Hey gents,
I'm looking at a expedition this weekend with the 2v in it. It is an 03 with about 180k. I'll be trading a car for it that's worth about 2k. When i inspect the truck I'll be using a borescope to look in the valve train for sludge and tarnish. Ill make sure to see if I can here if the phasers are going or the chain guides. Check the oil for water in it. What else should I be looking for. I know these engines can last 300k but I don't know the history of this one. Also how does one tell if the engine is original?

 

the phasers and cam problems are on the 2004- up newer motor.
--check oil level and quality
--check for ticking on exhaust manifold ( gasket leak)
--check for rattle inside motor at startup ( piston slap)
--best to use motorcraft filters
--look at tire wear --- when were ball joints changed out.
--alternator lasts about 150K miles + or - .......... is it original ?
--when were spark plugs changed out ......... every 100K miles
--how does it shift running down the road ... when was oil changed ?