Here’s why you should put more faith in what your Ford is saying to you than what a dealership is saying is “normal” for an F-150.
Ford F-150 5.4 Liter 3-Valve Saga Continues
In an earlier article we’ve learned about the one fatal flaw that is destroying Ford vehicles possessing the 5.4 Liter 3-valve engine due to roller followers in the valve train assembly that are working their way loose and eventually cascading toward total engine failure and often total engine replacement.
We’ve also learned that before catastrophe strikes there is typically a tell-tale clicking or tapping noise that is your engine telling you that something is wrong and that you need to seek immediate help from your dealership service center to have this common problem investigated.
However, is that enough? Apparently not. At least in some dealership garages according to a recent video from a qualified Ford mechanic host on the You Tube channel FordTechMakuloco.
In the video the host is reminding Ford truck owners with this engine type by briefly showcasing a vehicle whose owner was concerned about, of which the dealership earlier reportedly told him “That’s a normal sound for the F-150” when the owner sought help in diagnosing the cause of the noise coming from his truck.
However, from the video it is baffling why the dealership failed to identify the all-too-familiar signs and symptoms of a common ailment with the Ford 5.4 Liter 3-valve engine we’ve heard about since 2009.
Related article: Two of The Most Commonly Misdiagnosed Noises in Ford 5.4L 3v Triton Engines
When It’s Time to Seek Help…Elsewhere
The lesson here is that the owner most likely had his inner alarm going off knowing that despite what the dealership said, what his engine was saying was closer to the truth and then sought help elsewhere.
The good news is that caught early enough, catastrophe can be averted by replacing the poorly designed roller followers with improved aftermarket parts.
Follow along with the host as he demonstrates what the problem sounds like in an ailing engine by following this link to the FordTechMakuloco #shorts clip posted by the host.
And, if you are curious about how the roller followers are replaced (before damage has been done to the cam lobes) or would like to do this repair yourself, the host demonstrates how it’s done in the video below.
And finally…
For additional articles related to Ford trucks, here are three selected ones for your consideration and enjoyment:
- Ford 5.4L 3V Triton Engine New Problem Explained
- Simple Check for a Rough Running Ford F-150
- Ford Mechanic Catches Engine Rebuild Scam
Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for new and used vehicle news.
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