Scotty,
I have a 1998 F-150 Lariat Supercab 4x4 5.4L V8 with 430,000 miles on it. In the last year I have had to replace the Body control module, starter, lower control arms, upper control arms, heater coil, AC, front driver side brake caliper, and master cylinder. However, the engine and transmission are still going strong. I want to do everything simple I can to make sure I can get this vehicle to 600,000 miles. Do you have any moderately higher skill level shady tree mechanic type fixed to try to ensure the vehicle makes it that far? I burn oil pretty frequently about 4 quarts between 3000 mile oil changes.
FordTechMakuloco was talking about bearing on the roller followers on the 5.4L being a common problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkkCzUVme_Y
Also, I have heard the oil pump on these engines were not very good from the factory. There is an after-market oil pump that is a high flow now. I might install one of these as well. If you know of any other more moderate mechanical issues with these older Fords I should maybe address to get these extra miles I would appreciate your expert insight.
Thank you, sir. I love your channel and a thankful for the info you give out.
Daniel Gibson
Yeah but the aftermarket oil pump on it but those engines can last a long time because it's an older engine where they were making them better and they had less stress than the water ones that use turbo charges and GDI fuel injection systems which wear the engines out faster
i might replace the oil pump with a new unit for peace of mind, but i'm not sure i would want to introduce additional pressure anywhere in the engine with a 400k mile, 20+ year old vehicle.
obviously whatever you have been doing is working. i wouldn't stir the pot too much on your current routine. those 5.4L burn oil, pretty common to burn a quart every 2-3k. you do seem to have high oil consumption so i would check the "simple" things first, like the PCV (especially if you don't see smoke from the tailpipe). could be piston rings or valve seats, things i'm not sure you're interested in addressing right now. one recommendation: don't use thicker oil. use the recommended spec for this engine and just add as necessary, thicker oil can create more problems than it solves on this engine.
