I just bought a truck that I expected to replace the engine on he said it hydro locked and has white smoke out the exhaust so it's been sitting a few years. We bought it today and after jumping started right up and drove it on trailer. We got home, drove it off trailer and drove it like 4 miles, no problems.

I heard that the 5.4 has a few issues including a intake issue, what are the symptoms of that intake issue, could that be the whole issue? I was going to do a compression check

 

Check for codes. Run a vacuum gage test. It can tell you a lot about engine health.

Pull the plugs and crank the engine. See if water comes flying out anywhere.

 

Yes, the manifold water crossover leaks with age on some. Both my 01 5.4s had this, built late 00 if helps.

Dorman one is garbage and has a tiny plenum area compared to OE, plus the cost is a wash nearly. Figure about $400 all said and done with HD Felpo gaskets, new Ford manifold, water pipe, knock sensor, and coolant. Plugs are a BREEZE if it is off. Fan belt comes off, so eyeball it, tensioner, and idler.

You will spend more time cleaning than pulling the thing. This is if that is your issue.

 

Some of them had a heated PCV valve on them that can leak, and end up burning coolant or throwing coolant in the oil.

 

Thanks everyone I didn't think of the crossover tube and knock sensor, I'll change those as well after I return the dorman and get motor craft intake. The worst case scenario, it still don't work then I swap the new parts into the replacement engine. I'll do a compression test and stick a camera in each cylinder and let everyone know the verdict

 

This is an older Dorman, newer even smaller.

Left OE non revised. Right Dorman.

 

Here is Dorman now. And under shot of others.

 

I had a 99 f150 and the whole intake was aluminum, would that fit on a newer generation 5.4 or is it alot different

 

Around that time Ford swapped to PI heads, so I cannot tell you exactly when. Someone else will know for sure.

Pal's '00 Expedition 5.4 has plastic intake and PI heads, so I am guessing '99 and older had the aluminum. Again, wild *** guess. Maybe compare intake gasket part numbers online to narrow it down.

 

I'd examine the spark plugs before firing parts at it based on assumptions. Maybe also check the coolant for combustion gases. Could be a head gasket. That might show up on a single cylinder, where a coolant leak in to the intake manifold would probably show on several. A cylinder pressure test is easy too, and would be a clue. Quite a few simple things to do before swapping parts. Good luck.

 

Hey now. Usually people are cheap and put water only in when the intake leaks. Check that expansion tank...if all water, you are up creek.

BTDT on both my 01s.