I just got finished reading the posts about PS and oil leaks below and I am, of course, concerned. I have an extended 100k warranty so that gives me some comfort but I plan on driving it way beyond that. My truck has 41k on it and no abnormal engine noises or oil leaks, I've always ran mobil 1 5w-30 and pure one filters changed at 4k. Is there some # on the block to identify the more problem prone engines? are all the 5.4s manufactured in the same place? my truck was built in canada vice norfolk, think that would make a difference? My buddy has a 5.4 in a 97 F250 2wd and does'nt have the knock either, his truck was also man. in canada. Also, when in 98 was the switch made from a4od to 4r100 and how do you tell which one you have? At least from this board, thats my impression that a switch in transmissions was made some time in 98 due to reliability problems in the 97s with the a4od. Thanks in advance for the info.

 

oh, I forgot to mention about my buddies 97 5.4 that does'nt knock has 127k of hard farm miles on it.

 

Hello.

Your transmission is most likely an "E4OD" or "4R100." These two transmissions are essentially identical, just as the "A4OD" is almost the same as the "4R70W." Since you have the 5.4L (that is, unless it has California Emissions), you most likely have the E4OD. In order to tell if you have this one for sure, open your driver side door, and look on the sticker in the door panel. Look for the "transmission code." An E indicates the "E4OD," while a U indicates the "4R70W."

As far as the piston slap issue is concerned, I don't think you have to be too worried, as I don't believe that they showed up until the 1999 model year when Ford switched to the "Power Improved" cylinder heads. As for the head gaskets, I have no clue... my recommendation would be just to watch and listen for any strange behavior from your engine. Chances are, you shouldn't have a problem.

Hope this helps,

-Flea

 

The PS problem has been occuring on about 1 out of 100 5.4's that were in the 97,98 and 99's. All the 5.4's are manufactured in Windsor. It most cases from what I have read, the PS showed up by the time the truck has 15K on it or so. One owner says his didn't show up until 28K, but from what I have read thats unusal. It sometimes shows up in the first few hundred miles. What I am told is that the problem is caused by a 'slight' (not my word) collapse of the piston skirt(s). The fix has been to teflon coat the piston skirts, which in my opinion does not elimante the problem, but does make it inaudible. I have a 99 Expedition 5.4 with 18K on it, so far no sign of PS, but I do have a slight ticking, which I am beginning to think may be fuel injectors. In my case the noise is gone about the time the temp gauge starts to move. Its not getting worse, and not getting better, so I am just in watch mode with it. I too have about 3 years or extended coverage left, so my concern is somewhat muted, though I do not relish the thought of an engine swap.