I am looking at a 02 F350 Crewcab with a 5.4 Liter motor.
Are there any issues with the 5.4 I should be looking for.
I know the 5.4 isn't going to have the power of a diesel or V10, but I only do light hauling and just love the way the trucks look. I had a crewcab power stroke and had nothing but trouble out of it, So I am going gas this time. Again. Are there Any Issues with the 5.4 Gas engine? Is it a dependable engine? Or are there a lot known problems with it?
Thanks,

 

The 5.4L 2V engines have the following issues:

1. The threads for the spark plugs are too short potentially causing them to "spit out" from the heads.

2. The exhaust manifold bolts may be broken.

How many miles are on the truck?

Welcome to FTE!

 

The truck has 130,000 miles on it.
I ran a carfax, it showed nothing major wrong with truck.

 

I wouldn't be scared of it myself.

I am on my second 5.4


I loved the first one.

I love my current one.

zero problems in 3 years.



If you do buy it I would change the spark plugs, being careful to follow the procedure.

 

Thanks for the reply post.
I have talked to a few guys at work and they love their 5.4's.
What is the procedure for changing the plugs? Is there one online?
Thanks,

 

Here are a few threads that may help...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...plugs-now.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...broke-2-a.html

06-15-2***SPARK PLUG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS - 5.4 3V

 

i have a 04 F-350 and i love her. shes not the fastest but since i got 4.30 gears she does all i ask from her. i have 72,000 miles now and have no major issues, changed plugs at 40,000. change oil ever 4,000 with mobil one, change tranny fluid and filter every 30,000 miles. its like any other motor or truck proper maintence is key to a happy relationship!

 

Agreed. I believe 2002 is the "transition year" when they fixed the spark plug spitting problem. Most things I read online say that Ford fixed that problem "sometime in 2002" so you will want to be wary of that problem.

I'm also a fan of the 5.4L. I use mine mainly to transport the family, but also haul quite a bit and tow occasionally with it. Have been pleased with it so far.

Good luck!

 

I know this truck has blown atleast One plug and was fixed with some kind of insert.
If this truck has already blown one plug, what are the odds it will spit out another plug?
If it does spit out another plug, How much am I looking at to fix it and is the insert a good enough fix? I was excited about the truck, Now I am a little scared of it.
I had a F250 with the Powerstroke and it stayed broke down. I finally sold it and decided to go with the gas model. Looks like it has issues also?
Sorry about all the questions, but don't want another headache.
Thanks guys,

 

A thread insert is an adequate repair if it does launch another plug. No worries there.

Otherwise, the 2V 5.4L has minor issues with the IAC (keep it clean and you'll be fine).

Replacing the Y pipe in the exhaust of those trucks with a less restrictive pipe is an easy way to pick up a little power.

 

Andrew, the OP is looking at an '02 with the 2V heads which don't have that problem.

So no worries about replacing the plugs! The 5.4L, if maintained properly, will last longer than the rest of the truck. If you think it's been treated well, I suspect it'll give you years of great service.

 

My bad... I wasn't certain what years were effected by the heads with short threads. Thanks for the clarification!

 

I have a 03, 5.4.....been happy with the truck overall. Had to replace a couple coil packs...at about $90 a pop and I did the plugs as well.....that is a b!itch of a job....the back ones are no fun to get to! The milage concerns me a bit....since it's a gasser..and not a diesel, however it depends how it was cared for.

 

Now I'm not too sure about that one! I know Ford corrected the issue with plugs blowing out of the heads, but I am also unsure as to when that happened.

I was referring to the three links you included in your last post on the subject, which are in reference to the 3V 5.4L engine's problem with removing the plugs. This is only applicable to 2005+ trucks with the 3V heads.

Sorry for the confusion!

 

yup 3v 5.4 you change hot....... 2v you do overnite cold