03 F-150 5.4 engine swap questions!

Discussion in 'Engine & Performance' started by C Denny Run*, Nov 14, 2015.

  1. C Denny Run*

    C Denny Run* Full Access Member

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    Well I gave each cylinder a good strong squirt of PB blaster through the intake valves, and turned it over several times. I have the new engine mated to the trans, and just need to labor through the rest of the job.. son of a bith# this is not fun work! I'll keep ya'll posted.
     
  2. MyFX4Project

    MyFX4Project TRUCKIT

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    I did the same thing not too long ago with my 5.4 4v. Getting the trans mated with the block was the hardest part for me. And then I had to rebuild the top end 3 different times trying to find a leak and turns out my head gaskets were on backwards. Check my build in my profile of you're interested. [​IMG]
     
  3. C Denny Run*

    C Denny Run* Full Access Member

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    Man, am I sorry to hear what you went through! I'm feeling pretty beat up from this. Ha ha. Having to pull the heads off three different times would make me roll the damn thing off a cliff. You have patience my friend!

    I have most of it together now, all the hard stuff is taken care of. My metal bell-housing "seal" seems to be bent, and the flywheel teeth are rubbing on it. It started after I installed the starter, so I need to take that back off, and figure it out. After that, it should be smooth sailing. Just need to install the intake manifold, fan clutch and radiator. Not to mention the small stuff like splash guards and whatnot.

    I'm going to be very happy when this chapter of my life is over:cheers2:

    Chris
     
  4. MyFX4Project

    MyFX4Project TRUCKIT

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    Lol yeah man it took me 2 days to disassemble and 2 days to reassemble each time. So it was down for a while.

    Needless to say I haven't touched the damn thing since lol did brakes and wheel bearings but that didn't take much. Still have to put a new CHT sensor in which will require me removing the intake and I'm not about to go through that again.

    Keep us posted.
     
  5. C Denny Run*

    C Denny Run* Full Access Member

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    That's a bummer man! I got the Summit intake manifold, that actually has space to get in and get to the CHT sensor. You'd still have to take the alternator off, and some other crap, but can leave the manifold on. Summit really stepped up when it comes to making improvements on what Ford failed on.

    Question: When I tighten up my starter, and turn the engine over by hand, the flywheel teeth rub on it. If I leave it slightly loose, it doesn't. I tried swapping the starter with the one that came with the motor, and it does the same thing. The spur gear is all the way retracted. Nothing changed, but the motor. I imagine a factory starter should bolt up, and not need a spacer. Did I do something wrong?
     
  6. MyFX4Project

    MyFX4Project TRUCKIT

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    Only thing I could think of would be that the motor isn't aligned and mated to the bell housing like it should be. When I did mine everything matched and the starter slipped right in. Either that or maybe the engine and trans are not together as tight as they could be.

    And on my 4v the CHT is on the rear of the passenger side head. I can reach my hand up there and feel it but can't get a wrench in there.
     
  7. C Denny Run*

    C Denny Run* Full Access Member

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    It looks like it's mated perfectly. Everything aligned up really well during the install. I'll go through and check each bolt tomorrow, when it's not 30 degrees outside. Man... the upper/mid passenger side bolt is a serious bitc#. That thing has a designated place in hell as far as I'm concerned.
     
  8. MyFX4Project

    MyFX4Project TRUCKIT

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    Yeah it would be pretty noticeable if it was off. Just a thought though. I've only done one so I'm not exactly the best person to listen to lol
     
  9. C Denny Run*

    C Denny Run* Full Access Member

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    It was a good thought. It dawned on me that I pushed the trans back for the install, and never pushed it forward again. This will push the starter forward, away from the flywheel! Bam! I haven't done it yet, but I'm positive that's the issue.

    At this point, I have my intake all installed, just need to install the radiator, fan clutch, alternator, and give her a go. It's too damn cold to work out there now. More to come tomorrow!:cheers2:
     
  10. C Denny Run*

    C Denny Run* Full Access Member

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    Well, I fired it up today. It sounded great for about a minute, then a high pitched tick started. At this point I have no idea where it's coming from. I haven't had another person to help while I'm diagnosing it, with their hand on the key. I don't want to cause further damage, by doing it myself with a stethoscope, and not be able to kill it if things get worse. Oil pressure is great, and no leaks. What a bitc#. I should have bought a re-man.

    Chris
     

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