Why You Need to Avoid this Ford Truck Engine Like the Plague
As a truck manufacturer, Ford has long been popular. The F-Series truck has been one of the best-selling vehicles for decades. But that does not mean everything has always been perfect from the Blue Oval. If you’re interested in a used Ford F-150, you’ll want to avoid the 3V Triton V8 Ford truck engine at all costs.
What is the worst Ford truck engine?
If you’re wondering what the worst Ford engine is, at least in the modern era, it might be the 5.4-liter Triton V8. This engine dates back to 1997, but 1999 is when the issues really started. Once Ford added the three-valve variant, a number of problems arose. And really, it’s best just to avoid this powerplant if you want a reliable Ford truck.
According to MotorCrux, common problem areas include:
- Timing chain
- Oil issues
- Blown spark plugs
- Ignition problems
- Misfiring
This might not be the worst engine ever made, but its list of known issues makes it worth skipping. Eventually, Ford did move from a three-valve system to a four-valve system. In making that change, the engine became more efficient and performed better.
A used Ford F-150 can be a good pickup
The 5.4-liter V8 engine lasted from 1997 to 2010 in the Ford F-150. And although some versions are better than others, you should avoid the 3-valve V8. Because the F-Series truck has been around for so long, there are used options out there that should perform more reliably.
When purchasing a used truck, you want to be sure to conduct the proper research. That way, you know you are getting something that can really pack on the miles. And a well-configured, well-cared-for F-150 will probably be able to do just that.
The benefits of going the used route include saving money and being able to know what to look out for in terms of reliability. Recently, the 2020 Ford F-150 has become quite a popular vehicle on the market. It might not be as cheap as something older, but you do get more modern features.
Are Ford V8s reliable?
Over the years, the Blue Oval has produced reliable V8 engines. For instance, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 is known to handle some serious miles. Sure, the V8 3V Triton might have been a bit of a miss, but that does not mean all Ford V8 engines are bad.
Of course, in modern F-150 trucks, you can get things like a turbocharged V6, and that might help you see better efficiency. But for a lot of folks, a full-size pickup does call for the power of eight cylinders.
Eight-cylinder, naturally aspirated engines are typically seen to offer better longevity. Plus, because they are simpler, repairs can be less costly. It might be best to avoid the 5.4-liter 3V Triton V8 if you want the most reliable Ford engine.
