In recent years, folks like Brian Makuloco of the FordTechMakuloco YouTube channel have shared quite a bit of information as it pertains to Ford engines, with one of the more common being the Ford Triton powerplant used in vehicles like the Ford F-150. As is generally the case, that engine has become known for having some common issues, at least, certain iterations of it. Thus, for those considering a vehicle with this engine, it’s good to know which versions one should avoid, and which ones are more likely to last for a long time. In this recent video from David Long of Car Wizard fame, that’s precisely the topic he’s touching on.
This question popped up when a customer brought their 2009 Ford F-150 to Long’s shop, concerned about problems they’ve heard potentially plaguing its Triton engine. Luckily for them, this pickup has the 4.6L V8 Triton engine, which “is wonderful,” according to Long. He also notes that the 6.8L V10 Triton is “a pretty good engine,” though as many are already well aware, the 5.4L V8 Triton three-valve is “the one to run away from.”
There are some folks out there with a Ford F-150 equipped with the old 3V that haven’t had horrific issues, but as Long notes, that’s a “one in a million” type of proposition. There are quite simply too many cases of that engine failing to ignore, and its issues have been documented on many occasions by quite a few people, too.
Those problems are quite extensive and potentially fatal in many cases – including timing chain issues leading to a rattling or slapping sound, cam phaser failures, spark plugs that are prone to breaking off in the head, roller follower failure that can lead to severe internal damage, oil leaks coming from the pan gasket or exhaust, porous valve covers that tend to crack, and clogged oil passes caused by sludge buildup, particularly if oil changes are neglected.
Records were once again broken, for the second straight quarter.
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