05 Ford 5.4l Triton Lifter Failure

I have gotten the valve covers off of the ford 5.4l engine. I have found catastrophic failure of one of the valve springs,rocker/roller, and lifter causing major damage to the valve stem and the cam shaft.

[@PerpetualMan22]

I have 1998 Ford 5.4 liter Triton motor with 320,000 miles, it is how the motor is cared for and ran that makes the most difference. Proper oil changing, correct warm up procedure (just long enough for oil pressure to lubricate valve train), not stress motor until operating temperature, and keeping the RPM between 2,500 - 7,500 most of the time.

[@FloMir-v8n]

Your right

[@doozowings4672]

I've owned a 2000 F150 Triton 5.4 2v Windsor for almost 20 years. It has almost 220,000 miles on it. I've hauled dozens of loads of crush and run, pulled boats and trailers all over. The ONLY thing I've replaced was the intake manifold at 200,000 miles. I would say that I got my moneys worth, and its still kicking .

[@john7017]

I have a bunch of the 2 V 5.4 Tritons with 300,000 plus miles also, good engines. But the 3 v engines are no good. Plagued with phaser failure, chain and tensioner, chain guide self destruct, low volume oil pumps, and rocker follower failure...

[@dirtybauer7022]

@@john7017 i wouldnt say theyre plagued with problems. Those are typical varable valve timed issues when oil isnt changed like it needs to be or ran dry. Another thing is excessive heat. I love 3v triton engines.

[@garymcmullin2292]

this is a very late comment but the tick was more than likely the valve follower roller bearings failing which introduced poor fit into the valve lash and led to complete valve follower failure. The right bank is the oil starved bank and the follower failure usually occurs right there at the back of the right bank. The right side and possibly left side timing chain tensioners may have lost the seal up against the block leading to oil starvation to the rest of the motor. That lubrication loss is fatal to the roller bearings of the valve follower and if bad enough will eat up the cam mounting seats. The motor looks pretty clean inside so perhaps oil passage blockage due to extended oil change interval is not a factor. If there is sludge unseen in the video then look also to reduced oil flow from the crud in passages.

[@TheTerminator310]

What usually causes this is when the roller seizes on the rocker arm, the rocker will get kicked off the lash adjuster and get wedged in a certain position where it holds the valve open, where the piston will then hit the valve, break the keeper, bust the rocker, etc etc.

[@MattShaughnessy6]

i have other videos. I have gotten further into this. we found a broken lifter. the tip of it has broken completely off. ever seen that??

[@TheTerminator310]

Yes. That's generally when it gets kicked off the lifter, it breaks the plunger off from the force of the cam pushing against the roller that is seized up.

[@MattShaughnessy6]

I have repaired ten of these so far from busted plugs to bad vvt gears. this is the first one we I have seen like this I have heard about and "know" about it but have yet to see it or be able to wrap my mind around. My machine shop also said the same thing about em. after this one I am done with them. we are band aiding it so she can sell it. what are your thoughts if any about this? it seems that any little hiccup and the 5.4 triton goes to pieces. also personally I am tired of working on them. I hate doing tune ups on em. thanks for the comments and knowledge!

[@TheTerminator310]

No problem. It's just bad design, if you ask me. I talked to a tech once and asked him why do the rockers fail so often on the 3V and he told me he believes that because the rockers are smaller than the old 2V rockers, there is less bearing load surface for the roller, therefore more load on a smaller bearing causes more wear. I saw your other video and I agree the lifter looks weird if it's your first time seeing one. OHC engines from Dodge, Ford and other manufacturers use that same type of lifter because on an OHC engine, there's really no other way to adjust the lash, other than to push up on the rocker from underneath. I personally own a daily driver '07 F-150 with a 5.4 3V and it has been a sweetheart for over 145,000 miles. I call these "hit and miss" engines. Sometimes you will hit the jackpot with one that is good, but more often you will miss and find a bad one, or at the very least, one that has not been maintained properly. And that is a NO NO on these engines. These require 3,000-4,000 mile oil changes to keep cam journal passages nice and clean, as well as VCT solenoids, etc. The plugs are a headache, too. I don't blame you for quitting on working on them, lol.

[@MattShaughnessy6]

DODGE!!! 2.7l dohc ugggg what a nightmare!! been there done that. the ford 5.7l is to problematic for me to be able to ever truly guarantee any real work on them. I told this lady that I could spend the time and money and put another new engine in it but I cannot tell her it wont do the same thing this one did. bad design for better gas mileage is what I think it is? they destroyed a good engine for better gas mileage.

[@scottyjones27]

I got Ford 2002 4.6 in a 5speed car, owned for 14 years only use Mobil 1 10w30 syn only use motocraft filter 820s got over 320000.0 miles on my baby in she still runs great no leaks no smoke no oil missing between changes! Still got original clutch original abt everything but maintenance stuff Praise the Lord. My family depends on this Ford daily !!! FORD TOUGH!!!

[@dylandrury2884]

Does yours have the ford tick from the engine? my 5.4l 2002 just started getting the tick at about 115000 and its at 119000. Not sure what to do to fix the tick, or if I even should.

[@scottyjones27]

No I got tick!! B safe!! U can't just let Ny one work on ur stuff !!! I fix all my own stuff!!

[@dylandrury2884]

I'm not super great with cars but I really like to learn and do everything I can on my own, sometimes I get some help with little stuff. When did you get the tick? Do you know what the issue is? It alarmed a little bit but there's some mixed stuff if its safe or not on the internet. thanks for getting back to me so fast scotty

[@mark-1901]

@@dylandrury2884 just drive it and change your oil at 5000. With sinthec oil. Mine started at 110,000 now 245000 still going strong. I use lucas oil treatment with every oil change and my tick is gone.

[@karlschauff7989]

The 4.6 is a much different design compared to the 5.4 3-valve junker. The 3-valve version is a more complicated piece of junk.

[@lonestarcustoms3838]

My 5.4 triton 04 expedition is at 370000 original miles and Still running. It’s been my back up vehicle throughout the years as my newer vehicles break down.

[@THETOPGLOCK]

Great videos man. I really enjoy watching diy mechanics such as yourself. I permanently fixed my 07 F150 3v 5.4 by selling the damn thing and losing my ass. At 110k mine developed the infamous "tick". I tore the engine down myself and replaced everything with oem Ford parts. All timing components,rockers,lifters,oil pump. After dropping about $2500 into parts I was so disgusted with the truck I sold it at a loss. It did run amazing and I loved the truck overall but I lost ALL trust in it. I pull a 26' TT quite often during the summer camping and I couldn't trust it wouldn't shit the bed somewhere down the road. Very sad

[@MattShaughnessy6]

thank you! This poor owner is going to take this vehicle straight from house to the dealership at a loss. she would be better off is what I told her.

[@oby-1607]

The oiling system feeds the drivers side with oil first, then finally what is left over gets to the passenger side. It is low oil pressure what causes this. The fix is a hi volume oil pump from Melling and the updated roller cam followers which have a much smaller oil bleed hole. Also the recommended oil of 5W-20 is way too light and needs to be 5W-30 to maintain viscosity and lubricity for the engine to live. The cam chain tensioners are bad too due to being made of plastic. With the heat/cool cycles the plastic warps and then oil pressure is lost there. Changing your oil on a very regular basis will be the best to prolong the life of the engine.

[@dirtybauer7022]

i love the 5.4 3v. because people hate them i end up with great deals like a 2011 expedition XLT EL LOADED for 1500 that needs a lifter replaced, valve is still there. timing seems good and tight. trans is great. little bit of my time and a few dollars and were good.

[@chancewaterman5510]

Have an 05 super duty 5.4 Triton 3 valve that keeps hydroseizing or static dieting. Replace the solenoid packs and all the injectors, fuel pump, crank position sensor, fuel regulator and still keeps hydroseizing, any clues?

[@kevinmoa1678]

Got a question my o5 5.4 just seized up driving down the road started sqeeking then seized. I think i left some porcalin in the cylinder what could happen if that happened

[@MattShaughnessy6]

Kevin Moa when you say "seized" do you also mean that the engine won't turn a rotation by hand using a wrench?.....as for your question....I don't know many things could happen. It could score the walls if the cylinder maybe? Or it could break up upon combustion and get stuck in vavle??.....what are you thinking?

[@popeyeandstraussmx4165]

That has nothing to do with it. That stuff with go right past the valves. Sounds like you dropped a valve or it overheated

[@paulsosa1872]

Mine did the same thing I lost oil pressure seized up but then the next day started right up but now I have lifter and lash noise from under the valve covers. In guessing the chain tensioners leaked starved the top end: (

[@cougargold]

I was given a “free” 2008 Ford F-150 with a 5.4L. I’m only in it $2,500 so far and still have to do the timing kit to do. This is my first and last Ford I will ever own. I will never give their company another dime in my lifetime and will tell everyone I know to avoid them at all costs. I never fully understood the GM guys bagging on Fords until now. Henry Ford would be so disappointed in the quality and support from modern Ford. Being given a Ford is like being given a free 5lb bucket of old shrimp after you get food poisoning from a store’s shrimp.

[@karlschauff7989]

I grew up in a Ford family and the 5.4 3-valve is why some in my family switched to a different brand. Too many problems.

[@cougargold]

karl yukon Yeah, kind of sad. I’ve seen friends switch away from American to foreign made trucks because of it.

[@thelifescout8335]

courgargold shoot I wouldn’t even buy a new dodge. I haven’t heard about these new pickups but the body style before it i heard nothing but wiped cams, lifters and rockers in the hemi.

[@karlschauff7989]

@@cougargold Sorry to have to tell you this but all the brands are running only 50-60% domestic content. My cousin's new Raptor has 50% domestic content and both the 3.5eb and 10-speed transmission were listed as made in Mexico on the window sticker.

[@ceasarperez8567]

Should have bought all your parts on eBay and get everything to rebuild the engine for two hundred bucks

[@sharkyrich4844]

That spring you had in your hand is a valve spring. You have more problems than you think.

[@iissac22]

I got a tapping sound consistent tap. Car drives fine but tapping that gets faster with acceleration. Doesn’t shake and still smooth. Think it’s lifter as the cam lobes are smooth. Working on it when weather gets better will uodate

[@axelmoctezuma]

Did you ever figure out what the problem was. Im having the same issue right now 😅

[@iissac22]

@@axelmoctezuma it was lifter and roller issue. Replaced all of them and sound went away

[@dbfarm3145]

the roller follower i bet was the culprit. The roller in the middle of it was sunker down, the needle bearing in it bit the dust. After awhile the cam lobe will spit off the spring and the lifter.

[@losteroni]

I didn't know until after I bought it but I really dodged a bullet because my 98' Expedition has a 2V ! No cam phasers and regular spark plugs . My only concern is how the oil pump is installed onto the crank behind the timing gears Sheesh ! if it ever fails I guess I'll just get a rebuilt motor or a new car !

[@alb12345672]

Its never going to fail.I was on a crown vic forum 20 years and never heard of that part failing. Some years actually had bad tensioners that failed early but ford replaced them. 98 modulars are the highest quality,.

[@stephenagaertner]

What makes the 5.4 Triton engine even worse that in states like NC (wake county) that conduct emission testing, you can't replace the 5.4 Triton with another better type of engine. EPA has their dick in every ones business about replacing a POS Triton 5.4 with something else!

[@george6264]

I don’t agree with your statement that it’s not a good engine there has been multiple revisions they are a good engine compared to Chevy and dodge but nothing will beat a Windsor 351 or 302

[@chino98120]

My stepson have a 2018 silverado 1500. He buy it new. 3 month ago dealership replace the brake master cylinder for free, due a recall. Right now, theres a noise caming from between transmission and engine, sounds like the release bearing but this is automatic. And make and inspection, and see a leaking coming from the front main seal. And valve cover start doing the same. Whats happens with Chevy. This truck have only 27 k. Never been abused. My 2002 Chevy Cavalier still working amazing. Myself replace the head gasket twice. And still working like a champ. Being mechanic. Always love Chevy engines. But dont know whats happens since 2000s. And agree with the engines u named. Plese, add the 350 chevy.

[@AbdulazIz-ts6id]

هل هذه المشكله في موجوده في أكسبديشن موديلات ٢٠١٣ و٢٠١٤ ؟

[@5.4weldingtruck]

Did it throw any codes when this failed? I have a ticking noise too and I thought it was an exhaust leak

[@carnivalartistagency]

More than oNe kind of tick...

[@manuelrendon5701]

Same just found out by the shop its not exhaust leak but a lifter problem , just bought the truck off dealer too 2007 lincoln 109k ​@@carnivalartistagency

[@stevendepascale8364]

What about the piston is the cylinder ok

[@kevinmoa1678]

is that from doing the spark plugs and leaving some porcalin from the plug in the cylinder

[@MattShaughnessy6]

Kevin Moa no this happens when a roller falls off the follower. Main cause of this on this engine is not changeing oil. This is actually a common failure on this engine.

[@chuckadam9046]

Looks like it happened from weak valve spring let the keeper fall off, high rpm and weak springs

[@bthompson1767]

Is this the truck you already worked on

[@bthompson1767]

You need a magnet

[@inactive67]

@@bthompson1767 Thank you thats where I stopped the video got sick of watching the fumble fingers routine.

[@aarontyler6599]

Any video on how to remove the valve covers

[@truthsearcherforever3211]

Maybe if Ford comes out with solution then the model can be salvaged n saved. Why do u think it is? I’m guessing oil viscosity is wrong or oil pressure

[@commanderstud2417]

So stay away from the 3v. The 2v is good but the 3v? Nah.. No way.

[@MattShaughnessy6]

Yeah the 2 valve and anything produced after the year 2012 is good. They dropped the Triton a d redesighned it in 2010.

[@BustinCasts]

I’d buy another 3 valve without blinking if it checks out overall. 5w-30 is the key once the components have been updated in the timing set. Oil changes have to be regular also. (3-5k) Ford oil filters only. I would however recommend someone who doesn’t do the maintenance on their vehicles as they should to stay away from this one, or you won’t be on the road long.

[@neptune4167]

@@BustinCasts I agree 100% as with anything else maintain your vehicle and it will treat you well. I have an 06 5.4 3v with 316k miles just did a preventative timing job. Dont regret buying her for a second.

[@joesmith-fi1sx]

Neptune I have a 06 with 90k I did new updated solenoids vct and new updated spark plugs Trying to figure out if I need to do anything else The new vct solenoids fixed the hot idle knock But it still has a tick And sometimes slight startup rattle and hot idle releasing gas pedal wen driving slow it makes a chain type noise that’s very slight and fast Other than that it seems great Any tips Also do these have hydraulic lifters ? I heard some good stuff from running some Lucas to bump up oil pressure

[@SC5MusicOfficial]

@@joesmith-fi1sx Your startup rattle is most likely the timing chain tensioners going bad. When the gaskets blow out on those they bleed off oil pressure when the engine is off and cause the timing chain to slack and bang against the plastic guides inside the front cover until the oil pressure builds up again. The ticking during slow driving could also be caused by this, but I would try to rule out an exhaust manifold leak first.

[@anthonyfisher4874]

Excellent video! I been running the triton motor for some years now and I must say I have good success and part of that is I only use Ford oil and filter recommended and I stay up on the maintenance. However lol, I did pick up a 2005 f250 with a cylinder 5 misfire extremely lite tick sound on the driver side. I was wondering if I could email you the video if you could suggest we’re to start on the repair. I think it’s valve related. I put a piece of paper near the exhaust pipe and it’s pushing the paper back and forth. From the internet they said it’s valve related issue. Any suggestions would help thank you

[@MattShaughnessy6]

[e-mail] shoot me an email and kinda recap what you got going on there. Thanks for the positive feed back on the video!

[@anthonyfisher4874]

@@MattShaughnessy6 sounds good, I will send now thank you!

[@wadofbat]

how many miles on the engine

[@muchgreatness7497]

Are you able to get the rocker covers off without having to take almost everything apart in the engine bay? Also, is it a reasonable expectation to change the lifters with the engine still in the truck? Thanks

[@seandarrah3603]

Yes and Yes. There are other videos showing the repairs on an in frame

[@kenallen3073]

What it's the sound the motor makes with that problem? Mine just broke down on the highway the other day. It started really knocking so loud. So I coasted to a stop and had it towed back home. The knocking was only when I gassed it. Now it does it when I turn the key. I'm guessing from research, its the time and chain tensioners. But after watching your video, your problem is the only sound I haven't researched.

[@wombatstalker9566]

I. Have that problem currently. Was it you chain guide.

[@wombatstalker9566]

How much did it cost for the chain guide repair.

[@tavo24vv19]

I hate these engines so much. Too much work for a crappy engine.

[@MattShaughnessy6]

Tavo24vv yes! It is a massive amount of work to repair and Ford will not back us technicians on it.

[@grettagrids]

I HATE tritons..

[@karlschauff7989]

There's a reason Ford threw the whole design away and started over with the 5.0L V8. The 5.4 is junk.

[@zachstepp3926]

My 1997 f150 5.4 l triton drives normal as long and runs normal but when u first start it knocks a little and when u reach high rpms it knocks I purchased a replacement engine and transmission but I don’t wanna replace it if it might not need to be any advice

[@ceasarperez8567]

That's a connecting rod knocking.

[@asemastertech721]

Sounds like a cam chain tensioner has failed hydraulically. It has to pump up at first start and won't hold pressure at higher RPM's.

[@jo_hell439]

My truck was rocking really hard then out of no where my truck stoped running i need help

[@MattShaughnessy6]

What's up friend? You can email me [e-mail].

[@millerstevens328]

Did that cause low compression in the motor please get back at me

[@dedreman2227]

Lack of maintenance?

[@josearellano3268]

dedreman 22 bull shit.

[@andreaslarsson3999]

Broken camfollower?

[@jlo4905]

Im to subscribe, you seem like a cool guy to be watching your videos and really informative

[@josephg1855]

Is that a 3 valve 5.4..?

[@pablojimenez3941]

Would you recommend buying a lightning since it has the same engine?

[@MattShaughnessy6]

have some money ready for costly repairs.

[@joesmith-fi1sx]

Do these engines have hydraulic lifters ?

[@stephenagaertner]

Yes. Tritons do have hydraulic lifters (under the cams), but they also have many other parts that can possibly give the engine low oil pressure issues. Overhead Cams (SOHC or DOHC), timing (bicycle) chains, chain tensioners, rocker arms, timing chain guides, oil passage way flow issues, no replaceable bearings on the camshaft, vertical mounted spark plugs in heads, COP , etc , etc , & etc. All this crap needs to be in 110% good working condition for your 5.4 to keep on running. The minute one little thing F*%KS up, your motor may be toast and need thousands of dollars in repairs. Unless you can work on your ride yourself and you can save on labor costs... ITS A FORD MAJOR SCAM OF THE CENTURY! I hope Mr Fords great great great great grandson is reading about how his company has turned into a POS!

[@joesmith-fi1sx]

stephen gaertner 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@cristiandelgado750]

how do i get a hold of you? i live in caldwell,id and i need your help

[@cristiandelgado750]

Matt Shaughnessy i added you on fb thank you

[@kevinmoa1678]

thought it would just blow out the exhaust. the crank turns a little ways then stops ??? got 280,000 miles think its blown or what should i do to troubleshoot or narrow down what it could be?

[@MattShaughnessy6]

do you have access to compressed air?

[@seattledelgado7735]

Thanks for the vid. Draper utah

[@fgonzalez78959]

Hope you got another car..that one is a pos..not worth messing with

[@STeeLothabestrapper]

They might as well junk the entire truck..

[@CelticKnott]

2:20 welcome

[@infinity3jif]

damn fords

[@MattShaughnessy6]

that valve is bent also. I am about to remove the cylinder head and I think It may have cracked the piston!

[@infinity3jif]

good luck with that

[@toddbob55]

USE OEM FORD PARTS....IF YOU USE DORMAN OR GARBAGE AUTO ZONE PARTS FORGET IT RUNNING CORRECTLY

[@dirtybauer7022]

duralast is the exact same in craftsmanship as motorcraft. stick with motorcraft plugs, everything else duralast will work just fine in it.

[@GA30901]

Just don't buy Ford period lol

[@FloMir-v8n]

All u gotta do is pull the motor out it's easy