03 F150 17k mi...what kind of warranty available?
02-23-2019, 11:48 AM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
03 F150 17k mi...what kind of warranty available?
Friend is inquiring, can a Ford warranty be had?
Almost sounds like it has a slight tick wondering about that notorious spark plug issue they have and other stuff that can add up.
Other options?
Almost sounds like it has a slight tick wondering about that notorious spark plug issue they have and other stuff that can add up.
Other options?
02-23-2019, 11:52 AM
#2
Team Owner
Do you mean 2013? or 2003? 
If a 2013, a Ecobust?
I have a 2013 F150 and I still get aftermarket warranty offers. Should be simple enough to find one, read the fine print on what's covered.
My 6.2 has 100K trouble free miles, oil changes, batteries, tires.
If a 2013, a Ecobust?
I have a 2013 F150 and I still get aftermarket warranty offers. Should be simple enough to find one, read the fine print on what's covered.
My 6.2 has 100K trouble free miles, oil changes, batteries, tires.
Last edited by KarlK; 02-23-2019 at 12:32 PM.
02-23-2019, 12:25 PM
#4
Team Owner
I had an 02 Lightning for 10+ years that was forced to eat 12+ pounds of boost everyday. Did I ever have an issue with the 5.4 no, nothing that wasn't my own doing 
- There are a few things you have to do to keep it running well.
There are two different types of ticks. 1. Spark plug loosening and 2. The cam phaser
The sparkplugs can get loose over time. This was more of an issue with the boosted motors. The heads only have 4 threads. This was corrected in late 04 when they started to use 8 threads. Does 4 threads work? Yes - just fine. Do they get loose...well they can...do they...well it is one of those 80/20 rule things...80 percent never have and issue.
If a plug does come loose does it do anything? Only if you are shoving 12psi in...otherwise it pops out and you either 1. put it back in or 2. have to use a Helicoil. Either way it is an overblown issue. All you have to do is check and/or tighten then every 12-18 months.
The other tick is from the cam phaser. This is like a poor mans VVT system. It works OK and many of the 5.4 (even mine) had the tick. Was is detrimental? Well, not really. I found that using premium synthetic blend motor oil that was 5-20 (the OEM Ford oil) worked the best and quieted it a lot. Contrary to popular believe, some motors do better with dino oil than high end and this is one of them. This can fail and it fails for a couple of reason IIRC - too thick of oil, overheating and abuse.
Speaking of abuse, the value retainers can come out if you really beat on the motor --- it is an easy fix as long as the retainer doesn't go down the oil passage...I really shouldn't know about that but I do
Other weird things about the 5.4 are...one, there is a vacuum hose on the back of the block between the firewall and itself. It is really hard to get to and you don't know it is there. It cracks and makes the motor run rich/lean because of the large vacuum leak it creates. The hose is large - at least 3/8in. It only lights the CEL when it is really bad. This is something to check out.
It really isn't a bad motor, but it does need care. I loved mine and only sold it because I made a significant financial gain on it...my whole family misses it..
- There are a few things you have to do to keep it running well.There are two different types of ticks. 1. Spark plug loosening and 2. The cam phaser
The sparkplugs can get loose over time. This was more of an issue with the boosted motors. The heads only have 4 threads. This was corrected in late 04 when they started to use 8 threads. Does 4 threads work? Yes - just fine. Do they get loose...well they can...do they...well it is one of those 80/20 rule things...80 percent never have and issue.
If a plug does come loose does it do anything? Only if you are shoving 12psi in...otherwise it pops out and you either 1. put it back in or 2. have to use a Helicoil. Either way it is an overblown issue. All you have to do is check and/or tighten then every 12-18 months.
The other tick is from the cam phaser. This is like a poor mans VVT system. It works OK and many of the 5.4 (even mine) had the tick. Was is detrimental? Well, not really. I found that using premium synthetic blend motor oil that was 5-20 (the OEM Ford oil) worked the best and quieted it a lot. Contrary to popular believe, some motors do better with dino oil than high end and this is one of them. This can fail and it fails for a couple of reason IIRC - too thick of oil, overheating and abuse.
Speaking of abuse, the value retainers can come out if you really beat on the motor --- it is an easy fix as long as the retainer doesn't go down the oil passage...I really shouldn't know about that but I do
Other weird things about the 5.4 are...one, there is a vacuum hose on the back of the block between the firewall and itself. It is really hard to get to and you don't know it is there. It cracks and makes the motor run rich/lean because of the large vacuum leak it creates. The hose is large - at least 3/8in. It only lights the CEL when it is really bad. This is something to check out.
It really isn't a bad motor, but it does need care. I loved mine and only sold it because I made a significant financial gain on it...my whole family misses it..
02-23-2019, 12:27 PM
#6
Team Owner
Oh about a warranty??? Just have a couple of K in the bank...that is the best type of warranty....
02-23-2019, 12:59 PM
#7
Team Owner
Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Poor pathetic little excuse for a boy
Posts: 135,731
Received 168 Likes
on
101 Posts
As far as warranties go, most smart companies will drastically limit the coverage on a vehicle that age. For instance the company I use would limit the total coverage to $1000, and if a claim came soon after being bound you'd probably get an audit for preexisting conditions, once again due to age. I can put a much better warranty on 2009 or newer.
02-23-2019, 06:15 PM
#9
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
02-23-2019, 06:26 PM
#10
Team Owner
Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Poor pathetic little excuse for a boy
Posts: 135,731
Received 168 Likes
on
101 Posts
You could try to price one out with a national warranty company like this, but be aware if a large claim comes through they probably will audit before any repairs are authorized.
https://carshield.com/freequote/?&ut...QaAhyPEALw_wcB
02-24-2019, 12:31 AM
#11
Team Owner
the same one the Model T offers.
02-27-2019, 09:59 AM
#12
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
oops 2013
02-27-2019, 01:40 PM
#13
03-02-2019, 11:05 AM
#14
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
Noticed the frames on these arent all that stout going over some irregular surfaces, maybe its just heavy?
Overall real nice truck (great exh tone inside) but wouldnt want to own it long term
Overall real nice truck (great exh tone inside) but wouldnt want to own it long term
Last edited by cv67; 03-02-2019 at 11:05 AM.