Hi, I drive a 94 F150 with an I6 in it. It is the first of these that I have owned. I was just wondering what kind of noises are normal. Are they usually really smooth? I don't expect it to be as smooth as a V engine and mine is not really loud, but it does make more noise than I had expected. So I was just wondering what kind of noises yours' make.

 

Hey johnney congragulations on the truck. I have an 88 F-150 with the 300 in it. they do tend to idle a little rough. this is in part due to the fact that they are an in-line engine with such a long stroke. as for the sound, mine is not really loud. it just has a smooth healthy sound, like you would expect from a Ford ;-) if it is excessively loud, you might want to check for some exhaust leaks.

 

The primary noise that is heard in an I-6 (assuming it is in good shape and running good) is the timing gears. They tend to be more noisy than a car with a timing chain or timing belt. I guess it can be best explained as a "whining" noise.

 

A lot depends upon the timing gears. There are 3 types. the "Phenolic" cam gear (fiber reinforced plastic) that are quite quiet. My old 240 (same engine different crank) was so quiet that at idle (500 rpm) you couldn't hear it. Then you can get an aluminum cam gear that is a bit noiser, but not bad. THEN there is the steel cam gear. You can hear them. However, they will NEVER break on you. Also, keep up on your oil or you will start to hear your lifters. If you do begin to hear your lifters (or even if you don't) run a quart of Marvel Mistery oil with your oil change. That will quiet them down. And don't use Fram oil filters. Most everyone uses motorcraft. I use Baldwin (they make the Motorcraft filter.) You will have to find a truck parts store to find them. Herman

 

Thanks a lot. These are all very helpful. Herman, the lifter noise is what I was thinking that I am hearing, but a lot of things can sound like lifters, I will try the Mystery Oil. I thought of using that last time, but knowing little about it I went with the Slick 50. And a free watch came with the Slick50

 

Why not Fram? Just curious, I like the easy grip filter.

 

From what I've read, Fram has a poor check valve desgin (if any) in their filter. Without it the oil drains right back into the pan when you shut off the engine. So, when you start up the first few seconds the oil pump is simply filling your filter before it (the oil) gets to its job...

 

Woohoo! thanks for the info/description tetraruby. Now I am for sure going to try the motorcraft to see if this helps my start up diesel sound.

 

I get that dieseling sound at start up too. You got me I'll switch.

 

Me too...Motorcraft this weekend.