I bought a 7.3 psd f-250 crew cab long bed about two weeks ago. The truck has 123,000 on the clock and appears to have been taken care of. This is my question, I am hearing a clacking or tapping noise when the engine gets fully warmed up primarily at idle. I have checked all the fluids and they are good. The mileage is also pretty good,around 17mpg. I am freaking out because as I stated before my 1994 f-350 idi developed a noise after a long trip and ultimately led to me having to replace it. I do not trust the mechanics in this area and am able to do my maintenance and repairs. I have heard this noise(at least I think) in other f-250/350. i posted this question when I first got the truck and most members told me not to worry about it. I am worried because of my last experience. PS, I love this truck!

 

Clacking and tapping is one of those things that's hard to diagnose over the internet with no other symptoms. Something I would recommend you doing is to re-torque the injector hold down bolts and rocker arm pedestal bolts. That will quit up the engine some and perhaps either help your issue, or allow you to narrow it down further. You might also consider shimming the UVCH clips while you're in there.

Lower injector hold down bolt 120 in - lbs (blue)
Rocker arm pedestal bolts 20 ft-lbs (red)

 

Well its your second diesel but you have'nt told us what year u have. Could it be just the injectors sounding normal, I heard the same thing when I bought my early '99 but it was fully checked by a local diesel shop before I bought it and all checked good. I asked dad to have a listen because he has a 01 F350 PSD and he also said sounds normal. Hopefully more people will chime in.

 

OR.....hook up with Neal up there in the North of Nevada. He'll get you on the right, if not righteous, path.

 

Chris has you jamed up. That is the signiture of the #8 injector. Unless you have other problems with the clacking, you should be good to go.

 

The truck is a 2002. The noise does sound like it is coming from the rear of the engine. I will probably get it checked because it does have a warranty with it. thanks for the quick response. Also the noise was not there when I test drove the truck. It showed up after the 70 mile drive home.

 

The #8 injector is in the rear of the engine. Good luck.