5.4 Triton rebuild questions
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
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5.4 Triton rebuild questions
Hey all, I have a buddy who had the 5.4 Triton (3 valve) in his 2007 F150 quit a while back. The timing chain wore through the valve cover and it started throwing oil everywhere. He took it to his regular shop and they quoted him $10K for a new engine (they're worried about metal shavings giving the engine too many problems to be worth just replacing the valve cover) which he's not gonna be able to afford anytime soon. I'm mechanically inclined and have torn down a couple engines before, I've been thinking about offering to rebuild his engine for him, but I've never worked on a modular. What things should I be looking out for while i'm in there? Parts that commonly have to be replaced? Factory issues that need to be fixed? I figure I'll do a gasket kit, a set of bearings, and maybe even a re-ring, should I add anything else to the list?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Welcome to FTE!
Torn down some engine?
Ever put one back together and have it run?
Save your friendship and pass.
This is not an easy or friendly rebuild. Despite the term "modular" there are several versions of these engines and you'll have to map that out to get the right parts.
I could go on but I think you can do some parts searching, check machine shop rates and assess your available tools and work space and find the next step.
Good luck!
Torn down some engine?
Ever put one back together and have it run?
Save your friendship and pass.
This is not an easy or friendly rebuild. Despite the term "modular" there are several versions of these engines and you'll have to map that out to get the right parts.
I could go on but I think you can do some parts searching, check machine shop rates and assess your available tools and work space and find the next step.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Welcome to FTE!
Torn down some engine?
Ever put one back together and have it run?
Save your friendship and pass.
This is not an easy or friendly rebuild. Despite the term "modular" there are several versions of these engines and you'll have to map that out to get the right parts.
I could go on but I think you can do some parts searching, check machine shop rates and assess your available tools and work space and find the next step.
Good luck!
Torn down some engine?
Ever put one back together and have it run?
Save your friendship and pass.
This is not an easy or friendly rebuild. Despite the term "modular" there are several versions of these engines and you'll have to map that out to get the right parts.
I could go on but I think you can do some parts searching, check machine shop rates and assess your available tools and work space and find the next step.
Good luck!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 312
That chain rub probably sent metal all through the engine while it was still running.
So, to answer what to be “looking out for”…everything that touches oil.
Seconded for a remanned engine unless you need something to occupy your time.
So, to answer what to be “looking out for”…everything that touches oil.
Seconded for a remanned engine unless you need something to occupy your time.
Last edited by Johnny Paycheck; Apr 14, 2026 at 03:16 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,100
Likes: 380
From: Southern California
IMHO, unless you are looking at a Porshe, Ferrari, etc. engine, it's an engine. Each engine has it's own build specifications but that should not mean in any way that it takes more knowledge to rebuild a modular versus and Windsor engine. The same precautions are going to have to be used with each.... cleanliness is an absolute necessity and plastigage is your friend to ensure whatever the machine shop does to the engine and components is right.
and yes, I own and worked on flatheads, Windsors, modulars......
and given the quality of much of the remain industry, it would be my last choice since the advantage you have here is you know what you have.... whereas the "Remain Industry" has a history of passing on it's "troubles" to the next person who they send the engine to.
and yes, I own and worked on flatheads, Windsors, modulars......
and given the quality of much of the remain industry, it would be my last choice since the advantage you have here is you know what you have.... whereas the "Remain Industry" has a history of passing on it's "troubles" to the next person who they send the engine to.
Last edited by Beechkid; Apr 19, 2026 at 07:34 PM.
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