4.6/5.4 Modular Longevity ?
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 594
Likes: 5
From: Wetumpka, Alabama
4.6/5.4 Modular Longevity ?
We're routinely seeing vehicles going 150,000....200,000+ miles these days.
How long can these 4.6/5.4 modular engines realistically go (with average maintainence) before wearing out ?
How long can these 4.6/5.4 modular engines realistically go (with average maintainence) before wearing out ?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 53
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From: Jefferson, GA
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.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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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.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 273
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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.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,099
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From: Southern California
IMHO, the issue with the cam phasers & tensioners is the same from 20 years ago, with different mfgs....the cleanliness of the oil.....extended frequency durations are ok the for engine in general, but the cam phasers & tensioners, well, they just don't like it!
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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This is true. Even though I have used synthetic in my truck I still change at about 3-4K miles. I just don't feel comfortable going longer.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Rhode Island
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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
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.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
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
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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There is a district owned Campus Resource Officer's 03' crown vic at my job that has 450000 miles on it and counting. It has been ran hard to as I speak to the campus officer all the time. He says it still as strong as the newer ones in the fleet.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
I have a 2000 F150 XLT 4.6. Regular 3000 mile oil changes.
Right now it's got 268,000+ miles on it. Routine maintenance only and two alternators. Has never had the valve covers off. Uses about 1/2 quart of oil between changes.
Right now it's got 268,000+ miles on it. Routine maintenance only and two alternators. Has never had the valve covers off. Uses about 1/2 quart of oil between changes.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: MN
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.