I have a 2000 Ex 6.8 with 268k. No idea about any of the service history, etc. Just bought the truck a few months ago.

Just a couple days ago, I was actually outside/around my truck during a cold start (instead of being inside the house or inside the truck). For the first five minutes (almost exactly five) I get a good bit of chatter, diesel-like, even valvetrain-ish. But by the 5 minute mark, it's all gone and running smooth as a baby's behind.

My oil level is right where it should be, top of the hash marks on the stick. I have a Motorcraft oil filter.

What gives? Is it just the age? I'd figure if it were something detrimental, it wouldn't stop after warm-up, but then i don't know these motors that well.

Give me the 411 boys.

Edit: also, it doesn't chatter immediately. It's not until maybe 30 seconds in.

 

You have to locate the sound with a stethoscope - check the valve covers, and the timing chain cover.

My '01 with only 60K miles on it would clack on cold start - sounded like the chain. It was 19 years old when I sold it last year, but it did it for a few years before that. In the spring/summer/fall I'd put 10W40 Castrol GTX in it, and it would go away. Winter months, 5w30 was enough.

 

Would the Harbor Freight stethoscope suffice, or should I get something like a Lisle on Amazon?

The dealership just did my change with 5w20. Should I be going a little thicker?

 

You can use a long screwdriver or a piece of broom handle, just touch one end to the valve cover, the other to the bony area right in front of your ear. Careful - side-load it as much as possible so the engine shaking doesn't hurt your head

 

The low mileage 09 clatters for about 30 seconds when cold started.

 

Its probably the well documented piston slap at cold start. Some engines have it and some don't I don't think its ever been a cause of damage.

 

piston slap goes away that quickly?

 

Yes! Once the pistons warm up the sound goes away.