5.4 Triton engine

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parkerdoug383

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New to Ford trucks. Just got a 2004 expedition with 140000 miles runs good what can I expect from the 5.4 Triton engine I have heard alot of bad things about them.
 

John Stephan

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Depends if it's a 3v or 2v. I think yours is a 3v.

Broken spark plugs.
Broken exhaust manifold studs.
Failed chain tensioners.
Failing cam phasers.
Best to fix it before it happens. Itll last a long time.

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parkerdoug383

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Mine is a 3v doesn't make sense to spend 5 grand if there's nothing wrong I only paid 2500 for it.
 

John Stephan

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Use 5w30 and itll pry be fine for a couple thou. Itll need done sooner than later. Early model 3Vs were bad.

I just did a full job on mine. Of 24 lash adjusters, only 1 could hold pressure. Of course the tensioner had failed and there were no guides left. Metal everywhere. Runs like a top now.

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Ron1978

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3,000 mile
oil changes are highly recommended, 5w20 Or 5w30 motorcraft syn blend oil and motor craft oil filter, you can buy it all at Walmart and save$$$
I was doing 5k oil changes in my 2006 5.4 and it started ticking around 101k miles, loss of power to due to cam phasers . Look it up on YouTube
 

Plati

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oil changes are highly recommended, 5w20 Or 5w30 motorcraft syn blend oil and motor craft oil filter, you can buy it all at Walmart and save$$$
I was doing 5k oil changes in my 2006 5.4 and it started ticking around 101k miles, loss of power to due to cam phasers . Look it up on YouTube
My 2003 with 180K always 5W20 conventional Valvoline oil change at 6K 5.4 engine runs like a top. Never had any engine issues (should not have typed that)
 

1955moose

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Parker, you have the last year 2valve engine. Ford used 04 to introduce the new 3 valve engine for the F150, but held out till 05 for that motor for the Expedition. The only problems that 03/04 have is the relay for the fuel pump works it's solder joint loose, causing starting, running problems. The 2 valve motors don't have the 2 piece spark plugs like 05-early 08's do, so no worries about breakage. You actually bought one of the best 5.4 engines for the Expedition. 5w30 is what Ford and most here recommend, although the 5w20 is fine. I live in Bay area, where temps don't go too low or high, especially near San Francisco where I'm at. I run 5w30 Mobil 1 all year long. Been using it going on 5 years this November. 0 issues. Good oil, and at $5.99 a qt, cheap enough. Hope the info helps, Moose.

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TobyU

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5w-30 or even 10w-30 if in warm temps.
Full synthetic will give you less wear on things. Change it every 4-5K.
Check or replace your plugs. They will get loose and blow out and can damage threads...all 3 of the lousy threads in the the hole.
Get the revised torque spec and use it as a minimum.
Basically a lot of people don't and the factory didn't tighten them enough. Now that doesn't mean to use a 1/2 inch ratchet and strip the aluminum out on install but good and tight.
Use motorcraft plugs (one of the few OEM items I use) single platinum is fine. Motorcrafts all have the anodized plating and need no lube or antiseize and are great plugs.
 

smith627

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Parker, it should be a great engine if it is like my 2004 Exp 5.4 2v with AdvanceTrac. 255,000 miles on conventional 5w20 oil and still running on seven of the original plugs and coil packs. Filters and fluids changed regularly and have never put additives in gas tank. Have changed fuel filter once and differential/transfer case oil once at 150,000 miles. Take care of Expy and it will take care of you. I keep thinking, when will the starter, alternator, water pump, and fuel pump die? Also no work needed for A/C or heater. Transmission also no problems.
Interestingly I replaced the original serpentine belt at 245,000 miles, just as a precaution before going on a long trip, and the old belt still looked great. Best vehicle we have ever owned.
 
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Aspen03

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I recently purchased an 03 with 205k well maintained miles on it. It runs great and now having had it for a couple of weeks I wouldn't hesitate to drive this anywhere in north America. It runs and rides better than our other vehicle with almost half the miles.

I purposely went for one this old as I couldn't find anything decent priced/condition that was 09+ to avoid some of the early 3v issues. We really want a 15+ to get into the EcoBoost, it's such a fun platform. In due time...

My in laws have an 06 EB 3v with 276k and still going. Its had a few problems but nothing serious. AC, suspension, fuse box. Its had a hard life, probably towing a boat or trailer at least 50% of those miles with someone w used to race trucks and virtually floors it at every light. A friend has an 09 F250 w the 5.4,l 3v and has towed a load every single day since new and coming up on 160k with essentially no issues aside from normal maintenance and ac compressor.

Pretty nuch if it's been well kept and you continue the same I'd expect similar results.
 
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