[AT] off topic, need help on new parts chasing truck.

[Steve W.]

Cecil R Bearden wrote:
> Just purchased a 2000 f150 4x4 Lariat supercab 5.4L with all the bells & 
> whistles.. Previous owner bought it at auction and it started running 
> rough, they took it to a reputable mechanic who replaced all spark 
> plugs, coil packs, lifter, rocker, and spring on the #7 cyl . They used 
> a camera to look at piston to determine if valve had struck piston. 
> Valve is still sticking. It will start and run fine for 5-10 seconds 
> then too rough to keep idling. sorta smooths out at 2000 rpm. I talked 
> to the mechanic who said that they spent over $1000 or work & time 
> trying to unstick the valve. The valve would unstick when they pulled it 
> up, but the cam would stick it down.  It runs fine for about 5-10 
> seconds after starting then runs so rough that it will barely move out 
> of its tracks. P.O. said that he put a new battery in it and then took 
> it for a drive to go to the detail shop and it started running rough.  
> They then took it to the mechanic.  P.O. decided not to put any more 
> money in it when told that the valve was stuck.Mechanic told me he did 
> not think valve was bent.
> 
> I have posted on Ford truck Enthusiasts forum and only received dumb looks.
> 
> Any suggestions??
> 
> Cecil in OKla
> 
> 

Either the stem is bent or the guide has an issue.

Put the piston close to TDC, pop the rocker off, pull the spring and let 
the valve drop down. Spin it while watching on a camera. If it's bent it 
will show it.
If it isn't bent it's possible the guide has an issue and it's galling 
the stem.

If it's in good shape, I would probably pull the head and toss on a used 
one. 125-175 bucks plus the gaskets.

-- 
Steve W.