I've got a 2000 F250 SD crew cab with the 5.4 . Truck has 270,000 KM and has been a really good work ( industrial forestry ) truck. When the engine is started cold, there's a rattling sound coming from the right rear of the engine. Sometimes it only happens when I put the truck in gear ( Forward or reverse ), almost all the time when idling in park. It goes away after about 30 seconds and if the truck is warm, it won't do it. Exhaust pipes are tight and it does not look like there is any blow by on the exhaust manifold. Performance is still good overall from the engine, no oil consumption etc. Any ideas??

 

Could be the piston slap I keep hearing about or cam to valve issues. I think I have the same noise as u.

 

I have a 99 5.4 SD with 78,000 miles on it. I just noticed the noice recently, although I thinkit has been there a while. I bought it used with 60,000 miles in Feb 03. I pull an 27' travel trailet with it. The truck runs and pulls fine. My noise / rattle seems to last a little longer than others have described. I am also burning a quart of oil every oil change (3000 miles) I love my truck and hope to get a few more years out of it. It's somewhat relieving to know it is a common problem.

 

Have you chkd the heat shields on the y-pipe ?
Mine has a rust hole under the shield under one of them.makes a sort of pinging sound when started or under load. but I also have a little piston slap.

I would also chk your spark plugs for one becoming loose .
But piston slap is common,chk your oil consumption .
What brand oil and filter are you using?
Just keep an eye on it.

Rich

 

Turned out to be a warped exhaust manifold as well as a broken stud at the back. I didn't see the stud as that part of the motor gets pretty caked with mud from work. Local dealer did the job, truck runs fine again.

 

I have a 2001 SD with a 5.4 with 40,000 and I sometimes get a weird rattle sound when I start my truck cold. I haven't gotten to really nail the sound down any more than that because I never know when it will happen (it's very intermittent). It quits before I can even release the key from the start position. Sorry I can't be any more specific, does anyone have any ideas?

As for starting sounds, I had a 1995 Explorer and if you get a grinding sound only in cold weather, check your starter. On mine the starter soleniod wasn't retracting the gear fast enough.

 

Phonebem- I noticed on my truck that sometimes when I start my truck it makes a very strange clunking/rattle sort of sound. It's right at start up and lasts about .5-1.5 secs. It almost seems as though the starter is enguaged and is clicking on the flywheel. I'm not sure, maybe the engine is starting up very quickly and I don't get the key back in time. Is this similar to your problem?

 

Cheese- I'm not sure, as I said in my post I had that problem with my Explorer, but the SD has a totally different sound. I'm not sure, it is possible though it may sound different due to the different types of vehicles. The thing is it makes the sound right at startup for just a split second and I can't think of it happening at any other time than the first time I start it for the day. the Explorer did it when I released the key. I'm sorry if I'm not much help, like I said, its done making the sound almost before you can even realize its making it. If it does it more this winter I'll probably take a closer look at the starter, I've only had the truck since May.

 

[quote=phonebem;1030711]I have a 2001 SD with a 5.4 with 40,000 and I sometimes get a weird rattle sound when I start my truck cold. I haven't gotten to really nail the sound down any more than that because I never know when it will happen (it's very intermittent). It quits before I can even release the key from the start position. Sorry I can't be any more specific, does anyone have any ideas?

I Have this EXACT SOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just started doing it, have no idea what it is!!!
HELP!!