Have to jump in on this one. Saturday retrieved my 2000 4.6L (Romeo) after the head gasket (passenger side) was replaced for the second time at 67K, first one at 28K. At 28K I bought the extended warranty figuring that it would fail again as the 5.4L did. Oh yeah, while they were at it they replaced the lower ball joints because they were loose as a goose - at 67K. This time around they removed the engine assembly to make repairs, the first time they did an in cab and they also replaced the HEAD the first time. This is a ride truck, I don't haul or tow anything and it is all hiway miles on smooth interstate, I don't abuse my vehicles.

Now I am not a genius, but it is clear to me that since the head was replaced and it still leaks then the block must be messed up. Can anybody give me advise about how to approach Ford to get a new engine put in this rag.

ps, I have had the following parts replaced under warranty - blower motor, the oil sending unit, the wiper motor, the wiper switch, and yeah, when I ordered it they forgot to put in the double row heavy duty radiator which was suppose to come with heavy duty package. I chose to take the $100 instead of have the bigger radiator installed. Seriously thinking about trading for the Nissan Titan,

 

I have a '97 XLT SCab 4x2 with the 4.6 V8 (Windsor). I Bought it with 42500 almost 2 years ago. It has been a great truck, just turned 66,100. No problems, super reliable.

I have heard that people with 98's and newer have been having more problems because of the design changes made by Ford. Hopefully I will get 200,000+ out of her.

Eric

 

I've got a '97 with 120k on it, and for the most part it has been trouble free. I did have a spell with the pinging, but new plugs, wires and a good cleaning of the MAF solved it.
I would agree that using the right plugs makes a difference. Last yr I installed Bosh Platinum II's, they were taken out and replaced less than a yr later. I installed Autolite plugs and what a difference.
I did have ball joints go at 75k, they were out of tolerance, failed state inspection. Replaced them with MOOG parts, not a problem since.
The 4.6 is a very nice engine, good gas mileage too. My only complaint, while towing I could use a little more power. For my everday uses I love it.

 

C'mon bucky play nice, we are all entitled to our opinions. I too am considering a Titan maybe an XE

 

97K on my '97 4.6L 4x4. Ran perfectly for the years I had it. Took great care of the thing with all the reg. sched. maintenance on it that one can do. Then...

Last week...the damn head gasket goes on mine. Engine shot to hell. To replace with a rebuilt Jasper = $3,300.

I wonder if I'll get better milage with this new one? Perhaps I can make up the cost in better milage?

Who knows...

Now I have to drink less

 

Thank you all for the input. Sounds like a pretty good engine (with a few bad ones mixed in for flavor )

See you out there..
-Peter

 

Good luck with your 4.6, and if you have any trouble with it, you know where to come!

 

over 160,000 miles on my windsor 1997 4.6 xlt with auto. So far i have not even replaced a light bulb (repairs total seven bucks for a new oil filller cap) Otherwise, just normal maintenance. Absolutely zero pinging, even from wide open throttle starts to 80 mph. Keep the MAF, IAC, PCV, EGR and throttle body clean. Run a good grade gasoline (i use regular octane chevron) and occasionally run some techrone type cleaner thru it. The 97 4.6 V8 is one of the best engines ford has ever built. Requires a little maintenance but simple stuff a person can easily do in their driveway.

 

Pinging is often caused by a hanging DPFE sensor that doesn't allow enough EGR flow to control detonation. The condition lasted for several years on my truck before a P0401 low EGR flow code was thrown at me. The metal cased DPFE is a notorious break-a-matic part. Ford redesigned the part and the new one has a plastic case and is thinner front to back. Also, the ports are side by side instead of front to back.

To an EGR valve test by pulling 10" of vacuum with the engine running. If the engine stumbles and the vacuum holds, the EGR is OK and the EGR passages are clear enough. The problem is then most likely the DPFE sensor, and if you have the metal one, you need to replace it with the plastic cased one anyway. When the local Ford parts man said he keeps about 15 new DPFE sensors in stock, that told me all I needed to know. At least Ford redesigned the part.

 

got 89000k on my 4.6 and it works great...It is used on the crown Vics for years as well...This motor has been around you know...

I love this truck more than my Windstar van now....

 

I have not been as lucky as you. 97 F150 4.6L with 73K. No. 1 cylinder cracked. Just replaced the engine. The NEW Ford rebuilt 4.6 shakes and idles rough at 1200 - 1400 RPM before smoothing out. The new 4.6L smokes on startup occasionally. Glad to hear about the higher mileage trucks.

The new engine is also throwing rich on bank one and two with Hypertech program running. Any ideas? 860 miles on rebuild.

 

97,500 on my '97 Romeo engine

and thats with lazy and late oil changes - you don't want to baby these things,

 

8,500 on my 2004 F150.

 

73,000 on my 98 and running great, knock on wood! I bought it with around 53,000 on her, havent had any major problems, the truck came with all maint receipts, oil changes every 3000 miles on the dot, he had the radiator flushed and coolant changed and new tires. I change the oil every 5000k with Mobil 1 and the oil still looks relitively clean after 5000k! I also changed the trany fluid with mobil 1 when I got it.

 

Make sure you tighten your plugs from time to time... Mine blew out and I've been dealing with probs ever since... Leaky heli-coil that has now blown and I'm left with big spending choices.