Also posted in the 1997-2003 F-150 Forum but thought it might be better here.

The engine in my 1997 F-150 (4.6 V8) began running really rough and died while driving on the interstate the other day. It would not turn over however the starter sounded like it was engaging. The shop looked at it and said it was frozen with no oil. I asked them if they could tell where the oil leaked from since I had just checked it 2 weeks earlier. They are looking into options and I haven't heard back from them yet. The vehicle has around 130000 miles on it. I realize it may be a premature question but I was wondering if there was any hope of trying to rebuild the engine - given what I now at this point. Given the truck is 15 years old I don't wasnt to sink a ton into it. It is a spare vehicle and I have the time to work on it, either rebuilding the engine or replacing it with a used long block or reman engine. Any thoughts, opinions, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Penguinshockey
2004 F-150 SCrew 5.4L
2008 F-150 SCrew 5.4L
1997 F-150 SCab 4.6L

 

You won't know the extent of the damage until you tear it down. Oil starvation is usually a really BAD thing.

 

Get a used engine with 100K miles or less for $1K or less. If it ran out of oil there is major work that has to be done.

 

I've considered replacing my own 5.4 with 260+ miles too---for me and my needs it'll be more cost-efficient to look for another E250 or E350. Honestly if I were to go ahead with replacement I'd opt either for a genuine Ford long block, cost about $2700 with a three year warranty. Next I'd strongly consider the under 100K miles used category, $1,000 easily finding a good engine from that same approximate year.

As others have said these modular motors might not be the easiest to rebuild since their tolerances etc are almost too close for a successful home shop rebuild. Just MHO and maybe its not a task you'd mind tackling.

Best of luck!