Ford 5.4L 3v Triton Engines: Always Check This First Before Performing a Timing Job on this Engine!

In this video we show you the very first item you want to check before performing a timing job on the Ford 5.4L 3v Triton Engines.
This is how it looks inside the engine when the thrust washer fails-
• Ford F-150 5.4L 3v Tri...
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[@FordTechMakuloco]

This is how it looks inside the engine when the thrust washer fails- kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqmtY2aaq5ijqpI Forscan is a free Ford Specific Diagnostic Software: Download Here- forscan.org/home.html ELM 327 Adapter I Recommend- amzn.to/2GC6dBj As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@skutahuniai4830]

Ok, thanks for the link. Trust an arrogant engineer to think that they have a soooo much better idea than something that has worked flawlessly for decades. Good plan - replace a robust thrust bearing on #3 main cap with a small two piece washer! Hard to comprehend the stupidity.

[@billywhite1036]

I got a 5.4 3v that doesn’t like to keep a idle at times, there is a pcm code p0605 that workshop says replace pcm with no description. I’m not do you know if this code would be the source of my iss😊ue

[@billywhite1036]

Runs good most of the times but once it shuts off once it’s repeated until I let it sit for a while dealership says this is the only lead for my issue

[@donaldjohnson4570]

I have 3v billet oil pump gears and I wanted to know if they would fit in a 4v oil pump. If not would a 3v oil pump work with a 04 mustang GT 2v?

[@dotskip]

so whats the cure ? engine rebuild ???

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

If I had to drive a Ford (or any vehicle) into combat, I'd want Brian working on the vehicle. Guy does the right thing 100% of the time. You're an asset, Sir. Glad to see your son learning at your side.

[@girthy10incher23]

THE QUESTION IS WHY WOULD YOU DRIVE ONE? FORD IS JUNK?

[@harleyjackson5513]

Girthy 10 incher, that is your opinion. Ford has served me very well.

[@girthy10incher23]

@@harleyjackson5513 The truth hurts

[@harleyjackson5513]

Doesntt hurt me, my Fords have all given great service.

[@girthy10incher23]

@@harleyjackson5513 The truth does hurt

[@tbirdguy76]

The blue truck is 2007; It belongs to me! Thanks for the good work on the timing before and the current work! Brian does GREAT work; very meticulous and detail oriented... HIGHLY recommend to anyone needing Ford work done!

[@Dawgator]

If you own a Ford, you’ll need work done, that’s for sure.

[@sinisterx9029]

@@Dawgator like gm trash doesn't have any issues 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Dawgator]

@@sinisterx9029 Current topic is Ford 5.4L Triton trash. See if you can follow.

[@robsem1]

Where is Brian's shop located

[@Twobarpsi]

Cool!

[@GreatDataVideos]

We have a 2007 Expedition. Didn't like to hear that it's "The one you want to avoid at all costs." I followed your videos 5 1/2 years ago and replaced timing components, VTCs, oil pump, etc. and it's been running well ever since. You saved us thousands. Thanks!

[@camaro84350]

I have a 2007 as well, did my manifolds and timing chains 7 years ago. I never knew to look at the crank play back then, been running 5w30 synthetic ever since and has been fine

[@winstonsmith3685]

I felt the same way a couple months ago when he said you definitely want to stay away from 2018-20 5.0L due to cylinder bore issues. I had previously recommended my father in law get a 2020 F150 with a 5.0L. I had always heard the 5.0’s were bulletproof.

[@peterpeter5666]

as a tech for 37 years i dont get impressed by other techs often, especially ones on youtube but i have say this guy knows his shitz! hats off to you. not many techs left in the world just a crap load of part changers!

[@k9er233]

Parts cannoneers.

[@U_ever]

"LIKE" button has been torqued to the manufacturer's recommended specification. "CLICK".

[@kenj.8897]

Lucky son lucky dad, this country needs more Father and son relationships.

[@operationbs7610]

I've been so lucky with my 07 expedition. 300k miles..just replaced the VCTs as they were toast. Getting the parts together for a full timing job this winter..as it has started to rattle for a second during some start ups. I'll check for this to make sure. I do change my oil every 3000 miles and have been using 5w 30 and a quart of lucus oil with every oil change for years. I really do love these trucks. My only gripe with the 5.4 on the expedition is the lack of room to work with 🤣😅 other than that I've been using it for years to tow my RV all over the country. It's been the most reliable truck I've ever owned. Has never left me stranded.

[@oby-1607]

Imagine how you feel if you get a video notification and you are all excited to watch and then realize you have an 07 version. The sweet spot.

[@halleffect1]

I would never have thought to check thrust bearing, thanks for sharing

[@jeremycassell7627]

Wow, the belt on the tensioner is almost even more obvious with it right on the edge of the pulley. Thanks this was perfect, I have yet to see a bad one personally.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes it is another indicator but not as trustworthy. Aftermarket tensioners can also track to the edge like this even with a perfectly fine thrust washer.

[@jeremycassell7627]

@FordTechMakuloco oh good to know I'll make sure not to ust go off of that, thanks again I love the videos!

[@jeeinocca]

Thank you, it is always educational to view your videos. Keep posting, we need them.

[@neptune4167]

Its the explanation Brian does with his videos that make all the difference, not just that the thrust washers are toast but that the crankshaft walks back and forth which causes a loss in oil pressure. Most tech would leave it at the trust washers are bad.

[@stevenfuchs2548]

Another great informative video, thanks for taking us along!

[@fredsalter1915]

Fantastic lesson on how to check for crank end play! This video is great!

[@greasee.monkey7224]

I have down a few engines for this very reason. You were actually the one I learned to check it from. Thanks for the refresher course.👍👍

[@edman1015]

Very good info Ford Tech - You are so kind to share this with us. God Bless You and Your Work.

[@mmardell9262]

Thanks Brian, I'm going to go check mine now.

[@richardthomas1743]

Great information! Thank you!!

[@huntingspud3086]

You are definitely one of the best, most knowledgeable technicians I've ever seen. You have very lucky customers!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Good info, thanks Brian.

[@reycardenas8092]

Great information thanks for all you guys do.

[@PhilBender612]

good demo, thanks.

[@nikolairomanov3160]

That's how it's done boys. The most important said to the point. Love watching, learning a lot those tiny details.

[@ryans5959]

Great explanation thank you

[@thatalaskaguy]

That was bananas! Seeing you move the crank back and forth was crazy.

[@Jaguarenthus]

Awesome info as always!

[@PaulHenreid]

Excellent camera shots that pinpoint the small gap between the crankshaft and timing cover. Those Eddie Bauer colors look great. Thank you!

[@thomasbabcock5174]

I LOVE this channel...Thank you Brian! We need more HONEST mechanics that actually do the repairs right and don't pad the bill with stuff that doesn't need fixed.

[@29auto30]

WOW! That’s a lot end play! Thanks for the video!

[@garymcmullin2292]

you once again lead the pack in diagnosis and looking out for your customers. Most shops would not be thinking of this.

[@johna6173]

awesome video , seeing that movement , easy to spot a troubled crank

[@FC-cz6zd]

Another thing to check on my 2010 5.4 3v. Thanks for the heads up.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Thanks Brian!

[@Troy_Built]

That is by far the most end play I've ever seen. Thanks for the tip.

[@maxxtech8532]

Thanks for the info

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Brian great info on this. Take care of yourself and family ❤️❤️👍✅

[@87Stang]

seen this before on the old trailblazers ...never on a ford but will def be looking for this problem for now on thanks !!!!!

[@juliansalcedo1394]

I assume the young guy is your son,he got lucky cause he got the best teacher to learn all the tricks he will need to fix any mechanical issue!thanks makuloco for being teaching us all this time!

[@Ambassadorkenny]

Man, I wish you guys had a shop inf Loria because you guys are amazing

[@martin11603]

I always look forward to your videos, Thanks

[@alonzorojas3367]

Always entertaining while on lunch break

[@theresatruax3846]

Thanks Brian!!!!

[@flynnndawg]

i own a 06 , 5.4 3v f150, so i enjoy watching brian's videos and getting the hell scared out of me, ive noticed his t-shirts and finally googled BSG auto to see what he was about, and being a 24 year retired vet from TNARNG i even appreciate him more for his service to our country... :) thank you for your service brother... :)

[@flukedogwalker3016]

This man has made a living making lemonade from lemons, he is a good mentor for any young mechanic and he doesn't mind sharing knowledge he has learned from many years of working on these engines. His explanations on examples of particular types of engine noise and what they mean is pure gold and he just shows it to us for free. That's how great he is.

[@bobbyboy990]

I love your comment and I will say that he can work a few more years before retiring and will not run out of work on these engine's!! I hope to keep my 2009 5.4 130,000 running for a long time I'm watching for tell tale signs of failure due to watching these videos. If I lived closer I'd take my truck to him just for his option and pay for it!!

[@davidwallace3224]

I know that I was blessed to have my 06 Expedition go 248000 without even a timing job when I brought it up to you for the engine swap. I know alot of it was from using good quality oil and regular intervals.

[@soundmind192]

Thanks for your help.

[@suecrets5169]

Always enjoy when your videos come out. Wish we could see some more often.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I put out 3 videos in the last 7 days, any more and it would be overload I think.

[@suecrets5169]

@@FordTechMakuloco Oh I can imagine, must take time for these. It's just great when you put something new, always informative. I wish I lived closer to your shop. My 2013 King Ranch Expedition would like it also needing work these days lol.

[@richardlewis4288]

FordTechMakulocoJr is FTM spitting image!

[@joshwilson4200]

You give the best knowledge and know how I’m wondering what you know about the 6.2L F150s

[@only7772]

Thanks!

[@johnmesser3278]

The Absolute Best Ford Mechanic Channel. Ty Sir

[@georgechappell2784]

Thank you. For that info.

[@D2O2]

Great video! The other tell-tale is the serpentine belt almost rolling over the front edge of the tensioner pulley because the crank/dampner is too far forward.

[@mbrick]

I noticed that as well...

[@garyr7027]

Yep it is I noticed that right away myself, but that alone may not mean anything if the pulley bearing is worn. Of course inspection of the pulley would verify it.

[@pauldavis8716]

Thanks bro I just learned something new

[@1velocity]

Thanks for the informative videos i really appreciate it . I just went to help a friend put her serpentine belt back on. It flew off going down the road in the rain. I figured maybe it was a streached out old belt. So we put a new one on. Theis was a 4 cylinder in a Dodge Avenger. It came off again a few days later. So when i put it back on in a garage I could see that the belt was riding a full rib out on the tensioner just like the one in your video. If you notice the alignment is off on the next pully after the crank. I bet he engine might have thrust bearing issues. I would have never thought of that. Her tensioner felt good so i didn't think it was going bad.

[@yoteoboth8449]

Thank you, you just saved me a lot of work and time on my 2008 f150 with 165,000 miles.

[@poppacapinya]

had same problem 08 197000 miles pulled pan and saw the 1 half of the thrust bearing in the pan ,pulled engine put a reman crank and bearings in . the cylinders still had cross hatch visible measured tapper and it was mint put in new rings ,new timing etc. runs like a top has 6000 miles on it no smoke no problems , all thanks to brians videos it helped me out alot

[@garythibeault168]

So glad I traded my 04 5.4 I had the same end play 👍

[@333alliedeagle]

Amazing.

[@ojwilks]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to present it. Of course it may not hurt to first check the harmonic balancer bolt, make sure it's tight (probably would be, but was my first thought that came to mind as I watched the video). I might also recommend pulling the torque converter bolt access cover and confirming the observed movement back-there on the flywheel with a dial indicator as you're prying forward/backward from the harmonic balancer on the front-end. The first set of main / rod bearings I did in-frame was on a Pinto way back in the day (1990). Do you know if the oil pan can come off on these 5.4L trucks in-frame? I might be buying one of these trucks which I think needs the chain and guide work all done (probably rockers too), hoping it didn't drop a valve (it's a no-start he said). I will also check the end-play now after seeing a couple of your videos on this. I know all about end play from doing lots of engine rebuilds over the years, but as one might think, it is not typically considered a 'usual suspect' for a general mechanic to think it should be that far out-of-spec on most cars hehe... Anyways, good find, keep it up!

[@joelsolano5261]

Nico, good advice!!

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@rotfan77]

Great video, you leave no doubt to someone who may not know exactly what you’re talking about immediately, by showing two or three times and pointing with a prybar easy to follow you can see everything very clearly. Thanks

[@growlith6969]

Damn that's handy to know. I've been split on what to do with my expedition, having a simple test that can save a lot of future heartache is priceless.

[@philliptipton9371]

Thanx! Your videos are excellent, informative and very experiential! As if I am actually there discovering the issues for myself. God bless. This video will definitely save me headaches in the future!

[@jeremypike9153]

Interesting I had never thought of this but it makes sense seeing how ford has had intermittent issues with flex plates breaking the flanges out.

[@jeremymenees4430]

Thanks for the video. I was all ready to spend money on a timing job and then i found this video. Checked my 05 and sure enough, about ¼in end play in crankshaft. Now I'm getting ready to drop a new engine in. Thanks again, Brian.

[@christuttle3980]

Great video Brian😎

[@JohnSmith-qi9qs]

I'm so glad my 2008 came with a 4.6L 2V. Totally by accident. The lot was full of 5.4 3V's but I wanted 4WD supercab with a towing package. Someone nearby had this one so I lucked out. Who knew back in 2008?

[@nealrehm6900]

Brian, now I'll have to look at mine!

[@unorthodoxridez]

You're awesome man keep it up!

[@markcollins457]

Great information and the crankshaft end play is probably one check that gets missed. That said what is some of the causes of excessive end play wear.

[@cruisepix]

Can't say I ever seen that much end play on a running engine! Just thinking of all the related parts, rods, wrist pins and pistons doing that dance. Good to see the next generation of tech next to his "oldman"! He has the best example of GOOD hard work and reputation! Thanks Brian 😎✌🤟

[@davidmckinney6577]

I've got a 04 ford f150 4.6 liter and so far it's been a good one so far..I know one thing you are the best mechanic I always seek out your channel when I have a problem with my truck thank you so much buddy

[@JohnnyReb2000]

My understanding is that the 4.6, whether the 2v or the 3v, is not as prone to the typical Triton issues as the 5.4. Also, if I remember correctly, 2004 F-150's still had the 4.6 2v. My grandmother's 2007 Mercury Mountaineer has the 4.6 3v, and it's been a very reliable car, with no major issues with the engine, granted, my grandmother has been pretty good about having preventative maintenance done to the car.

[@gunnerfanning5921]

great content Brian, Thank You... :)

[@TheTerminator310]

I've got a 2007 F-150 5.4 and it is just now rolling 200,000 miles. 5W-20 all of its life and still no timing job. Love that truck.

[@robertwinfree3197]

Mine is a 2006 and I have 248,500 on it. Motorcraft 5w-20 every 5000 miles since I bought it at 50,000 miles. Still running like a champ!

[@folms110]

I’ve got a 2010 5.4l with 174k. Got the cam phasers replaced at 140k. Thinking about selling 😬😬😬😬

[@robertwinfree3197]

@@folms110 Mine is at almost 250K and is all factory. I’ve always done my oil changes on time and used Motorcraft 5W-20 every time.

[@Alex-px2mb]

When that crankshaft moved as you pried down below I jumped in my chair. Spooky. It's NOT supposed to do that. Whew. But it's great for someone to tell the truth. Bless you Brian - you are teaching your son well. Ethics. Values. Doing the right thing. Open communications. Thinking and analysis not random wandering. Great work at fair prices. The customer comes first. Etc. Etc.

[@billysandals]

My 04 F150 had a 06 Expedition 5.4 swapped in at 205,000 miles. No excessive end play at 160,000 miles. It got the Melling high volume and high pressure oil pump, new Ford chains and cast tensioners using Rotella gas truck oil. Runs like a champ but after watching your other video I realized the Expedition injectors are still in it! Need to swap them out. If you didn't make the video I never would have known since its not throwing a lean code. Thanks for the videos!

[@chrisforker7487]

Great video, I never knew this!

[@steverandall5814]

A great explanation of something I would not have thought to check! Thank you for sharing your years of experience with us. This sure makes me appreciate the old-school 4.6 in my '98 Mercury Grand Marquis. No phasers, just 2 valves per cylinder... a basic text-book V-8. Except for the lack of sparkplug threads in this era, if you stay up on the maintenance, this motor is pretty darn bulletproof. Just past 150K and it still runs like a watch.

[@Holler_Rat]

Buddy of mine is a machinist, and he told me the 4.6 liter spark plug threads, or lack thereof, have put his children through college. The Ford 302/351 was an excellent engine. They haven't built a good one since, imho.

[@Marco-fi6gv]

True, great engines. Still plenty of them in operation all over the place.

[@civiccruiser7025]

@@Holler_Rat I agree. I regret recently scrapping my 93 f150 with a 302, but I had to. The cab just rotted right out, shock and leaf mounts rusted, electrical problems, ect ect. Im still sad about it.

[@k9er233]

@@Holler_Rat True that. Miss my 302. And my inline 300.

[@keithwiebe1787]

@@Holler_Rat What do you mean put you through college? I've installed dozens of inserts into these heads. No need to pull them etc. Charged perhaps 1 extra hour over sparkplug change to install an insert. How much was he charging?

[@DavidReese2ndA]

The idler pulley near the crank pulley, the BELT is at or past the edge of it... and all the oil on the bottom below the crank.. and Wow, in all the motion in the crank from wear in the bearings

[@TimLibeer]

You are an awesome teacher. I wish you’d start your videos with the vehicle running and or on the road driving so we can learn to diagnose the problems. I have no idea how the motor was functioning with this pulley flexing.

[@chevelle-pi1bn]

You can also tell from where the belt is riding on the tensioner, because of the dampner moving forward its causing the belt to walk towards the front of the tensioner pulley I have seen it so bad that it was causing belts to be thrown off from the belt shreading.

[@hddm3]

Wow nice tips

[@javierclift9991]

GREAT INFO! My question is can the damaged washer be replaced or is this a new engine swap?

[@sonofsteve566]

Brian, you are the right guy for the question: will a 4.6 be direct swap in 2004 f150 ....?

[@donniejohnson7499]

Thank you for all your videos. Your a awesome ford tech. I own a 2004 f150. It's got 116 000. Miles on it. I guess I need to get junk it out. When I see these problems.

[@k9er233]

Dump it and find a GMT800 with low miles if possible.

[@dbusby77]

Great video! I have a 2005 F-150 5.4L with 256,000 miles so I watch a lot of your videos over the years but I have been lucky that I have not had to do motor work of any kind at this point. Quick question. Do the 2016-2018 Ford Explorer 2.3L Ecoboost blocks have the same slit between the cylinders like the redesigned 2.0L Ecoboost in so of the 2015-2018 Edge and 2016-2019 Escape/Fusion/MKZ?

[@daltonrichardson5833]

Oil pressure issues? Just dump some more Lucas in it, should be good then right? Thanks again Brian! Your the best!

[@elliottbutts153]

Wow, good stuff. Does the 05 have the same problem? I guess the same test could be done on a 05

[@bobbyboy990]

I thank you for all of your videos! I own a (2009 F-150 130,000 miles) It's not sounding like anything is wrong but I am thinking of doing the oil pump timing and rollers.. It is still in nice condition body wise and I would like to keep it for several years. I love every video you have posted! I know this isn't the video I watched earlier but such great info about the thrust washer!!

[@plain6255]

Hey Youngster! You got a Dad a lot of kids can only dream about. Learn all you can!

[@mercedes-amgforlife3237]

My brother had an AMC 360 in a Jeep with over 1/2" of end play, and you could see daylight through the top of the main bearings. I could literally pick the crankshaft up while it was still in the block and bolted down. That end play Brian is seeing is pretty significant too. Keep up the good work Brian as I always appreciate your top notch videos.

[@B44SB66]

I was a foreign car mechanic for 20 years and the operation you are describing is the very first thing I always did when I got an old style VW beetle into my shop and that was to check for and play in the crankshaft because if there was excessive play in the crank shaft all other operations would be futile and it would only be a matter of time before the engine self-destructed. any money or procedures that you performed on this type of engine would be like playing a one armed bandit at a casino .

[@87mattjt]

“Avoid the ‘07’s”….lol, now he tells me( owned an 07 Expy since 2016)Followed your vids on changing timing set 3 yrs and 40k miles ago, still running great( 215k mi now). Thanks again Brian!

[@WBOS72]

Awesome video Brian. I always learn something in every video that you do. Do you see many issues in the Supercuty 6.2 engines?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I have never worked on one.

[@steveblalock5237]

This would have been super helpful to know back in 2019 before I dumped a ton of money into all the timing components. My son drives the truck now and I was noticing some oil spots in the driveway and I got underneath it and it appears to be the rear main seal leaking so it leads me to believe it has this issue

[@FordTechMakuloco]

My original in depth video about this defect was posted on Feb 2, 2018.

[@A2J_Tim]

you can see it on the tensioner where the belt is riding, the one with the crank walk has the belt riding on the edge of the tensioner towards the radiator and the one that is fine has the belt riding on the edge of the tensioner towards the timing cover.

[@keithwiebe1787]

I'll give kudos to this tech who has the guts to rebuild these engines. Most techs I know got stung on some of these jobs because the motor was trashed. By the time I saw them they would go into a low idle rpm mode and they sounded like a diesel because the oil pressure was too low and the cams became out of timing (at least on one side) and barely running at idle. Motor was trashed at that point. Always best to verify oil pressure but on a 4x4 that was a pain to do and the motor needed to be fully warmed up too.

[@Twobarpsi]

Wow! That is a lot of play!