5.4l 3v mind boggling engine issue
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5.4l 3v mind boggling engine issue
I have a 2004 f150 4x4 with 170000 miles on it. About a week ago I was driving on the interstate and it started missing horribly and wouldn't go over 45 mph. I tried to get off at the next exit and before I could it died and wouldn't start back. When I raised the hood I noticed oil all over the engine compartment. I can't tell if it came from the valve covers or out from under the heads or what. What are some things I need to check. I really like the truck and want to get it fixed. Thanks for any help.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Did this engine leak oil as in leaving spots or small puddles when parked after driving? Did any of this oil become deposited on the underside of the hood? Does it seem to turn over easily or struggling to turn? Have you checked how much oil is still in the pan? Did that silly oil pressure "gauge" in the instrument cluster suddenly drop to zero, did you keep driving if yes?
I would suggest first cleaning as much of the oil off the engine as you can, concentrate on the PCV connection on the valve cover. Using a flash light you could check the heads & block area to see if there's evidence of excessive oil. First order of business is finding where the oil leaked out.
Until you know all that it's a bit too early saying you need a new or reman'd engine.
I would suggest first cleaning as much of the oil off the engine as you can, concentrate on the PCV connection on the valve cover. Using a flash light you could check the heads & block area to see if there's evidence of excessive oil. First order of business is finding where the oil leaked out.
Until you know all that it's a bit too early saying you need a new or reman'd engine.
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Did this engine leak oil as in leaving spots or small puddles when parked after driving? Did any of this oil become deposited on the underside of the hood? Does it seem to turn over easily or struggling to turn? Have you checked how much oil is still in the pan? Did that silly oil pressure "gauge" in the instrument cluster suddenly drop to zero, did you keep driving if yes?
I would suggest first cleaning as much of the oil off the engine as you can, concentrate on the PCV connection on the valve cover. Using a flash light you could check the heads & block area to see if there's evidence of excessive oil. First order of business is finding where the oil leaked out.
Until you know all that it's a bit too early saying you need a new or reman'd engine.
I would suggest first cleaning as much of the oil off the engine as you can, concentrate on the PCV connection on the valve cover. Using a flash light you could check the heads & block area to see if there's evidence of excessive oil. First order of business is finding where the oil leaked out.
Until you know all that it's a bit too early saying you need a new or reman'd engine.
Engine turns over easy almost seems like its too easy. And looking like the leak is coming from the valve covers. But there is oil on inside of fenders and spread underneath the truck. Oil pressure gage never bottomed out. Haven't drained the oil yet as I only just got it home. Thank you guys. Any help you can provide from here on is greatly appreciated.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
We'll have to await your findings after a bit of cleaning and visual inspection on your part. Because it supposedly suddenly started missing its possible the oil leak caused an electrical issue with the chassis wiring harnesses or the spark plug boots. Again you'll have to clean things up to get a better idea what you're facing.
Try to measure the amount of oil you drain out---that will suggest if there is any potential engine damage.
FWIW I'm running two 5.4's original to their E-250's, each with just a bit over 294K miles with no major issues. I DIY all the maintenance, oil changes every 3-4K miles. Unless your engine has suffered something unusual and catastrophic it should be good for another 100K or so.
Try to measure the amount of oil you drain out---that will suggest if there is any potential engine damage.
FWIW I'm running two 5.4's original to their E-250's, each with just a bit over 294K miles with no major issues. I DIY all the maintenance, oil changes every 3-4K miles. Unless your engine has suffered something unusual and catastrophic it should be good for another 100K or so.
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Further inspection
After looking closer, the oil seems to be coming out from the vvt solenoid seals. Picking new solenoids and seals today. There was still a significant amount of oil in the pan. I didn't see any signs of water or the smell of fuel. I also filtered some of the oil and didn't find any metal or trash.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
After looking closer, the oil seems to be coming out from the vvt solenoid seals. Picking new solenoids and seals today. There was still a significant amount of oil in the pan. I didn't see any signs of water or the smell of fuel. I also filtered some of the oil and didn't find any metal or trash.
Are the seals known to cause issues like this?
Regardless hope its an easy and inexpensive fix---please let us know how this turns out!
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