or 5 speed either one. Its by far not the fastest thing on the road, but its plenty of engine for what you need it for.

 

The 4.2 will get the job done. The 4.6 will do it better. Try any one with a stick and you will put more power to the rear wheels than the auto. I would rate them according to power, slowest to fastest; 4.2 auto 4.6 auto 4.2 stick and finally 4.6 stick. Go try a 4.2 auto and than a 4.6 auto. The torque on the 4.2 is 260 ft/lbs and the 4.6 is 290. The 30 extra ft/lbs realy shows going up hills or when loaded or towing. Remember it is torque that gets work done not HP. The 5.4 is the engine most prone to piston slap. Of all the 3 engines the 4.6 is probably the most trouble free.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Alot 4.6 people answering here. And i'll back up thier statements. I like the v-6 for what it can do and the $3000 credit I got at the time, but now I would have rather have the V-8.

Two things about the 4.2:

1) 97 and 98 are very bad years due to the intake manifold gaskets and timing chain cover gaskets. I'd avoid them to prevent future headaches. There are numerous threads in the V-6 section on this.

2) The 4.2 will surprise you in a regular cab short bed pick-up. It scoots around REALLY well at part throttle. However, when you really need a lot of grunt, passing, towing, or quick manuvering, the 4.2 falls flat. It would make a great motor for a car because it makes its power and torque high in RPMs, but for a truck you need that torque a lot sooner.

Find a 4.6 with either tranny, you won't regret it.

 

4.6L V8



-Brian

 

I've got a Windsor. I thought the Romeo was more prone to problems, like pinging.

No, my Canadian built engine has not had piston slap, head gasket leak or pinging. Not even after adding pressure.

I guess general consenses is, the 4.2 will do a good job but with the 4.6 so readily avaliable, it's worth it to have the eight.

 

Wittum,
Sounds like you were on of the lucky ones.

Here is the information I was talking about from the piston slap section on the home page of this site:

What engines does it affect?

Ø It has been estimated that anywhere between (1 in 500) and (1in 2000) engines will develop this problem

Ø Only 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8L engines built in Windsor, Canada have the problem.
Ø All 5.4 and 6.8L engines are built in Windsor Canada
Ø 4.6L engines built in Romeo Michigan do NOT have PS

How can I tell where my engine is made?

Ø All 5.4 and 6.8L engines are built in Windsor Canada
Ø 4.6L engines are built in Windsor or Romeo
Ø If the 8th position in your VIN is a "6" then your 4.6L engine was built in Windsor, Canada
Ø If the 8th position in your VIN is a "W" then your 4.6L engine was built in Romeo, Michigan
Ø You can also look at the label on the valve cover (driver's side of your engine bay). It will tell you where your engine was made (Windsor or Romeo), as well as the build date.

What is the likelihood of getting piston slap?

Ø It has been estimated that anywhere between (1 in 500) and (1in 2000) 97-99 engines will develop PS

Hope this helps you Harley#356. By the way, I have really enjoyed the '02 HD headlights & corners & '01 HD grille you sold me. Gets lots of looks and compliments.

 

Mine is a 1998 4.6 Windsor. Originally purchased in Ohio, somehow it made it to Texas, where I bought it from my brothers dearership. Fortunately, at 68,000 miles no piston slap yet. I have always owned a manual tranny, so "the Black Beast" is a 5 speed. IMO, this thing is the most fun to drive allowed by law. Two plus tons of fun. My parents are retired and drive a 500 series Mercedes now, and I still like driving the truck better. I could be a little nuts I guess, but I do like my truck.
Rick

 

Two of the differences in the Romeo and Windsor 4.6 is the piston pin and con rods. On the Romeo the piston pin is fixed and the con rod is smaller. The Windsor has floaring pins and larger rods. More opportunity to knock with a floating pin? The larger (read heavier) con rod will add more momentum to the equation so it could aggrivate the knock.

If your are not sure or the lable is missing on the 4.6 engine, count the valve cover bolts. There are 11 on the Romeo engine and 13 or 14 on the Windsor.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Just so you know, most truck 4.6L engines are the Windsors. They are considered the "heavy duty" of the two. The floating pins and stronger rods with the higher volume oil pump should make them more able to take the abuse of a truck. Mine has had piston slap since just after warrentee to current. I now have more then 135,000 miles with no engine problems.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either 4.6L (Romeo or Windsor). Romeo's are in all the police cars, Taxi's, etc.. they see "heavy" abuse and still run fine. Just my .02 cents.

-Brian

 

I have a Windor and if i dont allow the engine time to warm up for about 30 seconds in cold weather it will slap slightly. Mine pings also on the highway applying the gas at 70mph. Oh well cant have it all. Overall its a great engine no problems whatsoever here.

4.6