Tractor hauling trailer puller. (OT)

Gary Mitchell · Jan 24, 2020

Since I consider the combined knowledge here equal to any specialized motor page regarding common mechanical sense, I'm posting my question here. I bought a new F150 with a 5.4, auto trans, tow package, in 02 that has just turned over 300,000 miles. It's never been hot or run low on oil and I've serviced it regularly. I've run 5x20 Mobil One in it since it was broke in. Question is, should I get it rebuilt? Have the timing chains, etc. replaced? Run it til it drops? While it has acquired a few clicks and tics that go away soon after starting, it still has good oil pressure and runs out as good as ever. Could I get some opinions? Thanks! gm

Mike M · Jan 24, 2020

Most any of those in salt area are long since rotted away and did not even make 1/2 those miles before issues showed up. If it still goes, run it until it dies.

Janicholson · Jan 24, 2020

Keep doing what you are doing. The small noise at startup is very normal. Putting money into an operational engine is a waste of your money. Be a believer in your own good practices. Jim

DeltaRed · Jan 24, 2020

Just run it.Even if it starts to use a bit of oil(1 qt per 1000),don't worry.Continue on...??..

ss55 · Jan 24, 2020

If you still need to drive 16,000 plus miles a year with some heavy towing, I would be concerned about its reliability. I think I would trade it in for something newer and maybe upgrade to a heavier truck if needed to match your towing needs. My reason is you will spend more to fix the engine in the old truck than the truck will ever be worth again and the rest of the power train and running gear will still be 18 years old with 300,000 miles. That still leaves a lot that can break down at any time. The old truck might still be perfect as-is for someone else that does not need to drive it as far or do much towing. If you enjoy the challenge of keeping it going as far as possible, go for it.

JK-NY · Jan 24, 2020

Run it. Have you ever serviced your transmission? Are you in an area that uses road salt? As mentioned the salt does damage over time and you want to keep close watch of brake lines , gas tank and straps, transmission cooler lines, oil pan etc for rust damage if the truck has been run much on salt covered road. I would also consider changing oil in the rear end if you haven?t yet. Sounds like you maintain the truck well getting that miles with no issues.

VicS · Jan 24, 2020

I vote for run it till it dies, then get anothet new one. But I traded mine f250 at 180000 for a new one in 16. Went with my friend to trade a 02 f150 for a 35000 mile 15. King ranch 150. Offered him $700. Said was crashed and never fixed. But it was on the cheap. Said they couldn't sell it. So I drove it home for him. 5.4's are hard to overhaul. Or even put a cam chain on. Most just find one in a junk yard. But they do last and last.

jeffcat · Jan 24, 2020

You are not kidding . There is nothing like coming to a stop light and you push the brake pedal. Slowly sinks almost to the floor. Try stopping an Expedition on just the rear brakes! Only need a hole the size of a pin puncture wound.

Ken Macfarlane · Jan 24, 2020

I wouldn't put a dime in the motor, run it until engine or transmission goes and count your lucky stars. I sold a 1998 in 2010 for a friend, it failed safety in 2009, completely rotted out. It had just had a rebuilt transmission and other stuff done to it too.

fixerupper · Jan 24, 2020

Our van started a ticking sounding like a hung up lifter on cold start at 50,000 miles. Now at 204,000 miles it still makes the same tick on cold startup, no better, no worse.

Mike(NEOhio) · Jan 24, 2020

My '99 F250 with 5.4 had 238K when I got sold it last fall. It had an intermittent ticking like tappet noise ever since I got it with 93K. Never got worse or went away. I asked a counter man at a Ford truck dealer once about replacing the timing chains, he said if they're not making noise don't worry about them.

ditchwitch · Jan 24, 2020

Why try fixing something thats not broke yet. Wait till it actually breaks.

Gary Mitchell · Jan 25, 2020

Thank you all. I believe I'll do like Mike and many of you suggest and see just how far it'll go. gm

Tractor hauling trailer puller. (OT)

Gary Mitchell

Well-known Member

Mike M

Well-known Member

Janicholson

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DeltaRed

Well-known Member

ss55

Well-known Member

JK-NY

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VicS

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jeffcat

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Ken Macfarlane

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fixerupper

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Mike(NEOhio)

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ditchwitch

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Gary Mitchell

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