^^^^^^


????????

 

High ya'll! New member here with a just purchased 06 5.4 Expedition. I am having the same issue on startup. Truck has 95,000, no codes, runs strong otherwise. Replaced plugs and COP's, new oil change. Some threads here recommended going to a different oil. Any ideas or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.


Great site BTW!

 

I think the only good the thick oil would do is mask the issue -and maybe ca use bigger problems. If the clicking is the only symptom then I would just drive it, fixing it involves hours of wrenching that I can't find anyone but the dealer that is willing to take it on. The actual noise is caused by one or all of
Low oil pressure -replace pump, clean debris
Broken chain guide -replace, clean debris
Bad chain tesioner -replace
Clogged/broken ctv solenoid -replace
Bad phaser(s) -replace

These parts all work together and all have known issues, the labor to replace one makes it worth doing them all while you have the motor open

 

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I ended up finding a guy in Haltom city that was able to do the job in 2 days at a reasonable rate. The engine was coated with sludge but the chains and guides were in tact. I suspect it was the phasers and/or solenoids causing the issue. Oil pressure is noticeably higher with the Melling pump and the motor runs and sounds as good as it ever has. Parts and labor was less than half of what the dealer wanted.

 

A few thousand miles later and for $1,500 total cost the truck still runs like new. I hear a quick rattle when it cranks if it is cold, but it lasts only 1 second. All of the issues that seemed like it was missing or the transmission was slipping or throwing codes are all resolved.

 

Glad to hear the good report. I am about 4k miles past my timing job and likewise thrilled with the sound / performance of my '04 5.4L with 216k on the clock.


I'm guessing your short rattle on startup might be lash adjusters leaking down under valve spring pressure, and allowing a little slop / rattle of the roller follower before oil pressure pumps them up. Basically I feel that NEW chains should not have enough slack to flop around and touch anything - even with the tensioners completely relaxed from no oil pressure. The plunger on them barely extends when chains are new. But those are the reasons I replaced all lash adjusters and used the ratcheting cast iron tensioners. It's quiet as a new Mercedes - and hopefully good for another 200k miles.