I have a 2002 crewcab with a 5.4L with 160K and it has started to make a noise on start up only. The noise lasts for less than a second and is then quite and it runs perfect. I use Valvoline Max-Life 5W20 oil and a Motorcraft filter. Sounds like a lifter tap until the oil get to the top of the engine?? Sounds like rattle maybe. Only happens at startup, or after it sits for a while. I know these have issues with the spark plugs its not that as I have recently changed them and the issue is the same..

Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks!!

 

when did it start doing this?
after you had any maintenance performaned?
Mine has done this since I've owned it and she has 122k on the clock.

 

Small exhaust leak at the manifold/head? Common on these truck as the studs tend to break.

 

It started it earlier this year. No maintenance done when it started. It does not sound like an exhaust leak..

Darrell

 

Does not sound like an exhaust leak to me.

 

change the oil filter. Motorcraft is suppose to have an antidrain back valve to hold oil in the system for startup. If valve fails, it takes 1-2 seconds to refill the sytem. Try that first.

 

I have changed the oil and filter since it started and it's still the same. The more I read it sounds like the "normal" piston slap that shows up in the 5.4L

Thanks!

 

Mine does that too, sounds like when you first start up the engine after an oil change, that clacking before the oil gets to the whole engine..

 

How long has yours made the sound?

Thanks!

 

Mine does this and I also did not think it was a exhaust leak. BUT when I was told the same thing from a buddy who works at Ford I had to check and yup that's the tic tic tic I hear for like 20 or less seconds

 

my 03 5.4 has this exact same "problem" its less than 2-3 seconds and then all is well. my truck has 65k on it and doesnt do it every start up either.
from what ive read it seems pretty normal. anyone else?

 

Sounds like it's "normal" for the 5.4L. I have tried all different oil filters and oil and it does not help. Guess it's nothing to worry about??

 

I just bought mine, but it sounds like they all do it to some extent. Running an engine for 1-3 seconds dry really wont hurt anything because the oil that does stick to those parts will lube it until the oil pump can get everything going. And, btw, these trucks are OHV which means no lifters and no pushrods.

 

my '98 5.4 has always done this since i bought it with 63k..now have 86k and no change. i have tried different weights of oil no change. i always use motorcraft filters.

i have decided its just normal and dont worry about it. i remote start the truck before going anywhere so i dont have to listen to it anymore either haha

 

Started to hear it occasionally on start up couple years ago, rattle almost a ping. Back in May it started to get worse finally becoming a full fledged KNOCK in August. Pulled the oil pan and discovered #7 & #8 Rod Bearings Burnt and Worn from Oil Starvation (208,000km.).

$ 2500.00 Later I now have a 5.4 with 96K on it and a years warranty on Engine and Labor. Happy to discover the New 5.4 just did 21 MPG Imperial 17+MPG US on a Tank with Town Highway Driving. Now if I can keep the Rocker Panels and Pan Rails from Rusting Out. Added Bonus was when I left it at the Dealer for new Tank Straps the Tank Began to Leak, got a new Tank from Ford. Not so great is now the AC Compressor Bearing is shot......Can't wait to see what November has waiting.