5.4 3 valve engines have issues with the roller followers that sit between the overhead cams and the valves. The cams push down on these followers, which, in turn, push down on the valves to open and close them. Access to these and other valve train components is by removing the valve covers.
The followers are known to fail, taking other valvetrain components with then and in worst case scenarios dropping a valve and ruining the engine.
Here is link to a video that will explain the above showing images of all components.
In this video we try to remind all Ford F-150 & Expedition 5.4L 3v Triton owners to listen to the warning sounds coming from your engine!These are the Parts ...
www.youtube.com
Based on your reported issues, I'm leaning toward the engine bearings being seized from lack of oil, but since the vehicle is not usable, no harm in pulling the valve covers to look things over to see anything out of norm.
If you have a relationship with a good shop(s) or even a Ford dealership, I would start a conversation with them (multiple sources if you have them) about a replacement long block. I've linked some threads below from this Forum regarding the process.
One word of caution, please do not put yourself in a situation where you are buying the engine from one company and paying another to install it, leaving yourself in the middle if something goes wrong, with both vendors pointing fingers and blaming each other and you in the middle without a functioning vehicle. Deal with one company and get an ironclad guarantee for a year or more that they will fix anything that is not right with the install at N/C to you.
The other important thing is before you dump a pile of money into this, is take stock of your entire vehicle as it presently exists. Besides the engine, is everything else in good shape and working order? Did it have other issues before this happened? Is the body and frame in good shape?
What you don't want to do is spend $$$$$ putting a new long block in the vehicle and then have the trans fail or frame crack 3 months later. Also consider what is the vehicle worth when back to good running condition and does it make sense to put this money in it or just buy a different vehicle. If this is a primary vehicle, also factor in the cost of a rental while this is out of service.
I'm starting this thread for all of us confronting the dilemma - timing job, engine replacement or get rid of the truck. I’ve seen lots of comments regarding reman suppliers (and opinions about them) but not a consolidated thread. I hope this information helps anyone else facing this...
www.expeditionforum.com
I recently purchased a 2012 2WD Limited (195K) for $1500. Bought it for parts for my older 2008 4x4 SSV, but once I got it home I started considering an engine replacement for the 2012 and selling the 2008. I've had suggestions of getting a Jasper rebuilt motor (probably $10-12 installed)...
www.expeditionforum.com
