Greetings,

Here is what is going on with my 2004 F150 with the 3v 5.4 (47,000 miles). I took it in for a loud engine tick (sounds like a diesel). This has not been going on for very long but I noticed it when I had my oil changed within the last 500 miles or so. I only took it in when The noise seemed to be getting louder.

They were going to replace the cam phasers but when they got in the top end of the motor, the said I had lifter damage, damaged cam, a siezed bearing and various other problems due to a lack of lubrication on the top end of the motor.


They want me to replace all these parts or put a new engine in . They also suggested that if i didnt replace the motor, to get rid of the truck or trade it in asap because they couldnt guarantee the motor wouldnt eventually go bad.

They are basically saying the problem will persist due to a lack of oil pressure in the top end. my vehicle is out of warranty and now I have to call Ford to complain about this issue.

I have taken it in previously for a grinding noise at engine startup and they said they had a bulletin saying this was normal and not to worry.


My truck has never been low on oil and oil changes evry 7500 miles or so.

Cost of replacement parts and service- $850.00 (with Ford assistance)

Cost of new motor and service- $6800.00

any advice would be appreciated!

 

If no oil was getting up there before, replacing the worn parts wont fix the cause of the problem. Were both heads worn like that, or just one? There must have been an oil passage clogged up somewhere to cause this. Next time ask to see the bulletin, because every single dealership will say that noises, vibrations, and odors are normal right up until the warranty expires and they can make money off of you. If you can afford it, trade it in.

 

I ran engine flush and marvel mystery oil prior to taking it to the dealership.
Is this an effective way of cleaning out the motor?

Thanks for the reply.

JE

 

Oil changes at 7500? Is it synthetic oil?

 

I understand that changing the oil at that time frame is not optimal, but is it possible that is the engine itself? I was having the same issue as others with what sounded like the cam phasers, it just so happens this motor has other damage.


My truck has never been driven hard and is very clean. Taking into account the oil was new when I bought the truck and the oil has been changed several times since then, just not every 3k miles.

 

I was just thinking about how Ford will view it. They will say the manual specifically states every 5000 miles and that was exceeded. I am thinking that if they want to, that would be their escape from any responsibility.

 

Well,

Your exactly right and thats how its been going so far. However, my stance is that i had the vehicle in for service due to a grind at engine start and they told me it was normal with that motor. So, now my feeling is its very possible
that that noise contributed to the wear that I have now. the vehicle was never low on oil nor did it use any. Its obvious it wasnt getting any oil on the top end now so Im just trying to see if it could be for any other reason

JE

 

They will say the dirty oil and the dirty filter possibly reduced flow and caused the problem. Whether it did or not, that will be their stance. That is why I have my oil changes done at the dealer(they are very low cost anyhow) and use only the recommened oil. With these high tech engines, I don't want to give them any out. Good luck with them though, hope you get some good news on it.