Specs: 2003 Ranger Edge / 3.0 V6 / 5-speed 4WD / 238,000 miles

Yesterday my truck was in the shop for repair. Intake gasket, Transmission fluid change, all heater hoses, thermostat, serp belt and coolant flush. When I picked it up from the shop, which was after closing, I noticed a knocking on start up. From past experience on a different truck, it sounds like a cam that isn't oiling. After a few minutes the knock goes away. I drove for a few miles, turned off the engine and started it back up and no knock this time. This morning I started it, knock was back but went away after a few minutes. Oil was changed about 1500 miles ago. Running pennzoil 5/20 with a K&N filter. Up until yesterday the engine has been completely quiet. Was wonder if something may have clogged the filter or the drain back valve. Im definitely taking it back to the shop but wondered if anyone have any thoughts?

Much appreciated,
-J

 

Try the specified Motorcraft oil filter.

 

Why would you not think it has a Motorcraft filter? Just curious.

 

Because he posted that it had Pennzoil 5W-20 & a K&N filter!!!!

 

Rod bearings sometimes knock on a cold start, while the oil pressure is building up. I agree on trying a different filter.

 

After thinking about this some more, since the engine was opened up to replace the intake manafold gasket, the shop may have at least changed the oil, maybe the oil filter too, so look on your work order to see if either, or both of those are listed & if not ask them if either or both were changed & what was used.

Many shops still put in 10W-30, as its close to an all purpose crankcase lube & use generic oil filters to save on overhead, so if you live in cold country a 10W won't flow as fast as the 5W will on a cold start.

An oil filter with less filter media surface area will present more back pressure/lower flow rate on a cold start, so put either, or both of those together & the engine might protest on a cold start.

Let us know what you find out.

 

I pretty much only trust motorcraft filters.I was getting a start up knock with a napa gold filter that went away when I changed back to motorcraft (5.0, FL1-A)