5.4 The final word. Techs Please Read
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From: Long Island NY
5.4 The final word. Techs Please Read
Gentleman
From doing a LOT of web research I have come to a few conclusions regarding Fords 5.4L V-8. If you would please read on.
I had originally planned on trying to find a 1999 and up 5.4 for my “new” used F-150. However it seems the later model engines equipped with the P.I. heads are also prone to some trouble. While Ford did address a H.P <read flow> issue on the early 5.4 they have yet to resolve the plug blow out issues. Some readers of this forum have confirmed to popping plugs on engines as late as 2001. Also the early production runs of the 5.4 with the first P.I. heads have oil leak/head gasket trouble. Its as though you can’t win. Toss in the occasional piston slap and you would think the 5.4L was a complete piece of junk. I’m sure we all know better as these forum only sample a small number of owners. In most cases I would believe for every one user loosing a head gasket, or blowing a plug, there are 100 with engines well over 100K trouble free. So I have to ask, did the early non P.I. engines also leak oil from the head gasket?
Finally can you replace the Non PI heads with a set of PI heads on a early 5.4? It seems the wisest choice as long as one had the heads off.
As always I welcome comments, but please if you would, try to address the 2 questions I asked as well.
Have a Great New Year all!
Tommy in NY
From doing a LOT of web research I have come to a few conclusions regarding Fords 5.4L V-8. If you would please read on.
I had originally planned on trying to find a 1999 and up 5.4 for my “new” used F-150. However it seems the later model engines equipped with the P.I. heads are also prone to some trouble. While Ford did address a H.P <read flow> issue on the early 5.4 they have yet to resolve the plug blow out issues. Some readers of this forum have confirmed to popping plugs on engines as late as 2001. Also the early production runs of the 5.4 with the first P.I. heads have oil leak/head gasket trouble. Its as though you can’t win. Toss in the occasional piston slap and you would think the 5.4L was a complete piece of junk. I’m sure we all know better as these forum only sample a small number of owners. In most cases I would believe for every one user loosing a head gasket, or blowing a plug, there are 100 with engines well over 100K trouble free. So I have to ask, did the early non P.I. engines also leak oil from the head gasket?
Finally can you replace the Non PI heads with a set of PI heads on a early 5.4? It seems the wisest choice as long as one had the heads off.
As always I welcome comments, but please if you would, try to address the 2 questions I asked as well.
Have a Great New Year all!
Tommy in NY
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 222
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"did the early non P.I. engines also leak oil from the head gasket?"
I believe a small percentage of all Triton engines have had leaky head gasket problems. Perhaps a higher percentage of the Windsor engines. Just check carefully for leaks before you buy any vehicle.
"can you replace the Non PI heads with a set of PI heads on a early 5.4?"
Heads from the same plant will "bolt up".But will give you very little,if any, flow improvement. Due to the shape of the "airways" not matching.
As far as "plug popping", it is rare(I think under 1%) it is less common in the 4.6L motor. If I were worried about losing plugs, I'd consider the '99 and up 4.6L with the PI heads. Hope this helps.
Happy Hunting,
Bill
I believe a small percentage of all Triton engines have had leaky head gasket problems. Perhaps a higher percentage of the Windsor engines. Just check carefully for leaks before you buy any vehicle.
"can you replace the Non PI heads with a set of PI heads on a early 5.4?"
Heads from the same plant will "bolt up".But will give you very little,if any, flow improvement. Due to the shape of the "airways" not matching.
As far as "plug popping", it is rare(I think under 1%) it is less common in the 4.6L motor. If I were worried about losing plugs, I'd consider the '99 and up 4.6L with the PI heads. Hope this helps.
Happy Hunting,
Bill