Well, changing the oil didn't work. So off to the dealer she went on the back of a wrecker yesterday. They called about a hour ago and said it needs a new engine. So now I am in shock. Anyone know a good mechanic in Memphis, TN??? I am thinking about a second opinion.

 

If you bought it used, you have no way of telling whether the original owner (s) kept up with required maintenance and/or used proper products - unless it came with a maintenance record. For all you know, they never changed the oil, ran it down low frequently, and dumped drain oil into it. Ask the dealer WHY they are saying it needs a new engine.

You also have to consider 2004 was the first year of the 5.4 3V engine - and you know how first year of anything can be.

 

They said that something had broken in the top and the bottom of the engine. But the truck used from car max. The carfax report said it was a rental car in AL. So I guess I am spending $5200 on a new engine.

 

Good luck! Hopefully an oil change using the correct viscocity 5W-20 oil, & a MotorCraft FL-820-S filter will solve your problem!.....People do not realize that these 5.4's require this oil & filter!

 

The oil was changed to 5w20 motorcraft and a motorcraft filter. It apprantely didn't fix the problem. Just curious how they come to the conculsion that it needs a new motor without tearing it down. Any ideas?

 

Girlfrien', you said you bought it used from Car Max, did you buy their extended warranty? You may have warranty left if so. Considering the mileage on the vehicle, I'd get the Ford factory rep involved in your engine issue. For an engine to die at 53,000 miles is pretty weak. If it belonged to a car rental before you got it, they usually are extremely good at maintenance. But I'd still call Ford. I don't have the number to call with me so if one of you guys would look in yer owners manual for the phone number, please post it for her.

Edit: Take the time to get the complete description of the engine failure and post it. The early 5.4's had injector issues and Ford extended the warranty to 100,000 miles on these engines. Complete engine failure was the issue....sound familiar? Get the details and maybe some of us can help, hopefully.

 

Sadly, we did not buy the extended warranty from CarMax. Would the number for the Ford Factory Rep be found in the link you gave me to the owner's manual? Thanks, Labnerd.

 

OK, never mind about the link. I bookmarked it but it tells me now I don't have permission to access that page.

 

http://www.motorcraft.com/
Go to this link. Click on technical resources at the top. When that page loads, look for Owner Guides on the left side, click on it and fill in the info. It's a pdf file with 352 pages. Get the latest printing.

 

Thanks, Labnerd, y'all are such a hugh help. I am so glad I found this forum.

 

Lab, the number I need to call for the Factory Rep is it the Customer Relationship Center?

 

Dumb question, although I already feel like an idiot for using the wrong oil...should the check engine light be on???

 

I agree with the above post. Find out exactly what caused the engine to fail, and possibly get a second opinion. Get the Ford district tech rep involved. Rentals do usually get proper maintenance.
Driving it from the quick lube a few miles home, shouldn't cause total engine failure...

 

sometimes yes sometimes no. depends on the issue. depends on what broke exactly. if it was a valve that broke then it would possibly throw a misfire code. if it was a valve lash adjuster then it wouldnt(i dont think).

 

Thanks for all the help. You guys are awesome. How do I find out who the district rep is? Do I call the Customer Relationship Center number?