OK . I realize there is an active thread at this time about the sparkplug issue on this engine. But I didn't want to derail it.
My stepson is looking to buy a truck. He really wants a Taco
But we just went and looked at an 04 lariet 4x4 Super clean, has been at one time in an accident. The repairs look good.{fender headlight,bumper and grill} Price is excelent. The aribags were not replaced, but the cosmedic part of it are fixed. I don't like airbags period, so to me this is not an issue
But I know this engine has some issues, and I'd like to see them all here in one place, so I can help him make an informed decision.
Please post up the issues you have with this engine.

Thanks,
Tumba

 

all i can think of for the 04 5.4 3v is the cam phasers and the plugs breaking.
what hit the truck? did it hit it hard enough to hit the frame or the engine? or was it just cosmedic?

 

It was a cosmetic hit only, I just wanted to find out more about the camphasers, and to see if the sparkplug issue was in this year model also.
I didn't hear any ticking that i've read about camphasers, I've read about some of the problems of this endine, but haven't owned one, so when I read it before, I didn't pay close attention. Just kinda wanted to get the information in one place to show him.

 

The cam phasers aren't a big issue, they don't hurt anything besides being loud. The spark plugs can cause problems by breaking off whenever being removed, but if you have a good dealership who will follow the correct procedure, it shouldn't be a problem getting them changed.

 

The 04's were the worst for sticking and breaking plugs, because they didn't use antiseize at the factory. That is the first year of the 5.4 3V, and it does have its share of "first year" problems.

 

Would any of you recommend buying a nice used truck with this engine.
The truck us an 04 black Lariet scab 4X4, 46,000 miles.
$11,000
When we drove up to the guys house I almost chit, because it had Harley stickers on it. Turned out to be a poser though.

 

I would be a little leary of a poser truck with harley stickers, plus I would rellay check out the 4X4. Lots of expense if you have to start reparing that. Aren't the airbags required in some states for passing inspection?

 

At least at 46k it shouldn't need spark plugs.

 

I actually know the guy that owns the truck, I know it's never been off road, and there isn't an inspection in Arkansas any more. But if you do get pulled over, everything has to meet requirements. Outward appearance it looks like the airbags are intact.
I'm just worried about the issues with the engine. I informed him of the issues and he was honestly surprised, and wanted to know how I knew these things.
He's a maintenance foreman in the manufacturing business. I've known him for close to 20 years. I told him how I know these things, so he's probably going to be cruising this site at some time or another. His hobby is cars, He also has a roush mustang.

I'm just afraid of the engine, because when I buy something, it pretty much belongs to me forever. However this is my stepson's deal. I'm trying to decide if I should encourage him to buy it, or steer clear.

 

The engine issues are the fuel injector problem that a few have had and the plug issue. I think the plug issue has been so bad because people do not follow the TSB exactly. My dealer has had little trouble with broken plugs.

 

I am going to tell you guys an interesting thing that happened with my buddies 05 3v 5.4.

He bought it at about 25000 miles less than a year ago. at about 35000 miles it started to get the cam phaser tick. Shortly after he switched his oil to amsoil 5/20 and amsoil filter and now at 50,000 miles the ticking is all but gone. All you hear is the light tick of the injectors.

 

Insurance companies too

 

the injectors were a problem in the 05 5.4 engines.

 

Ok, I thought it was both 04 and 05.

 

One positive, you're buying from an individual you know, not some truck brought in from who knows where just for resale.