Help me identify this engine noise

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Dec 3, 2025 | 07:14 PM

CyberEric

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2021

Posts: 143

Likes: 14

Help me identify this engine noise

Hi all,

I’ve got this strange engine noise from a 4.6 2V that has been going on for years. Only happens at about 1,200rpm, only under load. Seems to be coming from the drivers side bank. Sort of sounds like scratching or scrapping. Never happens higher or lower, doesn’t happen in nueutral.

Here is a video:

My friend is applying the brakes and revving the engine to 1,200rpm to produce it.
Any ideas?

Dec 3, 2025 | 07:36 PM

tabijan

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 2,112

Likes: 286

From: Eastern TN

Exhaust heat shield? Torn TC flex plate?

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 200k miles

Dec 3, 2025 | 08:39 PM

CyberEric

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2021

Posts: 143

Likes: 14

Thanks for the response. I thought exhaust heat shield, but it sounds higher up in the engine, and coming from the left. I'm 99% sure it's not coming from the transmission.

Dec 3, 2025 | 09:39 PM

tabijan

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 2,112

Likes: 286

From: Eastern TN

If enough exhaust manifold studs let go it might be the manifold rattling. Do you have a mechanic's stethoscope?

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 200k miles

Dec 4, 2025 | 09:23 AM

CyberEric

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2021

Posts: 143

Likes: 14

I was wondering about the exhaust studs. I don't have a stethoscope, but I'm going to be working on my van getting the top re-sealed with a neighbor the next few days, and he might have one.

Dec 4, 2025 | 10:23 AM

wizzy214

Tuned

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 309

Likes: 1

From: Wilsonville,Oregon

can ou do a video from underneath around the manifold?

Dec 4, 2025 | 12:08 PM

tabijan

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 2,112

Likes: 286

From: Eastern TN

In lieu of a stethoscope, put one end of a long stiff rod (e.g., metal or hardwood) on the item in question and the other end against - not in! - your ear. Don't do that around moving parts!

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 200k miles