97 f150 4x4 4.6 Engine Trouble !!HELP!!

[lance328]

My engine has 160,000 miles and has been well maintained. I have used synthetic oil since 46,000 miles, the only noise it ever made was a slight lifter tap. I went to start it the other day it felt like the starter or something was binding. I had to bump the ignition a couple of times to get it to start. The engine ran and sounded as it should. Six days later I go to start it after it had sat, it started and sounded like an animal was being chewed up by the fan. As soon as it started I turned it off, about 5-6 seconds. I checked the oil, fan, belt, and acessories, all was clear. Started it again same noise but it shut off before I could turn it off, as if something was siezed. I was wondering if the starter is the problem or timing chain with bent valves? If anyone has an idea please let me know. Thanks

[LxMan1]

I would pull the plugs first to make sure you do not have a cylinder full of coolant.
But then again, it could be the starter not releasing after you let off of the key.

[lance328]

No coolant in cylinders, I am starting to think I dropped a valve. It would explain the noise I heard and why it won't turn over. I am going to pull the starter and see if it will turn over by hand. Thanks

[lance328]

I have another thought, since I had a lifter tap for several years that would come and go. I was wondering since it had sat for six days maybe the lifter drained out. So when I started it the rocker was slapping against the cam and the rocker slipped out of place and stopped the cam from turning before enough oil pressure could pump the lifter up.

[LxMan1]

They usually just fall out of the way. Pull the starter and see if it will turn over by hand.

[lance328]

I rotated the engine backwards then foreward by hand. started the engine it made the same noise then stopped. Is it possible the keepers came off a valve and is causing my problem?

[LxMan1]

Hard to say without pulling the valve covers.