I am driving a 1997 F-150 XLT with the 4.6 engine. I bought this truck new and it now has 200,000 miles on it. This has been an extremely reliable truck and really still runs and rides like new. I have always had the scheduled maintenance performed, but other than that, nothing has been ever been done, except replace the starter and alternator.

I am getting ready to have it go in for a tune up. Are there any weak spots known about this engine (timing chain, water pump, cam, etc.) that I should have looked at while the truck is in the shop?

Thanks in advance.

Tim

 

The 4.6 is a very durable engine. Mine has over 300,000 miles on it and still runs great. There are only a few weak spots in the 4.6 IMO.

The plug wires can cause some misfire issues, although I had my originals for about 275,000 miles.

The exhaust manifold studs are small and tend to fatigue and fail, allowing for audible exhaust leaks that ususally quiet up after things get warm/expand.

The mainfold to y-pipe studs tend to rust out (depends on climate).

The starter cable can corrode through at the starter causing weak cranking or a no start condition (depends on climate).

The EGR ports in the elbow of the intake can get plugged with carbon setting off a check engine light.

 

That sounds about right. My starter cable corroded about 15k miles ago (my truck has 182,000mi on it), and my EGR is clogged with buildup, which ill have to take apart and clean out- not looking forward to that, but its better than paying the dealership.