Do you want to know how much it will cost you to replace the Ford 5.4 engine? Well, we will be covering just that in this post.
We will look at some of the most common reasons for replacement as well as some of the signs that your engine needs replacement. The 5.4 has been around since 1997 and is still used today. It was originally used in the bigger trucks in the Ford line-up but has since been adopted for use in sports cars as well.
The 5.4 is also known as the Triton and is a V8, naturally aspirated engine. There is a love and hate relationship in the marketplace when it comes to this engine as there are mixed sentiments regarding it.
However, it has been generally held in high regard hence its longevity and continued use. It does have some commonly occurring issues such as faulty spark plugs but this is generally a Ford thing that they have not really managed to solve over their over 130-year history. I will be looking into some of these issues as we go further into this article.
What is a 5.4 Ford Motor?
To kick things off, we want to look into what exactly this engine is including a bit of history. We have already spoken about it but the 5.4 is an engine that was developed and also launched in the year 2007.
It was originally used in heavy vehicles such as trucks. It is a 5.4L V8 engine that is naturally aspirated. This generally means that it is able to produce great amounts of power.
It is partly due to this that it was introduced into the Ford Sports vehicle line. These include the Ford GT and Mustang models. The engine has undergone various redesigns over the years making various improvements with each version.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a 5.4 Engine?
So, how much can you expect to pay exactly when replacing the Ford 5.4? That’s what we are going to be looking into next. You can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 and $9,000 to replace the Ford 5.4.
This will depend mainly on where you live and who is doing the replacement job. Some mechanics will definitely charge more than others to get the job done.
If you have the necessary expertise, you can cut the cost significantly. It will cost you anywhere from $1,700 to $4,500 to buy a replacement engine. Labor costs are generally $1,400 to as much as $4,000 in some places.
How Long Do Ford 5.4 Engines Last?
How long can you expect to have a Ford 5.4 engine before it is due for replacement? The 5.4 can last anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 miles. Of course, a good service record will give you a longer-lasting engine.
One of the main reasons for replacing the 5.4 engine is it running its course. The other reason that engines need replacement is when the block cracks leading to a drop in oil pressure.
This problem is not always easy to fix. If you do manage to somehow do it, there are chances that you may experience the problem again further down the line.
Is the Triton 5.4 a Good Engine?
I spoke about this earlier on and said that there is a love and hate relationship between Ford owners and the 5.4 engine.
There are commonly occurring but easily fixable problems such as the spark plug breaking in half during removal that somehow have not been fixed over the 25 years of the engine’s existence. There are 4 main problems that the Ford Triton 5.4 has and these are:
- Ignition coil and Spark Plug Issues
- Driver module in the fuel pump failing
- Leak in the oil pan gasket
- Timing chain issues Outside of these issues, you will not really have any other major issues that would need a big expense like engine replacement.
All in all, the 5.4 is a really reliable engine with a great track record. Think about it, why else would Ford keep using it if it wasn’t.
Is it Cheaper to Rebuild or Replace an Engine?
Is it cheaper to have the 5.4 engine repaired or replaced? The answer should be a simple one if you are to use basic logic. Repairing something will always cost less than replacing it.
However, you need to factor in several other things before coming to a conclusive decision regarding this. There are some problems that can be easily fixed meaning that they end up costing less than a full-on repair job.
A repair job is only cheaper if it fixes the problem completely and is not just a band-aid. If this problem keeps recurring, it may lead to potentially more expensive fixes down the line meaning that that a complete engine overhaul becomes the most reasonable option.
It’s a good idea to take the time to consult with at least 3 mechanics about the options available and the best course of action to take. It’s always good to work with honest mechanics who are able to give you the right information.
In essence, a repair job can actually end up being more expensive in the long term especially has seen its day. The potential of having other problems arise grows with the number of miles that the engine has piled up. On the other hand, the engine cost is a major factor.
I already mentioned how the cost of the engine can range anywhere from $1,500 to as much as $4,000. A second hand engine will definitely cost less than buying a brand new one but it also presents its own set of issues.
You pretty much do not know how the previous owner maintained the engine or if it was damaged in any hidden way. Problems could arise down the line so you need to take due diligence.
It’s a good idea to have your mechanic inspect the engine before committing to buying it. A better alternative is to get a brand new engine but that comes at an added cost.