No indications that I need a timing job!!!

[CAGerringer]

I've got a 2013 Expedition with the 5.4 3V engine. There are 96000 miles on it. I've had it since 14000 miles, and have changed the oil and filter every 3-4K miles. There's no clicking, or anything to indicate that I have any problems whatsoever.
Be that as it may... I'm concerned that the 5.4 3V engine has a weakness that impedes oil flow to the timing.
Would it be prudent to replace the stock oil pump with a Melling M340HV pump to increase the volume of oil before any damage is done? Or is this as crazy as it feels?
Thanks for any informed input.
Charlie

 

[Trainmaster]

Hell no! I've had one for 230,000 miles. Change the oil when you should and drive it. You'll be just fine.

I also had an Explorer that began rattling its chain guides at 60,000 miles. I changed them, the chain and phasers and not the oil pump and we're up to 170,000 miles on that one.

Find a hobby, Charlie. That 5.4 will let you know if it needs your help.

 

[AWAR]

I have 240k on a 2006 Navigator with the 5.4 3 valve and it is still perfect. Run good oil and change it like you should. Mine is just about ready for its third set of spark plugs. The originals went 160k.

 

[CAGerringer]

Eddie, Gary, and Awar,
Thanks for the "wake-up call".
Charlie

 

[JamaicaJoe]

How difficult is the oil pump upgrade? What must be removed for access?

 

[CAGerringer]

Joe,
You're asking the wrong guy. I'd YouTube it.
Charlie

 

[Riodad]

On my fifth expedition and have had many vans of all year ranges with 5.4. Only changed the oil regularly and maybe 2 got plugs and coil replacements at some point. All go over 250k before I start over again with something around 100k. You'll be fine.

 

[sully963]

I have a 2011 5.4 3v that’s approaching 180k miles with no indication that it needs a timing job either. I followed FordTechMakuloco‘s advice and switched to 5w 30 full synthetic at about the 90k mileage mark

 

[skydude]

My 2012 lasted 130,000.. granted, I only changed the oil when the computer would tell me.. now I know.. installed a remanufactured engine will 1 million mile or 5 year warranty.. Ive put on that engine 100,000 miles and I change the oil at 5000... so far so good..has the enhanced oil pump.. this Florida car now has 230,000, no rust and its running nice.. will be hard to get rid off.

 

[Gumbyalso]

I'm the original owner of a 2011 Expedition with the 5.4 3V and now have 303,700 miles on it. I change the oil every 5000 with 5w20 full synthetic HiMi and have been using 20% Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak for the last four oil changes because of a minor leak. That leak disappeared with the first oil change with the Lucas. It has a very slight tick but really no signs of the cam phaser issue. Mileage is about the same as new and only uses a pint of oil every 2500 miles. That's basically no oil use on an engine with 304k on it. I did change out lifters and rocker arms at 250k because I could hear them ticking. I change plugs every 105k and plan on changing the COPs at 315k if I still own it then. I'm amazed that the original COPs have lasted this long. Bottom line, I agree that with changing the oil with full synthetic every 5k or less you have a good chance of getting to 300k without a new oil pump. I had 382k on my 2000 Expedition 5.4 2V when I sold it and never had an engine issue. Oil change every 5000 with 5w30 full synthetic HiMi and 20% Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak beginning at 200k. Main seal had started leaking and the Lucas reduced the leak to one that didn't drip. It also cured the loud start-up ticking the 2000 had for the previous 50k. I am a believer in Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak. The COPs on my 2000 only lasted 200k and that's probably my main reason for deciding to change the 2011s COPs preemptively at 315k (or sooner if they start to fail).

 

[CAGerringer]

Thanks for all the great info!
2 questions for Gumbyalso...
Were there 2 Gumbys in 1 Squadron?
And, what is a COP?
V/R, Charlie

 

[Gumbyalso]

I was the only Gumby in the squadron. Had to be Gumbyalso for this forum because Gumby was already taken. COP is Coil Over Plug. Instead of a coil pack that distributes current to all plugs, these engines have individual coils on top of each plug. I would prefer a coil pack over COPs because they're easier to diagnose and change and generally don't cost more than a couple COPs. But that wasn't the Ford way on these 5.4s.

 

[Trainmaster]

How difficult is the oil pump upgrade? What must be removed for access?

You are pulling the valve and timing covers, crank pulley; opening the front of the motor. I wouldn't think of changing the pump unless I was doing the chain, tensioners, phasers and guides anyway. Then you'd look at the rockers too. You can get the pump out without dropping the pan with a struggle and some luck. It's not a walk in the park and will fight you. Look at videos. Plan on 15 hours' work.

I never changed my pumps. Saw no need to do it as the factory ones gave me many, many miles and showed no loss in performance.

 

[redoldsman]

I have a 2012 that had 77,000 miles on it when I bought it as a 5-year old. I changed the oil and filter every 5,000 miles. Used Mobile 1 and Wix filters. At about 127,000 miles I had to have the timing chain and tensioners replaced. It had a coil pack go bad last year and I replaced all the plugs and coil packs with Bosch. My mechanic chastised me for using non-NOS parts. He was correct in that I just had to replace on of the coil packs. I replaced it with Motorcraft which is more expensive that any of other brands. He has made a believer in using NOS parts.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

You are pulling the valve and timing covers, crank pulley; opening the front of the motor. I wouldn't think of changing the pump unless I was doing the chain, tensioners, phasers and guides anyway. Then you'd look at the rockers too. You can get the pump out without dropping the pan with a struggle and some luck. It's not a walk in the park and will fight you. Look at videos. Plan on 15 hours' work.

I never changed my pumps. Saw no need to do it as the factory ones gave me many, many miles and showed no loss in performance.

Thanks; I will save my money for the rainy day. Fortunately I have some weird 20 year unlimited mile power train warranty that covers the valve train.

 

[BlackBetty]

Had a 2004 Eddie Bauer with the 5.4 liter 2v. Gave it to my daughter (big mistake). Had 306k miles’ish when she pawned it (still pissed about that)!!!