I was wondering what people thought of the reliability of the 4.6L.
Is this a troublesome engine?, if so what preventative measures can I take.

 

Ive got 109k on mine (1999) and its fine Mechanically/reliability.

 

with regular maintence to the engine and more importantly the transmission, the 4.6 has proven to be pretty much bulletproof. Theres many many 4.6's that have gone 200k with no problems whatsoever. Search for the high milage threads. Youll find lots of positive stuff on 4.6's
I saw a 97 4.6 on ebay once that had 476,000 on the original motor and tranny and was stuff running strong. Im pretty confident in my 4.6 personally.

 

I've had a 4.6 since 02 and so far the only trouble I did have was the Idle Air Controller blew, causing a starting problem.... engine would crank but not run. Only started happening as the weather got colder up north here.
Ford warrantied the truck after having it towed in, and resolved the problem with new parts in under 2 hours. So overall, thats not bad so far. I'm still happy.

 

My 4.6 is holding up well. I've got about 49k. 20k of that is with the supercharger. It hasn't broke yet!

 

74700 miles, and still going good.

 

The truck engine is tougher than the auto engine, even though they look the same. Ford had the sense to make sure the truck engines hold up. Doing otherwise would risk a big sales loss.

Items such as piston rings, better pistons, full floating piston pins, better rods, more oil capacity, and many other minor items add up to a very reliable and long lasting engine indeed.

Chris

 

I put 220,000 Mi on mine with only oil changes and an alternator.

 

yeah, I had to replace my alternator about a year ago.

 

almost 200,000 miles on our 97 Lariat and no problems besides having to replace alternator, brakes, serp. belt, tires, you get the point.

 

I certainly believe the 4.6 is a good, long life design, I have 179,000 on one F150 (I bought new) with only routine maintenance. My brother bought a F150 the same week and last year I bough that truck from him.... and now has 161000 on it. Both are strong running and no problems to speak of. I fully expect to get 250k+ out of each.........

 

I have to say my 4.6 has done well for 76,000+ miles.

 

i have had no problems with my 4.6 4,000 big ones ye ha !