This issue is easily resolved, it has to do with the plugs seizing in the heads when you go to replace them at about 100,000 miles. I had my plugs out at 50,000 miles and put antiseize on them. Easy solve to a future "potential" problem. If you haven't had a look at the plugs on the new 5.4L 3V engines, I suggest you take a peek at one and you can see immediately what can cause the problem.

I haven't chimed in yet, read all the great posts, the injector issues on these engines are covered under a new extended warranty (just got my letter in the mail two weeks ago - covered for a huge extra period -can't remember what it said exactly but will be replaced by Ford if there are any problems)

Anyway, I love my 5.4L 3V in my 2005. It tows great in the 7K to 8K range, it's only rated 9,000 to 10,000 lbs max towing. If I towed more, I would get a V10 or a diesel. Fuel mileage is typical for a big truck. I didn't expect much more than I get. I'm not sure if the OP mentioned his trailer weight, that would be the decision I would make on the engine I choose. If it is under 9K loaded, he would be fine with a 5.4 if only towing up to 6 times a year.

 

Don't want you to think all 5.4's experience this problem. However, my experiences come from a Fleet of F150's and F250's (60 + Trucks)..If you purchase a used vehicle with 5.4l BEWARE!!! You will never know if the proper precautions were used in reference to this problem.. Fords "fix" to this problem is the following: 1 day before expected plug change they require you to pour some WD-40 or equivalent down into the plug well and allow to soak overnight. Then if you're lucky, slowly untighten (quarter turn or so) and retighten.. Rinse and repeat until the plug comes out clean. Ford quoted the odds of a clean pull is 50/50 under these conditions...

 

I pick up my third F-250 with the 5.4 this Friday.

It's said you can NEVER have enough horsepower, but I've been pleased with the 5.4 in my standard cab 2001, my super cab 2004, and now the new 5.4 2008 crew has more horsepower and torque than my previous models.

In the '01 and 04' the engines have required ZERO maintenance, other than oil changes and tune ups.

I fabricated a cold air intake, and run a Borla exhaust which has helped the power and mileage a bit.

Plug changes are a challenge, but I've never had a problem gettin' 'em out, and always Never-Seized 'em back in.

I have to disagree with the "Chebby" guy.

Very pleased with the 5.4.

 

I have an 08 f250 SD and I love the truck BUT plugs are still a problem and as I recall even in 08 there was a major concern over gas prices and conservation so can anyone explain to me Why these darn things are such pigs on gas and still the dealers are telling me oh it should be getting 18 to 20 hwy with all the computer crap and technology what the heck is the problem.

 

The "problem" is people who expect a 7000 pound brick to get the same MPG as a 3000 pound aerodynamic car. Ain't gonna happen. Go grab one of them fancy "crossover" SUVs with their 20 and 30 MPG claims, then put 4000 pounds of crap in the back and see what kind of mileage they get. Better yet, hook a 10,000 pound trailer to one and see if it will move it.

 

I agree with redford I have the 08 5.4 auto with 4:10 and I tow a trailer just under 10,000 I have never had a problem towing like he said you wont win a race but she works nice all the time in tow mode the 5.4 is very steady and dependable

 

you are talking apples and oranges, the problem still applies with todays technolagy there is no reason north american trucks can't get alot better milage then this. there is really no excuse for it except the gas companies and vehicle makes dont want it to happen what do you think the sales of these gas hogs are going to be like when fuel hits 7 or 8 bucks a gal. or L I am paying $4.70 a gal. here

 

Apples and oranges? I think not. So, you design trucks for a living? And where do you live that you pay over $4.00 a gallon for gas? 87 here is around $2.65, haven't seen it at $4.00. And if any manufacturer could build a truck weighing 7000 lbs and could get 20+ MPG, their sales dept. would have it made. It would be the only truck on the road.

It requires a given amount of energy to move a given weight.......one of the laws of physics.

 

Man this is an old thread lol.
Just because there is concern over gas prices dont mean they are gonna flip some switch at the factory and a super duty is gonna get 20+mpg. These engines are already very efficient. They cant get much more efficient in the conventional design. All the major manufacturers are about the same as well, within a couple mpg of each other. Look at the Tundra, which isnt even in the same leauge as the SD, its only rated 13/17 for 2010 4WD 5.7. I'm getting about 14 with the V10 F350 at probably 1000# heavier (or more) than that tundra, and a larger more capable truck as well.

Only a major change in the way the motor/drivetrain works is going to change performance a significant amount. Like perhaps a hybrid diesel/electric truck. As long as we keep using the same IC motor and drivetrains, it aint going to change much. Cars really havent changed much either, just gotten lighter, and smaller. There are some really high MPG vehicles out there, but because of the stupid way the EPA rates diesel emissions, they will not pass EPA. So with the green movement, the EPA will not allow 75+mpg (even 200+mpg in some instances) vehicles to be driven in the US. Makes sense right?

 

i live in canada

 

yes I do agree with you ahd even in canada the gov. thinks the same it is not logical ,,haha but neither are they , they say they are tring to go green but still in 20 years they do noting to make it better ( conspiracy ) maybe who knows , But I do know they have the ability to do it but just wont. it just hurts when most of my income goes to feeding the truck I need to do my job haha thanks for the input