Hello, I have a problem with my 96 F150 w/ 5.0 engine. I've been having an issue with a noise coming from the engine once it has warmed up. It almost sounds like a Diesel engien at times with the knocking. It really sounds the worst right after I change my oil, which I have just done. Again, it only happens once the engine reaches normal operating temperature. At first, I thought it might be the oil pump itself, where I thought that the top most part of the engine is starving for oil. However, the oil pressure seems to be within the normal range, as well as overall engine temperature. The more I thought about it, as well as what I've read elsewhere on another forum, is that bad push rods will make a knocking noise once the engine has warmed up, so this seems to make sense if this in fact the problem. Also, I should point out that the engine oil level is correct, as I always ensure this with each and every oil change that I do. Just wanted to mention that so I don't get any comments about the correct amount of oil. Anyway, if it is the rods that need changed, what am I looking at as far as a.) Difficulty in the job itself, b.) The best parts to get, c.) Other items that I should change (rocker arms, valves, etc.). If there is something else that I should check out, I am open to suggestions there. Thanks for any information you might have.

 

i have never heard of the pushrod making the noise, but the lifters on the other hand...to me there is no really good brand, cause at one point or another they all break but I am a fan of lunati. They make cams, lifters, rods, rockers, etc. The job itself isnt hard. just time consuming....drain coolant, take off intake, valve covers, rockers, push rods, then the lifters....usually need a good magnetic tip or a small pick to pull the lifters out.

 

Lifters normally make noise when it's first started, because they've bled down the oil that's in them, until there's enough oil circulated into them to pump them back up.

Are you sure it's a top end noise?

 

Valvetrain sounds more like a tick than a knock. Can you tell what area the noise is coming from?

 

The noise seems to originate from the bottom-most part of the engine, around oil pan level to be precise. One other thought was that it was a main bearing, but then I would hear that as soon as I started up the engine, and not only when it reaches operating temp. It just seems strange that it is really loud after doing an oil change, but after it is driven for awhile it seems to die down. Also, if I rev up the engine, the noise will go away once it reaches idle again, but then make noise after a minute or so of continuous idling.

 

Just wanted to add that the engine has roughly 129,000 miles on it, as an FYI. I have the necessary Ford service manuals and access to AllData for any repairs needed, so if I end up changing any rods, lifters, etc., I should be alright with any specs needed to complete the job. I just want to identify the root cause so I can take care of this soon.

 

What brand oil filter do you use?

 

And what weight oil?

 

My 93 5.0 did the same thing when it needed rod bearings. I caught it in time and was able to drop the pan and install new bearings before any damage was done to the crank.

 

I originally thought about the bearings myself, but you would think that I would hear that upon starting and not after warming up. That's where the sound seems to be coming from, so that is possibly it. It is just strange that it occurs when it does though.

 

If you don't have an oil pressure gauge, it may be worth putting one on, even for short term testing. Mine was bouncing all over the place before I replaced the bearings.

 

Will do regarding the oil pressure gauge. The more I think about it I believe that I am probably on the right track regarding the connector rod bearings as the prime suspect for the noise. Hopefully I did not let it go too long and damage the crankshaft. It lloks like in order to remove the oil pan I need to hoist up the engine and remove the air plenum, is this correct? I lent my shop crane to someone just recently thinking that I wouldn't need it anytime soon, but I guess I may have to get it back from him soon.

 

You're correct about raising the engine. I didn't use a hoist to do mine. Took off the upper plenum, jacked it up by the crank pulley, and pulled the oil pan. I did the oil pump and pickup screen at the same time, since I was that far in.

 

Back in the day I bought a granada with a I6 in it. The PO said the motor was bad,rod knock supposedly. So I went to swap motors and found a big crack in the torque plate. It was towards the center where it bolts to the crank.mite be worth lookin' at.

 

Hello Guys, Before starting another post seen this one...

Hearing the same noise from my Stock 93 F-150 XLT 5.0. A4OD, 2WD X-Cab SB.

I am working on a u-Tube Video/Sound clip to share it. (Needs the Pan Gasket anyway to resolve a 1qt+/Week leek! But never ran low enough to cause this issue)

Started noticing it during warm up cycle 9mo.1yr ago. Only 6-7,000 miles ago.
(started stopped, started stopped, then nothing after warm-ups) and now after warm its continuous but much fainter than during warm up cycles.

(TruckDoggy)
Did we resolve this thread and solve the noise? What all was done?

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***(Bob Gervais) stated it is rod noise from worn connector bearings?***

What causes this in low mile engines (Only 115k) on mine?
Damaged oil pump maybe?

What did you do for the job? Just the connector bearings, oil pump, pan gasket?

Oh if you do see this reply, can anyone tell me where I should hook up an Oil Pressure Gauge to test mine.

My Service Manuals seem to be MIA?