ford 250 5.4 coolant issue

5020s rock · Jul 24, 2011

i posted on the ford forum and got squat. a month ago my truck started missing at start up then cleaned up. then out of the blue the heat ga goes to "h",trips the alarm,goes down to n.
i changed the thermostat. it did it 3 more times.
took it in,they pulled codes(knock sensor,cy head temp twice)checked pump,changed the cap,did a dye test,positive for carbon monoxide.
they say gasket or head.(probably) anyone experience this? do you agree AND do they need to pull the motor? thanks

JDseller · Jul 24, 2011

That engine is known for head and head gasket problems. My oldest son bought a Ford 250 new that had that engine. At 80k it blew out the left head gasket. Ford said that they had a recall on some of them. HE was supposed to get a discount on the repair. His cost AFTER the "discount" was $2900. They installed re-manufactured cylinder heads. Said the orginals where warped too bad to plain. At 85k the right head blew out a spark plug. He drove it to the auto auction and sold it AS-IS with bad engine. Has not owned a Ford since.

My whole family now has Dodge 5.9 Cummins, last count we where up to twelve. Great engine that is reasonable on fuel consumption and power. Not the best cab or chassy but we will live with those problems to have a motor that is good.

5020s rock · Jul 24, 2011

i have 81,000 miles.....thanks for the input

molinebob · Jul 24, 2011

they do not lift the engine to change the heads or head gaskets, they actually take the cab off of em now because the engines sit so far back in these trucks, I have an 03 f150 and i was told 02 was the last year for the 5.4l troubles with the heads and spark plug issues, mine has 134,000 on it now and no problems yet, other than the standard plug change at 100,000 miles and fuel filter along with the injectors being cleaned, other than that been a great truck, (knock on wood) Bob

Bryan inIowa · Jul 24, 2011

Head gaskets are known to happen . Yes it is eaiser to pull motor , or lift cab off . 5.4 two valve were famous for blowing out plugs , usually the hardest to get to #3,4 . Need thread insert and good to go. 5.4 three valve, famous for plugs breaking when you go to change them . Special tool to remove broken plug .Jasper engine rep stopped in the otherday.Mentioned that their #1 selling reman was 5.4 3 valve. don't ever run em low on oil . Grenades!

Ken Macfarlane · Jul 25, 2011

How many track bars you bought this year?

elmersooner · Jul 25, 2011

have a 5.4 in the pasture jumping truck we leave at the hunting cabin. since it was a salvage rebuild when it blew the head gasket it wasn't worth the money to fix it right, dumped a bunch of liquid glass in it and so far has held up, not sure if I'd do it on a daily driver though..agree with the cummins comment.

VicS · Jul 25, 2011

I don't think you have to lift the cab to change heads on a Gasser. Just the 6 l diesels. I had the same problem would suddenly overheat and start missing. Did only when pulling a heavy trailer and with the wind at your back. Changed a lot of stuff, but bottom line had fescue seeds in the radiator, had to take everything apart to clean them. There was nothing wrong with my truck (F250 4X4 5.4) just poor maintenance. I do have a small oil leak at the back of the right head. Dealer wants 1000 to fix. I'm just living with it. Vic

ford 250 5.4 coolant issue

5020s rock

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JDseller

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5020s rock

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molinebob

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Bryan inIowa

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Ken Macfarlane

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elmersooner

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VicS

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