The One Fatal Flaw that is Destroying the Ford 5.4L 3v Triton Engines!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

These are the Parts and Kits I Recommend: 2004-2014 Engines Latest Roller Followers x24- amzn.to/3BtEHgm 2005-2014 Engines can utilize this Ford Racing Kit- amzn.to/492DRYC How to replace the 5.4L 3v roller followers- kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJWkhpiMh6eBd5o 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.

[@cheapers1952]

Hello this comment has nothing to do with your video right here right now but what it's worth I have 50 years under the belt ASE master technician 35 plus years do you work on older Ford models and for what it's worth I'm just curious what do you feel about electric cars versus hydrogen fuel cards that is going to be the way of the future!! Just curious I know that you are a top notch person as far as it is to working on automobiles I see that you prefer the Fords which I can understand that so if you wouldn't mind shooting us at least a short response back to me that would be absolutely great

[@Charles-Windham]

Also I assume the 2 valve uses different roller followers. I found this statement: You need to focus on the rubber insulation that goes over the spark plug. If there is a bend there, you have a 2 valve engine. Where the coil is straight, you have a 3 valve engine. I will have to look at mine.

[@armandocarriedo9354]

Hey Brian does this apply for the 4.6 v8 triton engine. If so can you send me the part number so I can get them through Amazon. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving Brian to you and you family.

[@armandocarriedo9354]

2 sets that's 24 pcs all together?

[@elparasito2001]

Hi! Brian, which 5.4 3v engine do you recommend between Jasper or powertrain? Thanks in advance!

[@tooltime5661]

Easy repair! Keep your oil and service up these engines are bulletproof!!!! You hear a tic or tap,check it out. Was a Ford tech 12 years, 6.8 and 5.4, 2 and 3 valve V10 Triton in the F53,E-450 Motor home chassis! 150 200K very rarely opened a engine. This guy is a honest Tech,very knowledgeable!

[@jhitt79]

“These engines are bulletproof”😂🤣

[@gregpace4676]

@@jhitt79 I would use the word "JUNK" rather than bulletproof

[@joehines8140]

My 2006 F-250 has 222,000 miles. I've changed oil and filter about every 3000 miles. After watching the channel I sent the truck to the shop for all front end engine parts. The valve cover, drivers side, was removed and one roller follower has laying on the head. The engine never has a miss. just a "slight" ticking sound. Of course the chain followers were shot as well. I can't say enough good things about this channel and the information and assistance it it has given me. My advice to anyone with a well maintained 5.4 3v is to replace followers at 150k. By the way I drove 300mi the previous week on the interstate. and never detected a problem. Just good fortune.I guess. All ford parts are going back in.

[@LitheInLitotes]

ford is trash

[@theshield1613]

3,000 is the legit number to make the 5.4l v8 3v last

[@mickeyshooter5298]

Would one bad follower in and of itself cause a code other than a misfire? Say, a p0012? I had multiple misfire codes, along with a p0012. I changed out the plugs and coils, they all went away and p12 remained. I’m not really getting any timing noise, just a slight rattle which I believe to be a roller, and a p0012 code. 🤷‍♂️

[@user-yw5fl1db5u]

Yeah but it's not hard to miss the tick if you don't leave the truck mine is a higher trim and you can't hear the noise from inside the cab, so naturally I was scared when I heard a clunking noise followed by the truck running like crap, but now I know, but it having a lack of power could have also been my bad cats as its needed new ones for the past 100k so uhh my truck is sitting in my driveway right now.

[@Lindrios]

Man I wish i had the money to do that! All I can do is switch to 5w-30 and pray

[@terrywhite4037]

Just based off your videos, even though I don't hear anything ticking, I am going to replace them because I have 165,000 miles on the engine. Thanks for your videos!! Your a blessing to us truck owners and because times are very tough financially right now, I hope you understand the magnitude of how much you have blessed your viewers with the knowledge and expertise to work on their own vehicles! Wished I lived closer, but I live near Atlanta, GA.....This channel is my goto for my 2006 F150 XLT, 5.4L 3V!! Thanks!

[@toniavery7866]

Mine too...I have 06 5.4...262,000 miles...I'm broke and have no choice but to tackle this myself...pray for me...

[@ernestoperez6785]

Yep. I would do the same. What happened to our f150 05 was when my girlfriend at the time was mad at me and didn't want me to touch her truck, so she had Walmart do the oil change but after a week I heard how the engine was straggling and not even a block away when she picked me up I told her to pull over to check the iol, it was bone dry. After that even when I put iol in it it just seized. 😭

[@Ej6daniel]

​@@toniavery7866You got this man! 🤙

[@albduke]

Sell it I'm selling mine

[@ghghj4700]

​@@albduke I'll buy lol I'm in midwest

[@WhiskeyRiverRifleman]

Long-time subscriber here I love your videos and on that note I will tell you this. I am a master technician ase-certified. I own a 2008 Ford F150 with the dreaded 5.4 3 valve. At 173,000 miles I decide to yank the motor and rebuild it. I sent the motor to my friends machine shop where it was bored out 30 over and line bored for a new crankshaft. I got the block back with a new Pistons installed with the crankshaft and then installed brand new camshaft, roller lifters and the cam phaser lockouts. I also installed the Paxton Supercharger and let me tell you what boys she smokes 5.7 hemis, 6.2 Chevy's. whatever is put in front of her she destroys.

[@Carado5150]

Weird that your supercharged engine beats other stock NA engines. I've never heard of that before.

[@delbirky4163]

Sold my 5.4 with 250k miles on it still running strong thanks to you. I still watch these videos even tho I don't have a 5.4.

[@KollynJ]

How many times did you do these lash adjusters or full timing?

[@delbirky4163]

@@KollynJ I never did. But I bought it with 200k on it so it could have been done but it didn't look like anybody had been in the motor.

[@louisd4928]

Last Sunday, truck began hesitating on highway. My daughter got out that night and asked " Is your truck supposed to make that noise? " Pulled valve cover last night, confirmed bad cam follower, and you post this video today, so thanks! And thank you for all your great videos!

[@cddavon]

How did it hesitate? I had my truck hesitate and then go back normal about 1 week ago

[@tonyackerman4716]

I had a roller follower in the same position as this go bad very quickly at 180k miles. I swapped all the followers on that side and put a new cam in just for insurance. I am now at 242k miles and going to replace all the followers on the other side. And yes...i still have all my original timing set. My engine doesn't make much noise at start up or warm idle. switching to 5w-30 motorcraft oil years ago and being religious with oil changes has helped tremendously.

[@rkneegordon6316]

Greetings from the future. Hand to God, this video made me stop, go outside, fire up the Expedition and listen. Thank you for keeping me on my toes.

[@alpaca7886]

I no longer have my F150, but I still enjoy your videos. When I sold the the truck, I wrote down the information to your channel for him to reference. There were so many helpful tips in your videos I was able to do more repairs than I ever though was possible, thanks!

[@Ethan-xm4fv]

A friend of mine has a 5.4 ran it so long that the roller fell out. I replaced it and said your so lucky. The wheel is about square. I gave it to this day to show people dont wait when ya hear ticking. Great channel you gave helped me out alot

[@tonygilliam2216]

Mine was ticking really bad but I just bought it from the auction last week and discovered I had bad cam phasers cause it would start shaking in reverse the put It in Park give it gas and it stops shaking. Was letting it warm up yesterday and it was ticking and it started shaking and I immediately shut it off . Now it starts but runs rough and you can barely get acceleration. Hoping nothing catastrophic happened. I'm pulling the valve covers tomorrow to take a good look inside. I pray I'm just in for complete timing phasers job. I'm really nervous about what if🙏

[@andrewmaresca8781]

@@tonygilliam2216 hi I just bid on a 2010 expedition, how are you doing with your engine?

[@jrich5955]

This is the exact noise my truck just recently started to make. I've had it parked because it freaked me out. Thank you for the video.. now I can have a clue. I guess I shouldn't complain.. 260k miles with this being the first real issue.

[@brianblithe2271]

What year is your truck w/ 260k miles ?

[@jrich5955]

@@brianblithe2271 it is a 2004 (and a half).. really been a reliable truck

[@michaelmorgan2584]

330000 miles on my 07 and I need to do this but I definitely can’t complain it runs and I hope to get to 400000

[@kat2641]

If the old boy is old like me(65) we were raised with solid lifters an then hydro. Light tapping is normal so no sense in getting worried.. lol an I am betting if he had any mechanical knowledge of the old school engines that is why he didn’t have it checked out. Right away. BUT I was not aware of the newer changes in rocker arms. So I learnt a valuable lesson here coz my last truck had that before a head on Deer crash total the truck.. So the tapper noises on these engines are a cry for help! Ten 👍 up for this video!!!!!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yup the newer engines should not have a noise like this no matter the brand.

[@janderson8401]

I’m not quite that old yet. Having worked about 40 years in construction I find that I don’t always hear the clicking of the turn signals if the radio is on. From what I read younger people are doing just as much damage to their hearing by listening to loud music using earbuds. In short the owner might not have realized the valve train noise was as bad as it really was.

[@MrTruckerf]

@@janderson8401 I HEAR ya! I am 67 and the noise would have to be real loud for me to notice. I occasionally take someone with good hearing along to see if they hear something I don't.

[@BlownF150]

Wish you'd get more 2V 5.4L's in, I guess it's a testament to their durability they don't seem to frequent your shop as much as the 3V's and other late-model engines.

[@mph5896]

I have never even heard of a 5.4 2v being apart.

[@billgateskilledmyuncle23]

They're simpler, have solid sprockets on the cam.

[@miketeeveedub5779]

I remember in the 80s when roller rockers first started coming into use on the Mustang and Corvettes. I thought it was great how racing tech made its way into mass production. Now 30+ years later, as great as they are at reducing high-speed friction and raising the rev zone, they do introduce more "wear complexity" into an already complex environment. Maybe stamped ball-type rockers weren't so bad to begin with...

[@FishFind3000]

Only issue is then you gotta check and readjust your valves every so often.

[@jeremiahlf]

@@FishFind3000 Better than replacing them or massive failures.

[@mercedes-amgforlife3237]

Corvette's didn't get factory roller rockers until 1996 and that was only in the optional LT4. In 1987 Corvette got roller lifters. When the LS1 debuted in 1997 is when roller rockers became standard. The LS's have issues with the trunion bearings failing. Not sure what year the Mustang got roller rockers in the push rod engines. Roller rockers are fine, but it seems like so much stress has been added to them to meet performance that they fail early, and also the budget cost materials the corporate bean counters rely on.

[@kevinbarry71]

Nonsense. Those components work flawlessly in the products of other companies. Toyota, etc. Ford just can't seem to figure it out. Just keep pretending it isn't the problem that Ford created

[@garymcmullin2292]

well they are a different breed if cat but those designs were fulcrum mounted or shaft mounted and that is a very different form of load stress in my way of seeing it. And the modern oil weights do not help the extreme forces applied on these valve followers either, they need a heavier oil film in those needle bearings. Overall the ford problem is mostly just one of under designing for the stresses to be endured.

[@rickwalt8767]

Thanks for posting this video. I’m the original owner of a 2007 Ford F-150 4x4 Crew Cab with the 5.4 Triton engine . It only has 50,000 miles on it so far. Luv the truck. I knew about the original spark plug plug issue but haven’t heard about the roller followers till now. Will be paying more attention to any strange sounds. Good info. Thanks again.

[@M_u_t_e96024]

Only 50k? 0.o my 2003 is 240k+ no issue besides 4wd went out once and bed corners r rusty

[@UnderSprayedWhiteSkies]

A couple years ago my buddy delivered a utility trailer to me in east central Arizona from Billings, MT. His truck had this tick, he made it here, and back w/his truck sounding exactly like Brian describes. I couldn't believe his luck. When he said the Ford dealer told him he needed a new engine, I knew they were spending his $$ unnecessarily. Now I REALLY know he could have fixed it w/much less expense.

[@RK-db4oq]

My 5.4L 3v went 230,000 miles with no engine repairs (except mass airflow sensor) before I donated it to charity. As far as I know it's still running. Key is regular oil changes with good oil. I did mine every 5K miles.

[@sirhc07]

I do mine ever 3k with 5w30 opposed to 5w20

[@hauloffjunkremoval8304]

@@sirhc07 why 30?

[@jetson2075]

@@hauloffjunkremoval8304 More protection. Makers are using thinner and thinner oils to meet environmental targets, there not trying to make your engine last longer

[@johnbrisker5584]

Only ford mechanic I watch on here.Every problem I’ve had I’ve watched and fixed and it has took care of the problem.Keep the great videos coming thanks again.

[@mattwaters6987]

This is such a great channel for us 5.4 3v Triton owners. Many thanks for the information. 👍

[@KM-bt1od]

Bought A used 140k 2013 retired Sheriff's Expedition with the 5.4 3V. Noticed A soft ticking when buying it but my brother in law encouraged that it was not abnormal.. said his f150 made A similar piston slap noise and he has over 240k on it. Got real loud suddenly within about 1200 miles of owning it. Driving it home for the appointment Monday from visiting family and the roller follower sheared off and it sounded like A major league pitcher threw A nickel into A glass jar at mach speed. It was the valve dropping and bouncing around and then getting spit into the intake manifold. Pulled over asap.. and thumbed A ride off the hill. I took the engine apart down to the pistons... cracked. After some deliberation, and A non functioning used engine that had to be refunded... I just dropped A remanufactured Engine into it. But this is no joke. Happened to me. Listen for the ticking and just take care of it.. Just like he's saying. Cheers

[@MrTruckerf]

Boy, the cops knew when to get rid of it!

[@Mike-w5d]

Any police vehicle has a lot of vital time and idling is the worst thing for engines, hopefully if people buy soldier vehicles and cars they are taken care of like fleet vehicles buy a good mechanic

[@bhumphrey386]

I've got a 2008 F150 5.4L xlt lariat just about to turn 100k, literally (99592), that's ticked since the day it was born. Have had it back to the dealership several times telling them something is wrong when a gasoline engine sounds like a diesel motor when sitting at idle. They've come back every time and said they couldn't find anything wrong. That was while it was under warranty. Now that it's out of warranty, I'll bet they'd know exactly what's wrong. I feel like taking this video down to them and telling them, "Now, watch this and fix it, morons." Thank you for your expertise. Your videos have saved me thousands. Keep up the good work, Sir.

[@Unchartedawesome]

That ticking noise is common in all the 2008 models. Mine has had that tick forever. I have had it for 10 years and its coming up on 200k miles. I was told that it was an engineering flaw that caused the tick. Did replacing the part in the video fix the tick for you?

[@davidblanck4131]

Just replaced the full timing set, rollers, cams (mine got damaged), new HV pump, and everything based on your videos. Thanks!

[@1957kwick]

This guy I want to tell you I watched just about every one of his videos and he is the 5.4 guru and knows everything and anything about these so if you own one, this is the guy to watch.

[@jaygilley2223]

He’s the guru on anything Ford!

[@Obamaistoast2012]

My 5.4L 3v just hit 400.000 regular maintenance, still runs good.

[@marlonsedano9749]

Got one 1999 with 389,000! You gotta baby them and be handy with a wrench but they’ll last!

[@411sponge72]

That's great to hear! I've got a 2006 F150 5.4L with 30,000 miles

[@mattp1333]

Mines at almost 300k just threw timing chain and the rest at it about 80k miles ago. Had to lock out cam phasers.

[@tongtongwang]

which year?

[@jacobaccurso]

Oh my God. There should be a placard in every vehicle with this engine, alerting the owner to this issue. All the placard has to say is, “Listen for tapping sounds. If you hear them, tell your mechanic to check the roller followers.“ Critical information here. Thank you for posting! Now I’m going to go fire up my pick up and begin my new listening habit.

[@JamesAgans]

One major problem with this engine is not the engine, it's the fact that Ford recommended the wrong weight oil right from the beginning, and installed a weak oil pump to boot. This caused oil starvation at the bank one components. They did this to hit the CAFE standards. Use a pint of Marvel Mystery Oil at every 5k change. I did a complete timing job, plus melling HV , pump, all new roller followers and lash adjusters at 153k, but I really did not have to. My engine was pristine inside at 153k. I was told about MMO at 12 years old. I'm now 78. The stuff just works.

[@jacobaccurso]

⁠​⁠@@JamesAgansThank you, James. I’m having a hard time finding a shop that will perform all the above. No one will do it in my area. I’ve offered to drive my ‘07 543 to Brian’s shop in Yorkville. But I’m thinking he’s not too keen on the idea. I’ll keep looking out west. In the meantime, I’ll start using a pint of MMO at every oil change.

[@JamesAgans]

@jacobaccurso What is a 543? Oh, I guess you mean 5.4 three valve? You had me going there for a second, as they are around 330 CID. Using the Marvel Mystery Oil is really important. The passage on the front cam journal is tiny, and that's where the oil feeds the phasers and the cam solenoids. Good Luck to you, and have a great life.

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

I had a 95 Town Car do this very same thing once at 130,000 miles. It suddenly developed a hard miss and I was driving it home. I assumed it was lost coil or clogged fuel injector. And after about 10 minutes the engine self destructed with a dropped valve, just a block from home. To be fair this car was ran out of engine oil multiple times just before this by the previous owner, a 94 year old lady. $150 for a 136,000 mile salvage yard engine and $500 to have it put in. Great video and hope fully this will help lots of us save out engines in time.

[@KollynJ]

You did it? How’s it running? Funny how that’s cheaper than this so called” easy/cheap internal engine repair”

[@matthewstraight1803]

hey bubba, I just bought a 2004 FX4 5.4 Triton motor or truck and it had no oil. I put the 520 in it and now it's making that knock on this video. thank you very much for the update. you are an awesome person

[@angrysheepdog9744]

High mileage 5W-30 + syn grade oil filter and a magnetic drain plug keep the gremlin's out of the engine. Brian's timing job video was such a great help doing my timing chain job and oil pump upgrade. Thanks man. Turns out the loose change sound / chain slop at startup was due to a broken and under-designed POS plastic chain guide and blown out chain tensioner gaskets. New everything including roller rockers...runs better than ever now especially with a tuned Borla exhaust.

[@gunjack66]

I have 215,000 miles on my 2006 5.4 lariat. The chain tensioners rattle a good bit it start up sometimes and sometimes they don’t. Otherwise the engine runs great! No ticking that I can hear. Thank you for the video!

[@douglasmcleish7355]

I have 250k engine run only on synthetic Mobil 1. I will go listen but I always listen. Thanks for the info.

[@michigandogman3060]

Someone is gifting me a 2005 expedition which is rust free and runs excellent! Thank you so much for this info because most people just say those engines are junk which is not true. Fairly simple fix that will save thousands 👍🏻

[@tkania8888]

You have helped me COUNTLESS times with my F150. Thank you!!!!!!!

[@jeromepedersen5535]

Another great video! After watching several of your videos, i feel extremely lucky that i have 300k on my 08 navigator. My AC finally went out, and i suddenly remembered that even though id always taken care of my engine, i had totally forgotten the timing job. So after watching those videos, my AC job has turned into pretty much an overhaul! Lol. Timing, water pump, oil pump, AC, plugs, injectors, and now roller followers! 😱 very glad to have your videos to help me out!! Thank you!

[@jetson2075]

Id rather pay somebody 3k in labour than have my head stuck under a bonnet

[@coreypechac4512]

Your videos been have been very helpful in keeping the maintenance up on my 2007 F-150 5.4 with 197,545 miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4,000 miles with 5w-30 Super Tech full Synthetic and use the OEM oil filter for years now. I add 7oz of Sea foam to the crank case 500 miles before each oil change. Original transmission changed every 30,000 miles with filter change every time. I add a can of Transfoam(Sea foam product) to the transmission 500 miles before each change as well. Truck runs hard, strong. Great work truck! ..👍🏼 Keep up with the good vids!..🍻🍻

[@htatesil4192]

Lol bro run amsoil Im At 190k 3v burning a quart every 6k no lie amsoil is god

[@coreypechac4512]

@@htatesil4192 Amsoil is over rated. Far from god..lol

[@htatesil4192]

@@coreypechac4512 lol that cheap Wal mart oil burns up after 1000k like I said I'm running 6k before I burn a quart on a 190k engine i change my oil twice a year compared to u lol running cheap Wal mart oil

[@htatesil4192]

@@coreypechac4512 u won't make it to 300k

[@coreypechac4512]

🤣🥱 OK..lol

[@nicholasali2182]

SOME OF THE BEST FORD 5.4 3V CONTENT 💯 MUCH RESPECT FROM CANADA 🇨🇦

[@ftby59mikeD]

Great info here, I've owned no less than four 5.4's ranging in years from '01 thru '06 and never encountered this problem. Catastrophic failure for sure, good advice taking care of it as preventative maintenance regardless of mileage & oil change frequency 👍

[@JP-wp1vi]

I’m pretty sure they didn’t make ‘em with 3 valves until 06 or after

[@housepumpinpc3983]

@@JP-wp1vi 05 Expedition with 5.4l 3v. I don't know about 01 but certainly 05.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Perhaps you have had 2V engines. It has spark plug issues but it seems nothing else…so far. This channel has a good tutorial on replacing plugs in a 5.4 L2V

[@housepumpinpc3983]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 the timing chain guides are garbage in a 5.4l. I'll take the drop in power of the 4.6l. Besides the spark plugs blowing out, I love the 4.6l...

[@hoost3056]

What oil did you use?

[@jerryp3551]

I have over 300,000 miles on my 5.4 King Ranch Expedition and it is still running strong!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

They are great engines.

[@carbonkings6272]

Was already planning on getting a new engine anyways and I pushed this old motor a lot and it handled it all like a champ

[@judodavid1]

Up until….

[@boostedbadboyzx12r31]

@@judodavid1 he sold it? Lol plenty of us getting 200-300k on a 5.4L hoss lol

[@judodavid1]

Good for you@@boostedbadboyzx12r31!

[@judodavid1]

On May 21 of 1927 Charles Lindbergh landed a single engine plane in Paris France with a trashed engine after flying it non stop from Long Island. During WW2 he flew fighters out of California and landed them in Hawaii with a trashed engine. Over night they would re engine and the next day he wold fly the same plane to whatever pacific island needed Fighters. They would re engine and the third day the plane wold be flying combat missions. The reason Mr Lindbergh did Not die at sea was simple. He knew the correlation between head temperature and running an engine lean enough to get maximum efficiency. My particular version of the eco boost is notorious for burning #1 piston due to boost casing an over lean condition…more than 80 years after Lindbergh figured that out. Frankly I am NOT impressed with the current batch of Ford engineers.

[@jeromedenis4754]

I had the same engine on a 2000 E-150 wagon and it was a trooper still with 230K miles, that's when I traded. Engine used close to 1 qt. by oil change time, was never opened up, oil change religiously. MPG was typically19.9 fully loaded with 5 in the family, dog and everything needed for camping.

[@michaelmailes7974]

Had this exact issue on our 2012 Expedition. Took it to dealership three times and not once did they recommend stopping driving until fixed. One dealership had it three days and said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Told a different dealership we were bringing it to them the next Monday until they could figure it out … rocker failed the day before and it came apart dropping the valve exactly like what happened here. Luckily we had bought the extended warranty from Ford to 100,000 miles and we were only at 93k when it blew. Saved us 8k for a new engine. Funny part was the warranty wanted to reinstall 7 of the 8 old (unaffected) spark plugs into the new engine so of course we paid ‘extra’ to buy all new plugs.

[@shawnmason5290]

I wish you would’ve posted the extended service contract company’s name.

[@brianstough5286]

How many TRITON engines 'just made it" past the warranty period before this and all the other issues were "figured out"??? Remember the first 5 or 6 years on the spark plug thread issue? The "easiest way" to fix it was to pull the head(s) - and the fastest way to do that was to remove the cab?!? (whole body if an expedition)? But, there are still people that swear by ford, even though they've been ripped off so badly!?!?!

[@mph5896]

I would have told them to feel free to reinstall all the old plugs.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

​@@brianstough5286 swear at Ford, Chevy, and anything else I have to drive. I can't afford a new one for sure so I just do the best I can.

[@JohnJohn-nh5mj]

Wow , I got a f150 4.6 and never thanks God has a y issues, was thinking to buy another truck 5.4 but I see does truck has this problem with the followers rollers, this guy is so good explaining everything that u got a super like n a subscription!, GOD BLESS YOU.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

Thank you for these videos. I have a 2008 Mustang GT (I always comment this on your vids haha) and it has the 3v 4.6 liter which is pretty much the same engine as the 5.4 so I always pay attention when you post these. I have had my rollers tick loudly on two occasions and immediately replaced them. I always have spare rollers at home, as well as the special tool on hand to replace them on short notice. I've also retimed the engine and replaced phasers a couple of times (with all Ford parts!) thanks to your videos. 215k miles and still being driven in a spirited manner on a 91 octane tune every day with no issues :)

[@egmac100]

I have 2005 Mustang Saleen with the 4.6l 3V. What mileage should these followers be replaced? Was going to do them with the chains and phazers at 100k.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

@@egmac100 Saleen huh? Nice. I don't really have a technical answer for your question, i'm at 215k and i'm actually on 90% original followers if you can believe that. I bought the car with around 85k miles on it already and I highly doubt the previous owner replaced anything. I only had to replace the two I mentioned, and both times, they made a really really loud tapping noise, louder than anything else in the engine by almost twice as much, and I would immediately shut the engine back off and replace them in my driveway when that happened so its never escalated from there. If you are not one to go inside of your engine a lot and want to do it all at once, and have the cash and time to spare, then I guess you could do it for piece of mind. The specialized tool (part number OTC 6684) is a must, and one thing to make sure of though, as Brian has mentioned in some of his other videos, is to make sure the keepers are going down as you use the tool to push the spring down, because if they stay up, you can drop a valve into the cylinder which would not be fun.... As for the phasers, I recommend only the ford parts, and might as well replace the vct solenoids too if you really are going for all new components, but its not necessary. As for the timing components, one thing I can recommend to you is the metal racheting timing chain tensioners off of the older mustang GT models (ford part numbers F6AZ-6L266-DA (RH) and F6AZ-6L266-CA (LH)) as they have a ratcheting design and actually stay extended even when your engine is turned off. This will eliminate the chain rattle you may hear with the plastic, non-racheting tensioners that came with our cars, which use oil pressure to extend and become untensioned when the engine is off. I also recommend 30 weight oil instead of the 20 weight that ford recommends in their manual, the engines were designed for 30 weight but Ford stated 20 weight for emmissions purposes.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

@@SangheiliSpecOp great advice!!! One thing that I noticed about the newer vehicles that are now using these really thin/low viscosity (sewing machine) oils, is the highly stressed parts such as the valve train components, seem to be wearing out more rapidly... I like your suggestion of going with a higher viscosity oil...

[@lard1892]

No issues?????

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

@@lard1892 thats right yo, almost 220k now

[@frugalprepper]

I am glad I chose the 4.2 when I bought my F150. 513K miles, 20 years, and I never kept up with the oil changes like I should have. Fords - They don't make em like the used to.

[@Joe-jl7nx]

Bought a 2008 f150 from an auction and drove it for a month when this problem started happening. was so upset I was then convinced to get a full timing job . After watching this video I don't know if that was the best option now thinking back to it. But truck is still running strong w 125k miles

[@ColdWarVet607]

Nicely done, thank you. Looking to buy a used F150 and trying to learn what to look for. This is gold that can save me from buying calamity.

[@likesbikes77]

Well crap. The first 3:30 describes me. 179,000, took care of the oil, original timing parts, ignoring the ticking. I'm glad I got my Jeep back on the road so I can tear into my engine.

[@gregmislick1117]

Check all the 5.4 series vids, he shows you how to swap out the followers without having to actually pull the cam - just loosen up a couple of bolts and put the engine in a specific spot in the rotation and then bam, they can all be swapped - without disturbing the timing set!

[@DangerRanger89]

We have an all original 5.4 in our 2004 F250, it has 400k and keeps trucking. The majority of our fleet is 5.4’s or 7.3’s. Thanks for the info, we definitely need to check a couple out!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

no

[@dennisrogers8107]

Would love to have seen a scope view down through that open intake port to see how grarled up the piston and cylinder were.

[@jimsvo4486]

Good advice. I always tell people to listen at cold start to all their cars. If it sounds like two skeltons screwing on a tin roof, get it checked out.

[@wvenn37]

😂

[@spookyskeleton216]

💀😂

[@GreatDataVideos]

I replaced timing components, VTCs, oil pump, spark plugs, etc. about 5 years ago following your videos and have had no issues since. Didn't replace the roller followers because I checked them and they were all OK, but probably should have.

[@JamesAgans]

Yes, you should have, AND the lash adjusters with OEM only.

[@GreatDataVideos]

@@JamesAgans Hindsight it 20-20. I took each of them off and tested them, but it would have been better to replace them. I replaced all parts with the parts he recommended.

[@ericstites9470]

I just bought an '05 F150 5.4 with a tick under 198k on it, and it's making that noise. Think I'll replace them all and flush the engine real good before I change the oil - glad I remembered your channel!

[@SpaceLizard1049]

Every time you release a 5-4-3 video, I feel so much better about my 5.0.

[@jetson2075]

The windsor's where a great motor and still are

[@theshield1613]

Never had any problem with my 5.3l 3v v8 and has over 200k miles original engine.

[@miguelconqueso1289]

Funny you say that because I had a f150 5.0 from 2014, and at 180k the engine just lost so much power. Turns out, they have the same issues if you use the normal 5w-30 so I started having to use 10w-30 high mileage to keep it alive. So many things started happening at 150k even with regular maintenance that I was more relieved to hear that these 5.4s are actually better with common issues than the common issues in the 5.0 take it from somebody thats owned both I can say that for a fact.

[@donswank6920]

Thanks!

[@bobbytrigo940]

Man buddy I can’t thank you enough for all that info. I had to learn the hard way also. Now after watching this I understand what’s going on inside of the engine. I also heard this ticking and took it in to a mechanic and was told it was normal for these engines if it got worse to bring it in. Well I did and bam got a new engine now. Anyhow thanks for all the information now I can tell the mechanics what needs to be done.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

I watched this video, heard the tapping, ordered and received new Ford followers, but didn’t have the time or the money to get it fixed. A few months later, I had the time and the money, took it to the Ford dealer, since 1929, in a small town I used to live in, and the mechanic showed me the disaster. I had waited too long until all the cam shafts were damaged (ruined), in addition to roller followers. I asked for the price of rebuilding vs. the price of a Ford re-manufactured engine, and took that route for the better parts and engine durability. The difference in price was minimal and I would get no warranty on any parts used in rebuilding the old engine if I had it rebuilt. Plus, at that time, getting any Ford parts was difficult and the only guarantee of getting the job done with factory parts was to get a factory rebuilt engine. It works great now.

[@rockobeam2706]

Thanks for the heads up. I always keep my oil golden too. No ticking yet but I'll be on it if it does. I have a 2009 e350 van. The 5.4 has been great for me. I'm one of the lucky ones I guess. Mines at 340+k in kilometers so around the 200k mile mark. Transmission was replaced not long ago. Maybe it helps that it runs on gas or propane. It came from the factory already converted. It was a cargo van fleet vehicle. Great video once again. I always take heed to your advice on here👍

[@M_u_t_e96024]

2003 f150 v8 triton offroad edition over 240k miles maxed spedo drifting in snow multiple times no issues besides 4wd fork broke and coil packs

[@jackbottomly4420]

I found that if I take it easy on the engine, no high revving, it will last much longer .

[@chickngreez6395]

Drove my 06 f 150 from Wa state to sw Kansas. Had a misfire in #1 cylinder, stopped in Cheyenne Wyom. to fix problem spark plug strap and electrode completely blown off. Had another code witch this guy addressed with the gas blend switch, summer to winter blend. Did not have any problem till I filled up in Boise. Makuloco is on point

[@jefflochner5972]

I'm coming up on 290,000 on original 5.4 in my 2008 Expedition, and running just fine thanks to FTM!! I am always assessing my engine sounds. I just hope I can differentiate this follower tick from the fuel injectors and other normal sounds. I've heard an occasional extra very slight tick come and go, day to day. I wonder about the timing chain stuff, too. This truck is primarily my RV puller and occasional around town trips. The rest of the truck is exceptionally good, worth buying any new engine parts it ever needs. What is the best way to assess the follower lash, have a shop pull the valve covers?

[@plumdan]

Wow, got 280000 on mine, it just started making noise. Glad I caught this video. Thanks

[@mr.koivisto6975]

Don’t even own a Ford but watch your videos. Love your skill and honesty. Have my eyes on a Maverick though. What’s your opinion on it?

[@tonyo.5495]

Happened to me at 130,000… ended up buying a rebuilt engine with 5 years unlimited miles warranty. Espy now has 175000 so far so good, love the Expedition …but I’m always listening to the engine..

[@WhittyPics]

I wish we had more good mechanics like you,

[@ryanh4889]

Great information. My 2007 Expedition with 120k miles started to tick on one side a few months ago. On Amazon the FORD roller followers are $19.50 each. Not $9 each anymore.

[@mph5896]

Amazon is charging you a premium then. I bought some retail at a Ford dealership, much cheaper than that. Msrp is $13.58

[@flexjay87]

I had a Jeep V-6 with similar issues in the valvetrain. Eventually the engine blew up one morning last year when it was -30 degree's F , at 180,000 miles. Now i drive a Toyota.

[@EM-df6mo]

Excellent video sir. I'm sitting at 140,000 and they're quiet for now. One more thing to check when changing oil and doing maintenance. Thanks for the heads up I'd much rather replace those early and avoid the issue.

[@michaelmurray121]

Blood Sweat and Gears Happy thanksgiving Brian another great lesson on the 5.4 3v peace n love ❤️

[@5jjt]

Dodge's 3.6L Pentastar engine also suffers from early rocker failure. Mine ticked so loud that I thought I had a rod bearing going bad. The noise was much louder near the oil pan under the van, and was much quieter above at the top of the engine. I was amazed I didn't have a bad rod bearing.

[@utahbones3094]

Not a Ford guy after working on my 5.4 but if I had to do it again you have taught me everything.👍🏼

[@stephensimpson2717]

Just lost my engine last week. I am pretty sure this was the cause. 2013 Expedition with 237,000 miles. This was my 3rd Ford Expedition with a Triton engine and never had a problem before. Had to sell it for salvage given the expense of replacing the engine on such a high milage vehicle. I am very attuned to my vehicle’s performance and took meticulous care of it. Never allowed an oil change to go beyond 4,000 miles. In my case, I picked up on the ticking sound just one day prior to the the engine failure. I drove it very cautiously hoping to get it back home and into the shop. 45 minutes into the return trip home, it blew on the interstate in Michigan. It was a gamble and I lost on this one. My recommendation is get it to a shop immediately if you hear the tell tale sound. Thanks for the video.

[@carbonkings6272]

I ignored my engine and I’m pretty positive that it was my cam phaser that failed but I didn’t have the money to fix it my mechanic told me there’s no telling what damage has already been done to this motor the best thing to do is to get a new motor so just drive it until it fails and I was running a business with it and I towed a 50,000 pound yacht 89 miles across Texas and drove back home it wouldn’t drive over 45mph but it got the job done and got me a lot of money to pay for college and i don’t know another truck 1500 v8 that can do that with issues like my ford

[@KollynJ]

50,000 ibs? Lol what’s the tongue weight like on that

[@redeye1773]

you have helped me fix my truck a bunch of times now..i owe you a couple dinners ..cheers

[@thinkfirst6431]

Another good reason to stick with the 2V 5.4l.

[@michaelbefumo-qg7ji]

But sometimes you could get what you could only get with the money you have I'm blessed with the 3-valve I got. I've had a two valve before it ended 3-valve runs rings around a two valve, to Val has no horsepower it's got torque,

[@michaelbefumo-qg7ji]

With the variable valve timing on the 3-valve 5.4. the power comes on very linear if you roll into the throttle fast and pulls like a freight train

[@thinkfirst6431]

@@michaelbefumo-qg7ji No doubt that the 3v has more power than the 2v. When your cam phaser(s) go out and it is $1000 plus in parts PLUS labor that extra power then bites you in the ass (or wherever you keep your wallet).

[@billyweston949]

So how do I know if mine is a 3 valve or a two valve

[@thinkfirst6431]

@@billyweston949 2v ended with the 2003 model year, 3v started with the 3v engine. Very late in the 2003 year you might actually have a 3v depending on how the stocks of the 2v were going. Ford needed the 3v in 2004 to meet the current year emissions standard.

[@cwick72]

Glad I found your page. I’ve got the ticks and sluggish running in my 05. Your videos pretty much give me what to expect if I want to repair or just start planning for a new truck and drive it till it’s toast

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Great video and info on not ignoring this ticking for very long! Thanks Brian.

[@erickisel8668]

Lovely. More things to worry about with my 2008 F-150. Bought it March 2020 with 121k from original owner with maintenance records. Only issues so far was alternator and a purge valve solenoid. I am changing oil every 3k. Hoping to get many years out of the truck. Fingers crossed.

[@jetson2075]

We Aussies were lucky enough to get the 3 valve back in 2002!! Not sure if I should keep mine, I don't need two cars, and I especially don't need a ticking time bomb

[@steveedwards1072]

I’ve owned several 04-08 F150’s. ALL have been 4.6 on purpose. I can’t afford to take chances although the 5.4 3V is MUCH more powerful. Peace

[@bryanspanglerracing4574]

Thank you! I’ve got the tik at 190k miles. Just ordered the rockers and tool you linked.

[@ShersGarage]

Exactly what happened to my truck. Previous owner ignored everything. When we took it apart, valve was nowhere to be found. Parts of it launched into the intake manifold. Rest went out the exhaust

[@markjones5860]

216,000 on the clock. I change the oil right away when the oil minder comes on. I have been keeping an ear open for the death tick thanks to you.

[@fortunatedad7695]

At what mileage do you typically see them needing a major repair? My 2012 lincoln navigator is at 260,000km and she runs silky smooth.

[@justmy2abelincolns272]

We’ve done a timing chain on one of these so thankfully we know how to do the roller followers but I’ll say it’s stressful knowing that valve can drop lol just take your time and follow instructions, these aren’t too tough to replace.

[@mikeaho4143]

Great vid Brian. This is unreal how much damage can be done. Now I have some great info to relay to my customers. Thanks for sharing.

[@truthsmiles]

My son bought a “rough running” 2005 Mustang GT (which has the 4.6, but same design as this). We knew it needed a cam phaser so we opened it up and found one of the followers laying on top of the head, same rounded off intake love you showed. Very luckily, the valve was still in place and a compression test showed even pressure across all cylinders. New cam, phasers, all new roller followers, and timing set, and the thing runs like a dream. My own personal theory is the timing guides breaking off and getting sucked into the pickup tube really killed the oil pressure and at least partially caused the havoc.

[@FiresideCoffee]

I don’t even own a Ford and I love watching these videos. Thank you for your thorough explanations. There isn’t another channel on KZbin that is so informative in this genre. Now, if I could only find a decent Dodge tech on KZbin lol.

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

05:04 that engine has been very well taken care of... you can quickly look down lots of oil cap filler holes on top of the head to quickly see if the vehicle has had proper oil changes. some have an oil splash plate blocking the view.

[@adriannewman1322]

That's what I do if I buy a used car

[@cullenmiller8170]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I have a 2001 2 valve 4.6 in my car, but it's nice to learn more about the newer engine that has such a bad reputation, because most people aren't doing the proper maintenance. I guess the mechanic in a bottle snake oil won't fix that failure. ;-)

[@WhyBeNick]

The newer ones added some complexity and more maintenance comes with that, but those 2 valves are bulletproof. My favorite engine by a mile.

[@bubba99009]

This one was clearly properly maintained and still blew up the triton has a bad rep because it has several different design defects.

[@nanooseguy327]

my 2005 Ford Expedition with the 5.4 Triton had this exact problem at about 150K miles. It had been "ticking" like this for about a year. My son was using it on a camping trip when things really went south. He drove it back to town knowing it was "sounding worse" but thought he could make it back. He did .. barely. A new (used) 5.4 engine from a 2009 Ford was found at a wrecker. It has been in there for about 7 years now and is running great. No tick, lol. It cost Dad ... 8 grand. yikes ...

[@rosewd2]

At what mileage should the roller followers be changed? For 9.79$ each, I'd change out the set to be safe.

[@josecora1917]

I change my roller rockers at 50,000 miles, an engine running perfect, no noise whatsoever and found 3 roller rockers starting to wear, using Mobil one oil. Probably it will run to let say 80 and after that will destroy. Hopefully i cacht it on time. Now at 100,000 miles i will do a timing chain with everything and my engine will Last anothers 100,000 miles more. Will change oil to Amsoil to see what happen.

[@coryfriction2499]

Can you do a video on just forscan for some us dummies. Run the test properly and why to run test. I feel like you could do a really nice video on it.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I will one day but the program is pretty basic, I use the Ford IDS in my videos.

[@coryfriction2499]

I feel that you already have enough video. Just hard to find I all the videos. Maybe a play list of what you have already is good enough. Thanks for all the help! Much appreciated!

[@volvo09]

The stuff you see in his videos is not "forscan". It's the official ford subscription based diagnostic program the dealerships use.

[@coryfriction2499]

@@volvo09 ok that makes sense. Just got forscan and was looking for tutorial videos, and most of what I have found is mods not troubleshooting issues. Or really bad videos. Thanks!

[@volvo09]

@@coryfriction2499 pretty sure modifications is the main purpose of that software, not diagnosis. If it does diagnosis it's probably not much more than a basic code reader or data logger. Probably try doing some searches for "forscan diagnostics" and whatnot, because as you found out 99% will be results for people trying to modify their vehicle. There is other laptop based diagnostic software that may be better suited to diagnostics than forscan... But this is just from what I have experience with, the tuning software I have for my Honda is no good at all for diagnostics, just dataloging (which is great if you know what you are trying to prove / diagnose) and code reading.

[@Reactor7392]

So far on my 2003 3V 5.4L (from inside the cabin) oem miles 199,943.0; there's no ticking yet! The oil, compression rings are good, even the roller bearings are not sounding. Because I'm using 75k high mileage oil mixed with a metal conditioner (energy release). I'm currently in the process of becoming a master mechanic like you; Before i take the actual certification test to make my unique DNA given ability a license.

[@buddylee6996]

Great video Brian! Such a plethora of knowledge you have. Thank you for sharing the warning signs. Would you happen to know the procedure on switching over to the new motorcraft coolant for a 18 fusion hybrid? I want to change the coolant in the engine and hybrid system.

[@cobra7250]

I love watching your show. I am wondering why the 4.6 3 valve engine does not seem to have nearly the problems of the 5.4. Any thoughts on this?

[@dperr338]

5.4 came in more vehicles.

[@AbcAbc-sp1od]

The 4.6 was more likely to go into cars like the crown Vic and mercury Grand Marquis. Old guy cars, so they were better taken care of. The 5.4 went into trucks mostly. Those owners don't take as good care of them, especially work trucks.

[@NoTyOdAdDy21]

Sounds like this is exactly what happened to my 06 Expedition. Had no idea about these sounds to be listening for. 😓

[@JBM-yr3xw]

So just as a preventative measure would you recommend just going through and replacing the cam rollers? This would be just to keep the engine from a catastrophic failure. If you got the special took and just did them one at a time and put the valve covers back on with new seals, would that be a good idea? Mine is ticking pretty good and its at 116k original miles. Im not sure im up for doing a full timing job myself, but I think I could replace the cam rollers one at a time. Is that something you would recommend? Thanks for the videos FordTech !! Great job!!

[@jimimcintosh7796]

They'll let you know something is wrong. It is not too labor intensive or costly to change them all out. The base motor is great just the little things here and there will get them to hiccup. Once I hear mine ticking I just saved up and got them all done

[@matthewray5374]

I had the same thing on my 09 F150 4.6 number 3 cylinder rocker arm took a dump lucky for I was heading to work when it happened. The rocker arm got stuck between the cam and valve. It bent the valve and broke the spring. I replaced all arms and lifters both cams also did a timing job. Great video keep it up.

[@davidburman451]

My 04 f150 5.4 triton ate my wallet badly almost 2 yrs ago....Off the road for a few months till I sorted everything out. Took it out on its first test drive and the drive shaft puked its hanger bearing. My 97 with the 4.2 six was a far better truck in so many ways....I would have been thousands $$$ ahead if I had fixed it up instead of this one. Its fine locally but Im terrified to go too far in it....way too much bad stuff when they get old. My buddy ran his old 98 Chev 350 to over 300,000 miles ....never had to get inside the eng. Then sold it to a guy who is still driving it.....pushrod engine...50 year old tech. Unless your're made of money this is the way to go.

[@CrystalynnJensrud]

Damn, I love y’all guys. Been watching for years now. Thank you for all y’all do on KZbin. Y’all are really a life saver. Much appreciated

[@jacobaccurso]

Oh my God. There should be a placard in every vehicle with this engine, alerting the owner to this issue. All the placard has to say is, “Listen for tapping sounds. If you hear them, tell your mechanic to check the roller followers.“ Critical information here. Thank you for posting! Now I’m going to go fire up my pick up and begin my new listening habit.