The Ford Barn

ms fowler · 12-10-2022, 06:21 AM

The small block Windsor is a fairly known commodity and has been a reliable engine. Now that the Modular 4.6 engines are considered" antique"--How reliable are they proving at higher mileages and years?

5851a · 12-10-2022, 08:59 AM

I think they were pretty reliable toward the end. The early years seemed to have sparkplug/head problems leaking plastic intake manifolds. They are physically huge for the displacement and need electronics to run. They can make big power but comes at a price. JMO

Ford blue blood · 12-10-2022, 09:24 AM

The 4.6 has proven to be a reliable performer over the years. The basic architecture of the 4.6 is still in use in the Ford OHC engine lines. They did have a couple of "hickies" that caused issues in some engines. The plug issue was primarily in the 5.4 line. It has been resolved. The chain tensioner on some poorly maintained engines will loose it's prime and cause a rattle upon start up. Failure to repair that causes the chain guides to fail. The heater pipe running under the intake manifold rusted and cause coolant leaks.

The 4.6 is not much wider then the FE line. What makes it a difficult swap is the accessories and oil filter location plus the lack of exhaust manifold choices. There are numerous electronic packages out there to make install of any of the "Mod motor" choices a four wire hook up.

bobss396 · 12-10-2022, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5851a

I think they were pretty reliable toward the end. The early years seemed to have sparkplug/head problems leaking plastic intake manifolds. They are physically huge for the displacement and need electronics to run. They can make big power but comes at a price. JMO

I had a 4.6 with low miles in a '97 Mercury. The intake cracked and I had to spend $1200 to get it fixed. I started a Yahoo support group and lots of people jumped onto it. It got the attention if a class-action lawyer from Georgia, IIRC. Well, we won and many of us got reimbursed by Ford.

KULTULZ · 12-10-2022, 12:19 PM

- MR. INCOGNITO -

Here is a nice install ...

- https://www.motortrend.com/features/...lane-victoria/

ms fowler · 12-10-2022, 01:56 PM

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Congrats on helping others with the same problem!!!
Whenever I hear " Class Action Lawsuit"--I always think-" just another scam to make lawyers $Millions while the people with the problems get pennies." I am glad to hear of a different result.

bobss396 · 12-13-2022, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms fowler

Congrats on helping others with the same problem!!!
Whenever I hear " Class Action Lawsuit"--I always think-" just another scam to make lawyers $Millions while the people with the problems get pennies." I am glad to hear of a different result.

Everyone with a qualified car got 100% reimbursed by Ford. All I had to do was submit my receipts at a local Ford dealer. The lawyer didn't get rich off this one, not even sure she was paid.

12-10-2022, 06:21 AM	#1
ms fowler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2022 Posts: 144	Reliability of the LATE V8s The small block Windsor is a fairly known commodity and has been a reliable engine. Now that the Modular 4.6 engines are considered" antique"--How reliable are they proving at higher mileages and years?

12-10-2022, 08:59 AM	#2
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,665	Re: Reliability of the LATE V8s I think they were pretty reliable toward the end. The early years seemed to have sparkplug/head problems leaking plastic intake manifolds. They are physically huge for the displacement and need electronics to run. They can make big power but comes at a price. JMO

12-10-2022, 09:24 AM	#3
Ford blue blood Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 815	Re: Reliability of the LATE V8s The 4.6 has proven to be a reliable performer over the years. The basic architecture of the 4.6 is still in use in the Ford OHC engine lines. They did have a couple of "hickies" that caused issues in some engines. The plug issue was primarily in the 5.4 line. It has been resolved. The chain tensioner on some poorly maintained engines will loose it's prime and cause a rattle upon start up. Failure to repair that causes the chain guides to fail. The heater pipe running under the intake manifold rusted and cause coolant leaks. The 4.6 is not much wider then the FE line. What makes it a difficult swap is the accessories and oil filter location plus the lack of exhaust manifold choices. There are numerous electronic packages out there to make install of any of the "Mod motor" choices a four wire hook up. __________________ Bill, certified Ford nut. 2016 F-150 2016 Focus 08 Shelby GT500 57 Ford Ranchero 36 Chevy, 351C/FMX, 8", Mustang II

12-10-2022, 12:19 PM	#5
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,484	Re: Reliability of the LATE V8s - MR. INCOGNITO - Here is a nice install ... - https://www.motortrend.com/features/...lane-victoria/ __________________ *** - MULTI-VEHICLE SYNTHETIC TRANSMISSION FLUID - Multi-vehicle transmission fluids are becoming more and more popular in the marketplace. Oil marketers design these fluids for a wide range of automatic transmission types. While they are not licensed by any specific auto manufacturer ... ??? ... enough said ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

12-10-2022, 01:56 PM	#6
ms fowler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2022 Posts: 144	Re: Reliability of the LATE V8s Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Congrats on helping others with the same problem!!! Whenever I hear " Class Action Lawsuit"--I always think-" just another scam to make lawyers $Millions while the people with the problems get pennies." I am glad to hear of a different result.