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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 11:55 AM
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Question 2018 5.0 Knock

I have a 2018 F150 with the 5.0 that sometimes knocks loudly when accelerating. This typically happens in 3rd to 5th gear when under load, such as climbing a hill. Doesn’t seem to occur in the higher gears. Anyone else experience this problem? It started soon after purchasing the truck. It currently has 37,000 miles.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 12:26 PM
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Does it sound like pre ignition (spark knock) or like a plastic tap or thump?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 03:11 PM
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Yes, mine has a rattle or "clicking" at light throttle load while going up a hill, lower gears. I believe it is transmission related by the sound, almost sounds torque converter related and not engine/rpm dependent.

I just had the latest calibration loaded up for oil consumption and that didn't make a difference. It's not IWEs since it does it in 4wd too. This is also not the VCT rattle that happens with cold engine off throttle.

Hasn't bothered me enough to peruse though I would be interested if the sound you are hearing is the same thing.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 08:52 PM
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I believe the noise that you’re describing is the short/long airflow valve in the intake manifold. It’s quite noisy when the load changes on the engine, causing the flap/valve to open or shut.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 09:08 PM
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Thanks for the replies everyone. I described the sound as an engine knock but I’ll admit it could very well be something else. It occurred again this afternoon while leaving the ski hill parking lot.

The sound seems metallic to me but is a deeper tone. Sounds almost like someone dropped some marbles down the exhaust manifold. Doesn’t seem repeatable at any particular RPM while working the accelerator in neutral.

I’ll see if I can record the sound if it occurs again tomorrow morning. Wondering if it is the air valve as described.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 09:27 PM
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Might be an IWE. Does it sound like it’s could be coming from one of the front wheels?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2020 | 11:37 PM
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Found a related post on another forum linked here:

https://www.f150forum.com/f12/2019-f...2/#post6383839

it includes a video with the same sound I’m hearing in my truck. Reference the :12, :19, and :25 second marks. Video linked below.


Anyones thoughts? Is this preignition or pinging or simply the intake runner valves?
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 12:35 AM
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Marbles down the exhaust is a good description, and mine sounds identical to the time marks you have in the video above.

I don't think it's IWEs as I've tested mine in 4wd and it does the same thing.

Anyone know what that sound is?

Brad is this the variable intake runner sound? I thought that particular sound was more of a pop than a metallic rattle...
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 08:48 AM
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That is not the intake runner flap. It doesn’t rattle like that. Anyone else have an idea?
 
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 02:26 PM
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I have the same knock. Took it to the dealer. They had it for 14 days and basically shrugged. Nothing changed.

Someone said to switch the mid-grade for a bit so I tried it and it seemed like it was lessened, but that could just be in my head.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by sigspec
I have the same knock. Took it to the dealer. They had it for 14 days and basically shrugged. Nothing changed.

Someone said to switch the mid-grade for a bit so I tried it and it seemed like it was lessened, but that could just be in my head.
Surprised they just didn't come out with the 'ol standard "it's normal"
 
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 11:45 PM
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I’m trying 91 octane this week to see if that helps. I have it scheduled to bring it in to the dealer next week. Hopefully I get something more than a shrug.

I’ve heard that the problem may be related to the programming of the 10 speed transmission. In normal driving mode it may be shifting up too soon causing additional load on the engine. That combined with the higher compression for the direct injection may be causing the pinging. This is reinforced by the fact that I rarely notice this problem when driving in sport mode.

I’ll let you all know what the dealer say next week.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2020 | 05:12 AM
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Appreciate the update. Interested to see how your test with 91 goes and what the dealer says.

This engine should run fine on 87 (as specified in the manual), even if timing is retarded a bit and some power is pulled. I think the coyote has something like 4 knock sensors.


 
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Old Mar 13, 2020 | 08:18 PM
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Just about finished with my tank of 91. She ran significantly better on the 91. Still a little bit of pinging at first but mellowed out after a day or two. Appointment at the dealer Wednesday. We will see what they say.
 
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Old Mar 14, 2020 | 12:24 AM
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Good to know - sounds like you've narrowed down the issue. Hopefully the dealer will be more helpful than saying "it's normal". Look forward to your report.

I realized that locally, I have 87, 89 and 93 available. There's a .40 cent jump to 89 and .70 to 93. Fuel prices have dropped over the past week - might try a tank of 93.

I really don't want to run that long term due to the price difference however... Maybe I'm being stubborn but the manual states these engines were designed to run on 87, even though 91 is preferred. As long as this doesn't lead to catastrophic failure - I can live with some knock.
 
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