Engine rattle at start up and sometimes after 07 F250 SD 5.4 3V
OK, just joined and this is my first post. I have an 07 F250 SD 5.4 3V with 245K miles on it - OK, I drive a lot. At around 110K it developed an engine rattle at cold start which lasts about 1 second then goes away. After ignoring it for a while it started rattling anytime engine was shut off for more than 15 minutes. Took it to my local independent mechanic who I trust. He was clearly in over his head working on this motor. 2 weeks and $3000 later he made it stop. First replaced timing chain which did not help. I think that something to do with the cam is what worked - he said he basically replaced the top end of the engine. After about 50K more miles the rattle came back and is still there. I change oil every 5K and recently installed a 'high end' oil filter with a check valve which has helped but its still there. Anybody have any thoughts?