Can these problems be intermittent?

I have a 2000 EB with ~145k miles, and recently it has started doing a clattering noise (apparently from passenger side engine compartment) for the first 30 seconds or so of operation. However it does NOT do it every time. This weekend when I was going to try to track it down, it never did it. It only makes the noise under acceleration, and then goes away.

Is this the clatter/slap that people talk about? or am i hearing something different?

thanks to any who have an idea.

Don

 

I haven't heard of any clatter/slap that has been talked about. How long has this been going on?

 

I have seen several posts saying that a piston slap or valve clatter sound is common on these engines (2000 EB 5.4 liter).

I am getting a rattle/clatter sound every once in awhile when the truck is started and I apply the accelerator (either at idle or in gear). It quickly goes away (30 seconds or so) and does not return.


Don

 

My 2000 expedition xlt 5.4 makes a rattling sound on start up but then goes away. I also own a lincoln Mark VIII with the 32 valve 4.6 liter & it does the same thing. On the mark it's the timing chain tensioners, it's a common thing & it doesn't cause any issues other than the sound when you first start it. Maybe the 5.4 it the same??? What ever it is the expedition still runs like a champ!

 

Thanks. It bothers me that it has just started up, but I might just have to live with it. After that first 30 seconds or so, it sounds GREAT. So who knows.

Don

 

You might look at the oil filter. I have had similar things happen on other engines and once the oil filter was changed it went away.

 

I appreciate the oil filter idea. I am using th e Mobile 1 filter that most of the people on this board seem to like.

Don

 

I have the same thing, first 30 seconds or so, whether engine is warm or cold, I get a ticking noise, front passenger side it sounds like. After going for a few seconds, it goes away. I'm not happy about it but I'm also not too keen on tearing into it and trying to figure out what it is.

 

Well i am due for my 2nd round of plug changes approaching 150,000 miles (even though they are 100k, I decided to do them approximately every 75,000). While I am in there I will see if I find anything unusual. I also plan on taking it in and having some muffler guys look at the exhaust.

I plan on keeping the truck for awhile, so I do not mind working on it (or even paying for work) but i wish I had a definite diagnosis to work on, and not trying things and maybe breaking something that was fine.

If I find anything else, I will post. If anyone else has ideas PLEASE post.

Don

 

Hmmm...wonder if this is the noise I just noticed on my '01 Expy 5.4 w/ 113k miles on it. Just replaced the exhaust system a couple weeks ago (along with 2 ruptured brake lines....cha-ching!!) and am now noticing a distinct ticking/slapping noise under acceleration and when I rev the motor while stationary. It's noticeable both when the motor is cold and at operating temp. The easiest way I can describe it is "it makes my truck sound like an old truck".

Can't really hear it at idle. Just had oil/filter changed (have used Mobil1 since brand new) so I don't think it's that.

Was wondering whether it might be a noisy lifter or maybe there's a crack in the exhaust manifold or manifold seal which could've happened when they were wrenching the old exhaust off...I know that can cause the "old truck" sound.

I'm heading back to the dealer tonite or tomorrow to meet with the tech and show him the noise...since he apparently couldn't find it on his own . Will keep the board posted.

Tim

Edit: Just spent about an hour searching this site....dollars to donuts, I'm betting my new "ticking" sound is has to do with the exhaust manifold (oh god, I hope not), a broken manifold stud or a bad gasket.

Over the last 2 weeks, I've sunk almost $3k into this thing. I love my truck and maintain it meticulously, but it's getting dangerously close to being replaced. My rear diff cover actually had a hole rusted in it, and the whole underside of my truck is so rusty, you'd think it was a 20 year old vehicle from a junk yard. Way to go, Ford!

 

Turns out that my "valve noise" or "piston slap" was either broken exhaust manifold stud(s) or a cracked manifold....hoping it's the prior.

Was gonna' opt not to have it fixed just yet, but I'm not sure I could bear that noise the whole way down and back on our annual trip to OBX. So, I'm having the dealer address it--along with replacing the front 2 brake lines since the rear 2 just rusted through in July. Would hate to lose my brakes that far from home....

Tim

 

TimGin let me know how it goes.

I am less inclined to believe mine is piston or lifter as it does not seem to do it with a slow acceleration test, only a quick push acceleration test.

I hope to do some more testing this weekend.

Don

 

dkoenig,

I had the same noise you're describing, it was there hot or cold. In my case it was caused by broken manifold studs. I changed everything out and the noise is gone. Oh and I still get the piston slap, but that goes away quickly as the engine warms up.

 

I think I see the problem with the tech. You might have better luck if you let him hear it instead of trying to show him a noise.

 

Touchee!

Sadly, he wasn't able to hear it himself the first time, so I actually did have to "show" him the noise. And unfortunately for me, I'll be "showing him the money" later today when I pick my truck up

Tim