Here is my problem. I have a 97 Expedition with a 4.6L engine. When I start the truck all is fine, I drive around town doing whatever and the truck comes up to temp. then within about 5 min from coming up to temp all of the sudden this nice quiet running engine sounds like it just collapsed a couple of lifters. I know this engine does not have "lifters" they are "adjusters" that are on the heads but this is the closest comparison for what I hear.
It is much more appearent on the drivers side bank. If I shut the truck off for say 2 min and start it back up itis quiet again for 2 to 3 min then it instantly starts rattling.
If I am runnnig around and stopping frequently to pay bills or such and I turn the truck off at every stop I can drive it around for 20 min before this will start.
My guess is that I am losing oil presure to just that head, the problem is I do not know why or how.
Again this will only happen after the engine is up to temp. Any insight into my problem or a link to a previuos post that deals with this would be wonderful.
Also just incase it matters the ODO is showing 152,098

Thanks for any help.

 

Any recent oil changes? I have seen oil filters fail which will give low or no oil pressure at idle. I own and drive a 4.6L with 180,000 miles and have not experienced of those noises. Let us know.

 

I am going to change the Oil and filter today, but this does not happen at low RPM I can be driving at 55 mph with no noise and then 5 Seconds later it is clattering like crazy.

Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum Scott

A clogged port to the timing chain tensioner? They use oil pressure to keep the slack out of the chains.

 

Thanks LxMan,

This sound like it could be my problem, but now the scary question how do I fix it?

I have also found a post that says something about an oil restrictor in the "Largest Cam Cover" with out seeing under the valve covers not sure what this is, but the post claims that there is a $5 part under this cover called an "oil restrictor" and if it is plugged will make the rockers clatter.

also one last thought to both of these probabilities why would the noise not start until after the engine was up to temp?

Thanks again,

 

As the oil heats up and this out, there is a normal pressure drop due to the warmer oil is easier to push.

 

I copied the following from a Mustanag forum concerning a service bulletin from Ford on 4.6 ticking:

Ford Warns Of Defective 4.6L Engines In 2001-2004 Models.
23 September 03
Robert Lane

Ford Motor Company told dealers that 4.6L 2V engines built prior to 29 September 03 and installed in 2001 through 2004 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles may have defective cylinder heads.

The engines were installed in:

• 2001 - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars
• 2002 - 2004 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
• 2001 - 2004 Ford Mustang GT
• 2001 - 2004 Ford E-Series Vans
• 2001 - 2004 Expedition
• 2001 - 2004 F150s

According to Ford, the 4.6L engines "may exhibit an engine tick noise that is present at all temperatures during idle. The noise may be emanating from the valve guide area in the cylinder head. The noise may be more prevalent in the front wheel area, any may not be heard with the hood open."

Unfortunately, Ford may not notify owners of this action and will only perform the service to those who know what to ask for in order to get their vehicle fixed. It's part of Ford's secret warranty program - a.k.a, "If you don't ask, we won't tell."

Owners should contact their Ford of Lincoln Mercury dealership service center to perform service T-31604 or Pat Hoye (313) 248-8336 at Ford World Headquarters or click here for a Ford executive assigned to your area for more information. Owners are advised to have their vehicles inspected before the warranty period expires.

It's your money - demand a better product and Ford will listen.

Updates at BlueOvalNews.com
[I]

 

Good article, Blue

 

Just an update on my situation. I spent about 1 hour running around Sat. Morning and the engine was not yet making any noise so I drove around for about 30 min without shutting the engine off. Still no noise?? I went out to a friends house to change the oil and front brakes. After that I drove the truck for about an hour, no noise? So I figured the heck with it and took it on a 65 mile road trip, took wife shopping and then drove home. No noise, I drove around quite abit Sunday with no clatter at all.

I am not sure how or why this problem has dissapeared for now any ideas?

Thanks,

 

stick with 5w30 motor oil, and motorcraft filters.

The fuel injectors in the mod motors are very noisy, you might be hearing them operate normally.

 

What about running Rotella 15w40 w/a Qt. of Lucas in it?

 

that oil is too thick for any mod motor. I would only use an oil like that if you are trying to cover up a leak.

5w30 is a great all season oil for most of the US, and if you live somewhere where it is very hot like arizona or florida or texas, then put 10w30 in the the summer, but no thicker than that.

I like the 19 dollar jugs of mobil1 with motorcraft filters, and no additives.

JH

 

If I switch to a synthetic oil do I have to do anything special as to flushing out the motor? I have Lucas in it now.

Will the synthetic help & if so what areas?

Thanks,
RollBar

 

no, you can switch to mobil1 at any time.

The motor just runs better with the synthetic, it is quieter, it makes more power (very slight amount), and you will get a bit better gas mileage.

JH

 

O.K. Thanks,
RollBar