Been searching & reading threads over 4 hours.....think i'll ask for help....
2004 F150 5.4 3v 90k miles, changed oil 6-7k miles, all scheduled maint...basically pampered this baby. Informed by trusted dealer that I need a new engine. $6900 for a Ford reman installed.
Here's the short story......

2 weeks ago truck would not start...nada...nothing. Tested from new battery down to starter...fuses as well. Everthing check out fine. Hooked up a remote starter and got it to turn over but not start. made some f'd up noises as it was turning over. We stopped and said tow to the dealer. After I cleaned up tools and such I thought I would give it a go and turn the key...chit! it fired up and ran great!! Then engine light came on and it started running rough. Got codes 0171 & 0172.

Next morning took it to dealer and they determined a vacuum leak.....$545 for a intake manifold gasket later it was running great. 3 days later on Christmas eve I started it up and the clanking, missing & noises were back....checked codes and got a 2196. Called my dealer, which they told me to bring it back. On the way to the dealer there was hardly no power, missing really bad & could bearly get over 2k RPMs. Got a call from dealer saying it was an o2 sensor and they would call me when it was ready.

Well the ready phone call turn into the "get off yur wallet" phone call. I was told that the engine would need to be replaced....hardly no compression in cylinders 1 & 2.

Any tips, suggestions, opinions, check this or thats are needed.....

Thx bros...

 

Maybe a plugged cat causing to much backpressure and broke the piston rings in 1 & 2?

 

Why did you wait so long to change the oil? Every 3k is best.

What Oil filters did you use? There's a big difference between them, specially on startup..

 

You could check around for a cheaper reman. Google Jasper Engines and fill in the blanks. An 04 5.4 3V is about $5500.00 + indstall. Try the scrap yards. Should be about 3K for a good used one.


JMC

 

I used Mobile 1 & Puralator PurOne filter. Then I would spin a new filter on and top off oil at 3k interval.

 

Try www.car-part.com. Fill in the blanks.

 

I think Puralator has an anti drain back valve like Motor craft . Not sure, I just use what the sticker under the hood says to use - Motorcraft products when servicing.

Did your 5.4L ever suffer from Piston slap ?

That car-part.com is the best for finding a motor close to home

 

[QUOTE=jbrew]I think Puralator has an anti drain back valve like Motor craft . Not sure, I just use what the sticker under the hood says to use - Motorcraft products when servicing.

Did your 5.4L ever suffer from Piston slap ?

yeah the Puralator does.....

and YES.piston slap was a constant issue......started to put a Power Stroke emblem on her....

 

the dual timming chains on the 5.43v were a problem in the first generation 04 F-150, for 2 to 3sec on start some engines run with out oil, I'm not sure if this was the cam phaser, non the less my 04 f-150 has engine issues from the get go, but it also was the firts of the new 04 F-150's

 

I wonder if I will have similar issues with the reman that they want to drop in?? I get a 3yr/75k warranty with it.......like is there a better reman than others from the Ford dealership that I should inquire about.....

Thx for all the input from all......

 

how can you tell if its one of the "first" 04 F150's?

 

Vin number or on the sticker on the drivers door ( has date of birth ) ... my truck was built in Aug or sept 03 as a 04, I think I leased the 04 in Jan or Feb of 04.

 

On your window sticker, bottom line there are several boxes. First one is the VIN, Last box is all the manufacturing codes, with the last 6 digits the final assembly date.