Do the 6.2s have the cam phasers like the 08, 5.4 I just traded in? If so the phasers are notorious for rattle on start up. The rattle on my new to me 2011, 6.2 sounds the same as the 08s did. Im told it doesn't hurt anything. The problem has since been engineered out...so I'm told.
This link contradicts that somewhat as it shows how the roll pins bend or shear.

5.4L cam phasers.. What goes bad? - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

 

The 6.2L does indeed have "De-VCT" in Ford speak, or a variable valve timing unit as you mention. However, because of the intermittent nature of this I believe it is the lifters being "parked" in a manner which will squeeze the oil out of the weak ones. Additionally, the VVTs used on the 6.2L are not driven by oil pressure, but rather are 'cam-torque actuated' so this couldn't be the noise.

 

Ahh thanks for the schooling. Ive had this truck 5 days so still learning. 6.2 rocks.

 

Ahh. Thanks for the schooling. Ive had this truck less than a week. So lots of learning to come.

 

Yeah, its a powerful and smooth motor...I'm satisfied by that, just don't want it to rattle, ever, when I start it up.

 

Hi Troverman - I've been watching this thread for any developments. I have a 2013 F250 6.2 and have the same intermittent lifter noise (or, it sounds like lifter ticks) that you describe. Yesterday afternoon it really made a lot of racket upon starting but each start up today (5-6 times) has been quiet.

Have you had any luck with the dealer?

I've been getting the oil changed at the dealer's shop, using Ford's specified Motorcraft synthetic blend 5W20. Whenever I've mentioned lifter noise to them I get the same non-response that, apparently, everyone else is getting.

Some people have recommended using this or that oil additive to change the viscosity or do some sort of mechanical magic - I can't seem to get a consensus. And I'm hesitant to put something in the engine while it's still under warranty.

Any way .... I was wondering if there was any news .

Thanx.

 

The experience i have is not exactly what you are trying to do but i did a complete rebuild of my 5.4. I seen a video of a company that makes wedges to hold tension on the timing chains so it doesn't loose its mark. and then its as easy as pulling the cam and sliding the lifters out and new lifters in. My dad told me to always soak new lifters in oil over night, i'm not sure if this is a old man myth or something that really needs to be done. But the 6.2 could be totally different im not sure haha.

 

I decided to wait until my next oil change for the dealer to look at it - which is coming up in about 1000 miles - so soon. In the mean time, the truck continues to intermittently make the rattle sometimes, lately it seems like most times not.

Crossing my fingers it will rattle for them when they have it. The ticky noise that continues sometimes after startup I have no problem with - but the rattle / clatter that occurs just for a second or two is a problem.

 

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, troverman. Be sure to post how things go when you head in to the dealership. I'll be able to check out ways to help once you've had your truck diagnosed.

Crystal

 

I own a 2011 6.2 since new and it does the rattle at start up every once in a while, usually when hot. Took it to the dealer while it was under warranty and of course they could never duplicate the problem. Now interestingly enough my work just bought 20 2014 F250's all with 6.2 engines and all parked near my office. Every single one of them make the sound at start up randomly. I have 53k on mine and never had a problem so far. I am not to worried about the noise. I use 5w/20 Motorcraft oil and filters since new.

 

I like the silver color of your truck - looks sharp. With 53k miles, isn't your truck 'still under warranty?'

 

I am not sure about the 6.2, but the V10's have short skirt pistons and they rattle on startup. It is very common in these engines. Mine does it on initial startup and others on the site have it. It is terrifying when you first hear it and even after you know what it is. Many of these engine last for 250k miles or more with it. If that is what it is deemed to be, the only help is make sure you are using the manufacturer's recommended OIL and FILTER and service appropriately.

My truck has 100k on it and after the slap on initial startup, it runs as quiet as a mouse. NO noises, no oil consumption and no leaks anywhere.

 

Thanks. I believe the power train warranty is only good for 5 years or 50K miles. Not 100% sure on that though.

 

5 years / 60k miles on my 2012 - probably the same for you.

Diamnd1 - I've heard the 'piston slap' excuse before from Ford service techs. If the piston can move that much, then the noise you are hearing is causing damage to your cylinder walls. Obviously metal is hitting metal. The V10 is part of the modular engine family, and this issue affected the 5.4L's as well. Both engines have been known to run a very long time (I've seen V10's with 420k on them running fine) but I've also seen a lot of 5.4L's that sound horrible at 160k and don't last much more.

The 6.2L is a brand new engine platform not shared with anything else. This sound is not piston slap - the piston skirts appear to be an appropriate length - I'm pretty sure this sound has to be a lifter sound. Ford has chosen an uncommon approach with these very small hydraulic lifters in the ends of the rocker arms, with a relatively complex oil feed system.