Hows it going guys, I hope one of you guys can help me. I have a 2004 Lincoln Navigator with 99,850 miles and ever since I bought it at 94,000 miles, upon start up I get this Chain Rattle noise that last obly like 3 seconds, then the engine quiets down, I am running 5/20 full synthetic engine oil on it and have put MotorCraft and K&N oil filter on oil changes, ive read on forums that it most likely is the timing chain guides and/or tensioners that have failed or are broken. Before I go and take my truck to get the chain and chain components replaced I want to know if anyone has had the same problem and what was the fix? Also I read that ford triton v8s suffer from poor engine oil pressure due to a poorly engineered oil pump.. can anyone fill me in on this info please? Thank you. I love my navi and dont want to sell it..

 

Sounds like the tensioners are bleeding off causing them to back off and it takes a couple of seconds for them to push back out on start-up.

 

I have the same issue with our '04 Navigator; noisy on start-up, especially first start of the morning. It sounds like timing chain rattle, but the motor quiets right down and runs smoothly afterwards. No other motor bad habits (except it's a little thirsty) and we like to have it as our "other" vehicle. 161,000 miles but babied by the two previous owners.

Can the chain tensioners be replaced without a total rebuild of the timing chains, etc.? I know on older Porsche 911s they were fairly easy to replace; what's involved on the 5.4?

 

There's a guy on Youtube with great Ford motor videos, I'm sure he's got one that shows what you're looking for. (look for FordTechMakuloco channel on you tube)
(edit) Try this one: walks through timing of our 3v 5.4 engines.