4.6/5.4 Modular Longevity ?
#1
#3
Also remember, the Explorer uses an aluminum block, where the vast majority of these modular engines are cast iron.
The maintenance crews of major fleets for taxicab companies and government police agencies will tell you over and over again, that the modular engine is one of the best designs they have ever seen.
#4
I'll give my 2 cents on the 5.4 3v engine. It's a POS. The design was screwed up compared to the 5.4 2v that was a lot better engine. The spark plugs, fuel injectors, vvt system, etc on the 5.4 3v is just plain sorry. VCT on any truck engine is worthless. No need to adjust the cam position to squeak out a little better mileage or performance at the expense of problems. The cam phasers and solenoids should be called maintenance items b/c after about 75k they gum up or wear out causing the engine to run like crap and costs a ton to fix. I'll never buy another truck engine with VCT or VVT in it. Ford as well as all the other manufacturers are complicating these engines to their ruin. Sorry to have that opinion but true.
#6
I do think the 2v engine is better then the 3v engine. If it jusy had more threads in the heads for the plugs i think it would have been as close to perfect as you can get. But if torqued properely it isnt an issue 9/10 times. I do not think its best suited for large trucks like the super duty or excursion just because that is a lot of vehicle to pull around.
Trending Topics
#9
I'll give my 2 cents on the 5.4 3v engine. It's a POS. The design was screwed up compared to the 5.4 2v that was a lot better engine. The spark plugs, fuel injectors, vvt system, etc on the 5.4 3v is just plain sorry. VCT on any truck engine is worthless. No need to adjust the cam position to squeak out a little better mileage or performance at the expense of problems. The cam phasers and solenoids should be called maintenance items b/c after about 75k they gum up or wear out causing the engine to run like crap and costs a ton to fix. I'll never buy another truck engine with VCT or VVT in it. Ford as well as all the other manufacturers are complicating these engines to their ruin. Sorry to have that opinion but true.
The only truck engines left that don't have VCT/VVT are the ancient GM 4.3 V6, and the Ram 3.7 V6/4.7 V8. All of which are getting phased out anyways. I do not know of any other manufacturer besides Ford that had so much trouble with VCT - and that was only limited to that generation of the Modular engine.
Besides that, Modular engines are very durable. There are even a few running close to/over 1,000,000 miles. Most seem to easily go 300,000 miles.
#10
In fact I'm shopping for a new-to-me E250 or E350 extended body and have dropped my preference for something of a certain mileage or below. Honestly anything with less than 150K miles would be of absolutely no concern. If I can't find a suitable new van I'll replace the 5.4 with a Ford long block, also without hesitation or concern for its longevity.
#11
Guess you'll never be buying a new truck then, since every current Ford Truck engine has VCT/VVT, the Ram 5.7V8 and future 3.6L V6 both have VCT and VVT respectfully, and even the GM V8s have VCT.
The only truck engines left that don't have VCT/VVT are the ancient GM 4.3 V6, and the Ram 3.7 V6/4.7 V8. All of which are getting phased out anyways. I do not know of any other manufacturer besides Ford that had so much trouble with VCT - and that was only limited to that generation of the Modular engine.
Besides that, Modular engines are very durable. There are even a few running close to/over 1,000,000 miles. Most seem to easily go 300,000 miles.
The only truck engines left that don't have VCT/VVT are the ancient GM 4.3 V6, and the Ram 3.7 V6/4.7 V8. All of which are getting phased out anyways. I do not know of any other manufacturer besides Ford that had so much trouble with VCT - and that was only limited to that generation of the Modular engine.
Besides that, Modular engines are very durable. There are even a few running close to/over 1,000,000 miles. Most seem to easily go 300,000 miles.
George
#13
#14
#15
Q: What year did ford stop using the 5.4L 2V in their E Vans. I am looking for a low milage used one with all the updates, I presume Ford incorporated over the years: thickened spark plug boss with more threads, PI: heads, cam, pistons intake manifold, improved plastic manifold that doesn't warp like in 99'-2000, etc.
My 98' is getting tired and will cost too much to fix all the little noises, may as well drop a newer one in and I want that extra 25 HP to.
My 98' is getting tired and will cost too much to fix all the little noises, may as well drop a newer one in and I want that extra 25 HP to.