Excessive Tappet Clatter
New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6
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Excessive Tappet Clatter
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 12-Aug-02 AT 01:44 PM (EST)]I have a 1990 F-150, 5.0L (EFI) with 60K original miles) on the odometer. When the vehicle is first started there is absoutely no engine noise (other than normal). After the motor comes up to normal operating temperature I hear quite a bit of tappet noise (or what I am assuming to be tappet noise), especially from the right (passenger side) bank. I am using Castrol Syntec 10W-30 and normally use 92 octane fuel. I switched from Castrol 10W-30 dino-blend to the synthetic(?) hoping to cure the problem, since synthetic is not supposed to "thin-out" like conventional oils, but the problem seems to be getting worse. Will going to a heavier oil help? Since I live in Atlanta, heat buildup due to heavy traffic volume is a definite factor, and the truck is only driven occasionally. I am the second owner of the vehicle, and this is my first Ford truck. Is there an inexpensive fix or do I trade this puppy in for a Toyota Tundra?
Sidenote: When I shut the engine off, and then re-start it, no noise is heard until it's driven for awhile. What's is up with that?
Sidenote: When I shut the engine off, and then re-start it, no noise is heard until it's driven for awhile. What's is up with that?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 100
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From: Stafford USA
Excessive Tappet Clatter
Sometimes an exhaust leak around the manifold will sound like that. Are you sure it's the lifters? Possibly one is collapsing, maybe a loose rocker arm, bent pushrod? Check all emmissions hoses and piping for leaks as well.
Rodger
Rodger
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Excessive Tappet Clatter
I guess the injectors makes some sense. I didn't think that they would be that noisy, but I'll take another listen. I had thought about exhaust manifold leaks, and when I installed a 40-series Flowmaster I had the mechanic check for any exhaust leaks. None were found.
I also noticed that when the weather temperature is cool (early morning) that the noise isn't present. It's when the ambient temperature is high (90 degrees lately here in Atlanta) that the noise is prevalent. maybe a temperature sensor going awry? I checked diagnostic codes and nothing shows up.
I'll be driving to Upper Michigan next month from Atlanta, which will give it a good long ride. It could simply be that since this truck has very few miles on it and was not driven much, some buildup on the lifters could have occured. I guess that I'll find out when I put her on the road for a 2400 mile trip. Thanks for the help. I'll look into it further.
I also noticed that when the weather temperature is cool (early morning) that the noise isn't present. It's when the ambient temperature is high (90 degrees lately here in Atlanta) that the noise is prevalent. maybe a temperature sensor going awry? I checked diagnostic codes and nothing shows up.
I'll be driving to Upper Michigan next month from Atlanta, which will give it a good long ride. It could simply be that since this truck has very few miles on it and was not driven much, some buildup on the lifters could have occured. I guess that I'll find out when I put her on the road for a 2400 mile trip. Thanks for the help. I'll look into it further.
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
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Excessive Tappet Clatter
I also live in ATL....
I also see that the noise is more audible after it warms up....Its hard to be sure, but I sleep better at night thinking its the injectors...Sure sounds like its coming from there...
I also see that the noise is more audible after it warms up....Its hard to be sure, but I sleep better at night thinking its the injectors...Sure sounds like its coming from there...
