Ford F150 5.4l owners

nickster60 · 01-06-2008, 05:37 AM

I have been looking at the 08 f150 f.4l 4x4 models. What has been your experience with there power and your mileage while towing.

Galaxiedriver · 01-06-2008, 10:35 AM

I have been a Ford owner all my life, and our current TV is a 2006 F 150 2WD with the 5.4 L Triton engine. We tow our 276SR and after our first year, I have determined that this TV is just a little light for this task. I think it will do fine for years, but on the hills of the Missouri Ozarks it struggles a little more than I would like.

After this first year, I wish I had gone bigger, and I wish I had gone Diesel.

Also, I have recently learned that the 5.4 L Triton engines have serious spark plug problems that Ford is not admitting to, nor are they repairing. Two problems, one is the late 90s to 2003 models may blow the spark plugs right out of the engine causing serious damage to the heads. In the 2004 and later models the plugs may break off on removal resulting again in costly repairs. Fords failure to admit and take care of this has many F 150, Explorer, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator owners up in arms big time.

Before buying a Ford I would seriously investigate this spark plug problem and make sure you get an engine that is not suceptable to this failure. My guess is that most dealers will not tell you about it and will deny it if you ask.

Search the internet under "Ford spark plug ejection." It is all over the Ford truck forums and many opinions about Ford are down right profane and hateful. Here is a link to one of many sites discussing this problem.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...ord_spark.html

As a loyal Ford owner since 1962 it sickens me that they are treating this issue as they are and telling owners that they are SOL.

Eithere Ford will come to their senses, or the Class Action lawsuits will force them to.

What6308 · 01-06-2008, 09:32 PM

What are the specs on the 276SR?

Steve Collins · 01-07-2008, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by What6308

What are the specs on the 276SR?

From the 2007 Sunline brochure in the files section of this website:

Dry Weight ====== 6,085 lbs.
Dry Tongue Weight == 750 lbs.
GVWR ========= 8,600 lbs.
Carrying Capacity == 2,515 lbs.

nickster60 · 01-07-2008, 04:43 AM

It is very sad what has happen to Ford. I like the F150 I have a V6 model and like it. I wont buy one of there diesels the 7.3l was the last reallty good diesel they have had. I really dont need a diesel with the T1950 it just isnt that heavy. I guess I will be looking at the other makers I have also owned lots of Fords, mostly trucks. It is no wonder why Toyota has just passed Ford for #2 in sales. I went to that link you with all of the complaints, how many of those folks do you think will by a Ford again?

**Sunline Fan** · 01-07-2008, 07:32 AM

Paul,

Is this problem something that just happens randomly, or could it be prevented by checking the tightness of the plugs every so often? I gather that it seems the plugs work themselves loose to the point that they blow out from not having enough threads holding it. I see that it does apply to some V10's too.

If this is the case, maybe I should check the plugs for tightness every time I do an oil change (every 5k). I just replaced all 10 plugs about 3k ago, but I don't remember if any were loose. If they were, I'd think they would have popped out coming back from FL.

Jon

pwb01 · 01-07-2008, 09:40 AM

I have a new 07 F150 5.4L and love everything about it. Power, Ride, comfort, handling in heavy snow, size, etc......I get at best 16.5mpg on the highway so far. I have only a 3 mile commute so milage is not as big a factor as it is with some people.

I am curious about MPG with my T-1950 also but I know it will pull much better than my 6 cyl Nissan did which spent a lot of time at 4000rpm and 35mph on hills on the highway. I would expect about 12-14 pulling the Sunline. We'll see. I got 10 hauling the Sunline with the Nissan which got 22 on the highway.

RPierce · 01-07-2008, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

Paul,

Is this problem something that just happens randomly, or could it be prevented by checking the tightness of the plugs every so often? I gather that it seems the plugs work themselves loose to the point that they blow out from not having enough threads holding it. I see that it does apply to some V10's too.

If this is the case, maybe I should check the plugs for tightness every time I do an oil change (every 5k). I just replaced all 10 plugs about 3k ago, but I don't remember if any were loose. If they were, I'd think they would have popped out coming back from FL.

Jon

Jon,
My father had this happen on his Ford. The plugs don't loosen up, the porcelain blows out of the center of the plug. He was driving right along and boom. He took it to a garage for repair and they ended up taking the heads off to get some of the plugs out as they twisted off in the head. Never heard about it till it happened to his truck. The local guy that works on his truck says its quite common with Fords.

rich2500 · 01-07-2008, 06:52 PM

Jon on the v-10's up until 2005 you are exactly right with what is happening,on the 05 and newer 3 valves they solved the plug loosening problem but sometimes they are so tight they snap off,two different issues here,you are dead on with checking the plugs periodically to make sure they are tight,I think every oil change is a bit more often then needed but thats your choice,Ford recommends and this is very important that the plugs be torqued with a torque wrench,the specs they give are 14ft lbs.but many have speculated this to be a bit shy so it seems that 25 ft. lbs is good and this is what I used when I changed my plugs a few weeks ago.Another important thing is use only the ford spark plugs or autolites and neversieze the threads.Over on the ford truck forum there is a poll of how many have blown plugs with the v-10's and last I checked it was like 5 out of 99 people actually blew a plug,and I believe all of them 5 are 99-00,in 01 they added a few more threads so it's a problem but widespread.

**Sunline Fan** · 01-08-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich2500

Jon on the v-10's up until 2005 you are exactly right with what is happening,on the 05 and newer 3 valves they solved the plug loosening problem but sometimes they are so tight they snap off,two different issues here,you are dead on with checking the plugs periodically to make sure they are tight,I think every oil change is a bit more often then needed but thats your choice,Ford recommends and this is very important that the plugs be torqued with a torque wrench,the specs they give are 14ft lbs.but many have speculated this to be a bit shy so it seems that 25 ft. lbs is good and this is what I used when I changed my plugs a few weeks ago.Another important thing is use only the ford spark plugs or autolites and neversieze the threads.Over on the ford truck forum there is a poll of how many have blown plugs with the v-10's and last I checked it was like 5 out of 99 people actually blew a plug,and I believe all of them 5 are 99-00,in 01 they added a few more threads so it's a problem but widespread.

It's good to know the problem isn't too widespread on the V10's. One thing to note is the '05 Ex's were still the old V10- only the '05 SD's had the 3 valve.

Jon

rich2500 · 01-09-2008, 04:17 AM

correct Jon the ex never got the 3 valver before it's demise,that's unfortunate because I'm sure alot of people would love to have a 3 valve ex.

Hematite · 01-23-2008, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickster60

I have been looking at the 08 f150 f.4l 4x4 models. What has been your experience with there power and your mileage while towing.

Just for your information, all 5.4 engines made after 10/07 (2008 models) have a revised head design with conventional plugs. None of the aforementioned problems apply to the current model. Supposedly, 2006 and 2007 models used an improved plug that does not break like the previous model.

Anyway, that said, the 2007 that I have is REALLY a superb machine. I haven't had it on a trip but around town/ some highway nets 13 winter/ 14.5 Summer MPG's. I haven't towed yet, so I can't quote that but I've got the 3.73 axles so the MPGS will be affected less than if I had the 3.55 axles. I specifically bought the truck with the optional Flex Fuel E85 5.4 engine. This is a no cost option that I would recommend because as E85 becomes more available, which it will, you will be able to take advantage of the less expensive American made fuel.

pwb01 · 01-24-2008, 07:01 AM

I have the E85 Flex fuel option too and I believe the 3.55 axle. Let me know your experience with the fuel. The only station in my area selling it is about 20 miles away right now and it's about .20/gal cheaper. I haven't tried it yet. The Ford dealer says to expect only about .66% to 75% of the milage as on gasoline. I get 17 tops, traveling with cruise now so that would be 11 to 13 mpg tops on E85 if this is all true. No savings there, just a green thing to do I guess.

I'm hoping to get 11 or 12 using gasoline towing my T-1950.

Hematite · 01-24-2008, 12:39 PM

Regrettably, at the moment, the only Fuel station in NY State that is anywhere "near" me (50 miles) that carries E85 is in Albany, NY at Campus Mobil. I haven't been up there to try the E85 out but I've heard that it is a great fuel for towing since it is 105 octane and the engine management mapping gives the 5.4 10% more horsepower! So while the fuel mileage shows a, reportedly, 20% reduction in mpg that is rewarded with a 10% increase in power. The cost of E85 in Albany is about .60 a gallon less than Regular.

Regular gas at the gas station was $3.29 and E85 was $2.69 last time I checked. Presuming 14 mpg on Regular at the price of $3.29 that trnslates to .235 cents per mile. Taking 20% from 14 mpg we get 11.2 mpg for E85. Dividing this amount into $2.69 we get .24 cents a mile for E85. So, theoretically, the cost per mile is one half of a cent per mile more when using E85. Fairly negligible considering that tailpipe pollution is a minute fraction of gas and the fuel burns cleaner and is renewable.
Best part, for our purpose, is that it is 105 octane and produces more power. Perfect for towing!

I think that you should get in the area of 11-12 while towing, while using gas. I'm kind of interested in the mpgs while using E85. I'll find out this year because I will make it a point to drive up to Albany to get E85 before I tow!

Hematite · 01-29-2008, 09:08 PM

Actually, I just realized an error in my calculations. I based the theoretical mies per gallon difference on PURE gas versus E85. In fact, all US metropolitan areas as well as the Northeast and California are using E10. E10 already gives 20% less fuel economy than pure gas. Therefore, in such a case, the costs are substantially better with E85! With continued development of Ethanol production and distribution the cost advantage of E85 will continue to improve! Besides, who can argue with 10% more power!

Mark · 01-30-2008, 02:20 PM

As a fire side chat, I could argue against E85.

The hype and economics would be OK, but because of the laws of supply and demand, the same farm land used for cattle feed and more importanct, beer hops, is getting used for the grain grown just for Ethanol crops.

That has already impacted the price of cheese, which impacts the price of pizza. Now you go and screw with the price of beer, and I am starting to wonder who the terrorists really are...

It would be great to get out from under oil from other countries, but, we need better incentives to get NEW farmers into the mix, not the giant agriculture companies switching teams, to make more profit from E85.

If you Google a bit, you can find some interesting issues with E85 production. For instace this article just released today:

"The nation's fascination with ethanol is pushing food prices upward and raising the specter of potential shortages, according to a report by an environmental think tank."
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i...Dh5bgD8UFEBL00

2beagles · 01-30-2008, 02:37 PM

This fellow may just have the answer:
http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2008/01/ethanol23

GM seems to think he's on to something!

Hematite · 01-30-2008, 05:15 PM

Mark: I don't believe environmental think tanks. When they say that food prices are going up because of Ethanol production they are promoting their own agenda, whatever that is. The reality of rising food prices is the incredible quantity of food that we export every day to China!

The fact is that by the end of 2008 at least one cellulose ethanol plant will be on line with 3 more in the works right behind it. This plant uses only waste products to produce cellulose Ethanol at a projected price of .60 a gallon. The environmental impact is 0. The byproducts are continually reintroduced to the refining process till everything is used and there is no waste, whatever. This plant uses ONLY waste products of food production, NO food crops. Ethanol production technology is evolving at an incredible pace now that it is seen as a viable product. The biggest investor in Ethanol is Mobil Exxon, for obvious reasons, they have the supply infrastructure.

2beagles: Thanks for the link, very interesting. At the pace of change in the Ethanol industry, amazingly, this development will be old news in a matter of months!

Mark · 01-31-2008, 12:11 PM

Yes, its an interesting debate, although there is always a debate I only quoted the first article I found. The ethanol industry has quite a bit of hype itself. I wish there was less "Gold Rush" mentality around ethanol, as I think its a nice alternative.

Although if you read into the article the water needed to produce a gallon of ethanol is a bit frightening.

Nothing would make me more happy that seeing rural farmers, small farms, able to sustain themselves without the government handouts.

Farm subsidies are such a waste. It would nice if the subsidy could come with a guarantee that the farmer used a portion of his land for ethanol based crops?

By the way, here is a better more balanced view, but again, the fact it takes more energy to create than it produces, says a mouthful:

http://xpress.sfsu.edu/archives/tech/010054.html

Hematite · 01-31-2008, 02:22 PM

Yes, that article is half right and half wrong. Corn based ethanol technology is already passe due to using a food crop and too much water. Despite any lobbying effect by the corn lobby, corn for ethanol, is last years news. It's in place till the new cellulosic plant opens near the end of the year. As I said previously, it is extraordinarily efficient produces almost unlimited amounts of Cellulosic Ethanol, has 0% environmental impact and the fuel will cost about .60 a gallon to produce. This plus the fact that the Ethanol industry, literally in it's infancy in the US, is making constant improvements in all aspects of its operation. Now, instead of food crops they are using, literally, almost any type of waste products to make Ethanol. Even poor soil can grow vegetation that can be harvested and made into fuel. As you can tell I have a LOT of hopes for the Ethanol industry!

Apologies to the original poster, sorry to turn this thread into an Ethanol thread. I got carried away by the Flex Fuel concept.