I just purchased a 2002 F-150 FX4 with a 5.4L. Has 250,000 miles on it. I bought it for $2k, under the impression that the motor was completely seized. I get it home and drop a gallon of gas and a hot battery in it and hit the key and it turned over. I really don't want to buy/build an engine if it's not necessary.

It turns over really slow, and will pull a battery down very quick. It can't be turned manually at the crank. I pulled the drive belt off to eliminate what I hoped would be a dragging accessory, but they all turn freely. It occasionally tries to bump off, but it refuses. I checked the fuel rail, and gas oozes out of the Schroeder valve. The fuel pump can't be heard.

I'm thinking I might have two problems here, but it's awfully coincidental that they would present themselves at the same time..... Any ideas?

 

And I almost forgot, when it's turning over, you can hear a squeaking sound, which seems to be coming from the bellhousing, or it's louder at that area. Popping off the plug on the bottom of the bellhousing reveals a full set of pretty teeth, undamaged.

 

Might be a balloned Torque Converter.

 

So if the torque converter is ballooned, could it be enough to cause the squeaking sound? I've found where it will put excessive pressure on the thrust bearing, which I suppose could bind the engine a bit.

 

Well, I don't know about the torque converter. I had a mechanic friend come over to lend his ear. He told me the motor needed to be replaced. SO, I'm engine hunting today. After I get 'em changed out, I'll let you know what the converter looked like.

And there is still no pressure to the fuel rail. I'll also post what that turns out to be.