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Engine tapping noise

Old Jan 29, 2017 | 10:11 PM
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Engine tapping noise

Hi all-was hoping to get some opinions on an engine noise i've had for a few months. I drive an 06 expy AWD with 122k miles. Best way i can think to describe the noise: metallic tapping noise (metal on metal)--like something is loose.. sorry i'm not the best at describing noises but I can tell you that the noise only happens when the engine is warm--it also only happens when accelerating. The noise is actually best heard when i take my foot off the gas pedal at low speeds--the tapping actually gets louder and faster as it comes to a stop (like 3 or 4 quick taps after i let my foot of the gas).

My initial thought is that the noise is coming from the locking pin inside one of my cam phasers, but i'm not an expert. Anyone got any ideas? I've had to the noise for a few months now and it doesn't seem to be getting any worse--doesn't seem to effect performance either. Should i be worried at it?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2017 | 10:09 AM
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Check or just replace you PCV valve and then check the hoses running to it to make sure there isn't any breaks in them. From your description it sounds like you have a noise PCV valve that is affected as the vacuum level changes.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2017 | 01:25 PM
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There's no traditional PCV valve on the 3v engines found in '05 and up. They use some sort of valveless PCV system which is integral to the drivers side valve cover, so if you want to replace that you have to replace the valve cover.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2017 | 07:24 PM
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Mine does almost the same thing. As best I can tell, it is the timing chains making some noise as the chains go from "drive" to "coast".

The only thing different from what you describe is mine is fairly faint and only happens for about a second or so just after you lift off the gas. Mine doesn't do it while accelerating, and it doesn't continue as you decelerate.

I have found that 5w30 makes it much more quiet. It is still there, but very very faint to the point of being barely noticeable.

As far as I know, it is harmless and just a byproduct of the long timing chains, but going up a grade in oil quieted it down noticeably.

I'm at 171,000 miles and the motor is no more noisy than it was 70,000 miles ago when I bought it.

I'm not sure if yours is more severe than mine or not. It could be a phased issue, but these motors aren't tue quietist to start with.
 
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Old Jan 31, 2017 | 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by meborder
Mine does almost the same thing. As best I can tell, it is the timing chains making some noise as the chains go from "drive" to "coast".

The only thing different from what you describe is mine is fairly faint and only happens for about a second or so just after you lift off the gas. Mine doesn't do it while accelerating, and it doesn't continue as you decelerate.

I have found that 5w30 makes it much more quiet. It is still there, but very very faint to the point of being barely noticeable.

As far as I know, it is harmless and just a byproduct of the long timing chains, but going up a grade in oil quieted it down noticeably.

I'm at 171,000 miles and the motor is no more noisy than it was 70,000 miles ago when I bought it.

I'm not sure if yours is more severe than mine or not. It could be a phased issue, but these motors aren't tue quietist to start with.
It's nice to hear that someone else has a similar issue and that it hasn't been an issue--i had planned on switching to 5w-30 on my next oil change--nice to hear that it worked for you. Is yours the same way, that you only hear the noise once the engine gets warmed up or do you hear it all the time?
 
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Old Jan 31, 2017 | 06:30 AM
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Originally Posted by LeeG
It's nice to hear that someone else has a similar issue and that it hasn't been an issue--i had planned on switching to 5w-30 on my next oil change--nice to hear that it worked for you. Is yours the same way, that you only hear the noise once the engine gets warmed up or do you hear it all the time?
Yep, only when warm. Which is why I figured it was related to the oil viscosity.

My 2010 f150 at work makes the exact same noise and always has since new. I had some videos of the work truck at one time but I deleted them. I'll try to get you a video so you can hear the noise in hearing. We will see how it goes though... Mine is pretty faint and if there is any other noise around it is hard to catch on camera.
 
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Old Jan 31, 2017 | 10:37 PM
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I dont know how well this will come through in the video, but when I was recording the video I could hear the slight rattle as I lifted my foot off the gas while in gear.

It is always most noticeable between 1200-1500 rpm just as you lift off the gas.

Based off my expedition and and f150 at work making the same noise, I've always figured it was more or less normal. This is with 5w30, it was much louder on 5w20

I'll find out tomorrow how good the video.turned out but figured id post it anyway.

 
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Old Jan 31, 2017 | 10:51 PM
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Well i'll tell you what--that sounds a whole lot like the noise I'm hearing. I'll try to upload a video myself tomorrow if i can find the time to see if you think it's the same thing. I'm hoping it is because it sounds like you haven't had any problems coming from your noise--and last thing i want to do with a new-to-me rig is replace the engine!
 
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Old Jan 31, 2017 | 10:57 PM
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So far so good. ::knocks on wood::

To be honest, my used oil analyses aren't exactly stellar showing higher than normal wear metals, but at 171k I've got no reason to think I wont make it to 200k, and that's my goal.

I'm glad the link worked and the audio came out ok.
Hard to tell on a phone.
 
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by meborder
So far so good. ::knocks on wood::

To be honest, my used oil analyses aren't exactly stellar showing higher than normal wear metals, but at 171k I've got no reason to think I wont make it to 200k, and that's my goal.

I'm glad the link worked and the audio came out ok.
Hard to tell on a phone.
Thanks again for all your help. I made a quick video today of the noise i'm getting. I don't think the truck was fully warmed up as i usual get 2-3 taps as i let go of the gas pedal, but it was only giving me a single tap as i filmed this. Anyways, I think it kinda sounds the same as yours--what do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAF3...ature=youtu.be
 
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Old Feb 2, 2017 | 09:04 AM
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videos are tough, aren't they


it sounded much the same to me. just for a brief second when you lift off the gas.


I worked with a contractor who had a 5.4 in his superduty and that thing rattled to beat hell every time he lifted off the gas. I'm sure his was used a lot harder than mine even, but it was quiet otherwise.


these just aren't quiet engines ....


I'll try to get a video of my work truck which gets 5w20 too. it makes more noise at 70k with 5w20 than mine does at 170k with 5w30.


I need a youtube account .... much easier than photobucket ...
 
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Old Feb 2, 2017 | 09:17 PM
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I'm so glad to hear im not the only one with this problem. I got worried for a bit that i might have a $2000+ repair on my hands--thanks again for all your help. I'll be looking forward to changing my oil to 5-30 and see if that helps.
 
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