Hey guys - I have a 06-E-350-5.4 l - with about 55k on it. I am getting a very loud clunk (feels like floorboard area) on cold starts only occasionally- I have been doing a little research & am thinking - broken timing chain guide as it only does it maybe every 5th time I start it, always on cold start up in morning it also ticks for about 15 seconds when cold.Also could this be a bad starter.Should I replace starter & see how it does?I am aware of the oil & filter issues with these engines & I found out the hard way about using the filter with the anti drain back valve. Any help much appreciated.
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Your suspicion on the timing set is probably correct. The dog-box in a van will make the sound different than on a pickup. I would check the crankshaft thrust anyway with a pry bar and dial indicator.

 

Jesse - I am gonna check the plugs & make sure they are all tight, but I think the loud noise is the timing chain or tensioner. Thanks for your input