Skip to main content

One Fatal Flaw That is Destroying Vehicles with Ford Engines

Owners of Ford vehicles possessing a particular engine need to be aware of one sign that there is a common fundamental problem with this engine version that can cost them thousands in repair bills if not repaired immediately.

Fatal Flaw in Ford Triton Engines

Ford has developed a number of versions of their popular 5.4 Liter V8 engine that while similar, differed primarily in the number of valves per cylinder ranging from 2 to 4 valves per cylinder.

In 2002, Ford introduced the 24-valve (3 valves per cylinder) engine version in sedans, but two years later began to offer it in their F-Series trucks. The benefit of the 3-valve version over the 2-valve version is that it featured variable camshaft timing and more power and torque than the two-valve models. It delivered 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque partly due to a 9.8-to-1 compression ratio, which resulted in output that rose to 320 horsepower.

However, despite the improvements, it turns out that with this version a $9 replacement part can save you thousands, according to a recently released video by a well-known mechanic who warns Ford owners that even relatively new models of Ford vehicles possessing this engine have a frequent problem that is easily identifiable.

The warning is that if you own a Ford that has only a few to several thousand miles on it and notice hearing a ticking/tapping sound, you need to seek immediate help from your dealer service center to have this common problem investigated. According to a qualified Ford mechanic host on the You Tube channel FordTechMakuloco, this simple flaw is costing Ford owners thousands in repairs when not addressed promptly.

Related article: Easy Solution to a Common Toyota Hybrid Engine Problem That is Also a Scam

The Video Warning

That said, posted below is an informative video that demonstrates what the ticking/ tapping engine noise sounds like and how it physically damaged an engine---despite it being well maintained by its owner---was ruined almost beyond repair.

The One Fatal Flaw that is Destroying the Ford 5.4L 3v Triton Engines!

And finally…

For additional articles about engine problems, check out these two selected article about “Subaru Crosstrek Engine Oil Analysis After 3,000 Mile Test” and Consumer Reports Analysts Reveal the Used Cars Most Likely to Need an Engine Rebuild and What to Buy Instead.”

Timothy Boyer is a 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 daily new and used vehicle news.

Photo by Caleb White on Unsplash

Comments

Sandra Cornelison (not verified)    March 26, 2023 - 6:36PM

I have a 2018 Ford Edge Titanium and at 53,000 miles Ford is telling me I need a new engine. It’s been serviced and well taken care of.
Has there been a recall on this engine?
Thank you in advance for reading my comment!