5.4 Knocking on Cold Start Up
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From: Ozark, MO
5.4 Knocking on Cold Start Up
My 2003 F-150 knocks pretty bad on my early morning cold start ups. It only happens if it had set for a while. Its not a knock coming from the bottom end it sounds like its coming from the top end, cams cam followers... etc. I was wondering if I should be concerned. I am running 5-20 mobil 1 with a motorcraft filter. My truck always seems to use a half a quart to a quart between oil changes too. The truck only has 60,000 pretty mild miles on it.
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From: Hernando Ms
Typically a knock on cold start-up is oil pressure/viscosity related.Needless to say,if its been sitting there is no oil pressure present at first spin...with that being said,thickness of the oil that is present on the bearing surfaces will play a part in this.Worn bearings(main and/or rod) will exhibit this type of noise until the oil pressure builds,and creates the "cushion" between the surfaces.Also when these parts get warm they expand,and close gap.
I must agree that your miles showing this shouldnt be an issue. I suggest trying to use a thicker oil,and see if the noise subsides.....
Well..just RE read the post( my bad),and you indicate that its not coming from the bottom end.Most of my reply should still apply here,with the exception of the bottom end comments(if your sure it isnt coming from down there)
I must agree that your miles showing this shouldnt be an issue. I suggest trying to use a thicker oil,and see if the noise subsides.....
Well..just RE read the post( my bad),and you indicate that its not coming from the bottom end.Most of my reply should still apply here,with the exception of the bottom end comments(if your sure it isnt coming from down there)
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From: DC
The 5.4's had an issue with piston "slap". The skirts were too short and the pistons slap a little when they're cold. I don't know if the problem still existed for the '03 5.4's. Has it been doing it for a while? Does the noise go away fairly quickly?
If it is piston slap, there's no need to worry. Lots of people running many, many years and miles with no damage.
If it is piston slap, there's no need to worry. Lots of people running many, many years and miles with no damage.
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My 2001 with 5.4 did the same exact thing. Knock on startup and after about 45 sec to a minute it would stop. I was running 10-30w and changed to what Ford recommends 5-20w. Since then the knock is still there but instead of 45 sec it is more like 15 now.
I put some Morey's Oil Stabilizer in it on one oil change and it did help a little but not enough to justify the cost.
When I took my Ford in for the cruise recall last year I asked them about it and the mechanic told me not to worry it was normal.
These engines do not like thicker oil. 5-20w works the best for me.
I put some Morey's Oil Stabilizer in it on one oil change and it did help a little but not enough to justify the cost.
When I took my Ford in for the cruise recall last year I asked them about it and the mechanic told me not to worry it was normal.
These engines do not like thicker oil. 5-20w works the best for me.
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From: Ozark, MO
It could be piston slap, it kinda sounds like that. My buddies 5.3 chevy has piston slap and it kinda sounds similar to that. His motor also has 160xxx miles on it. As for my truck using oil, like I said it uses about a quart between oil changes do any of your 5.4's use oil like this?
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What is the oil change interval you are using? What kind of driving do you do? Some oil use is OK, the typical threshold to be considered excessive is more than a qt every 1000 miles. Less than that isn't harmful, it might even help your valve guides last longer.
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i just bought an 03 with 102K on it. it has the same knock on cold start up. i changed the oil with motorcraft 10-30 and a motorcraft filter. it still knocks so im convinced its piston slap. my truck also uses a little over a quart between oil changes with no visible oil leaks or smoke.
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From: Ozark, MO
The truck sees about 50/50 highway and tin town driving. I change my oil every 3k with conventional castrol which is what I used to run. This is the first change with mobil and I will probably go 4k-4500.
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I am going to have to pursue this "piston slap" thing. My truck recenlty started making noise upon cold start up too. I am not convinced it isnt in the valve train yet, as it sounds more like valve train tick than a rotating assembly knock.
has anyone else had valve train issues?
has anyone else had valve train issues?
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My 99 Expy with 120k on it goes through just under a qt every 3000. My 99 F150 with 254k on it goes through a qt every 2000-2500. I dont worry about it, and figure both have a fair amount of life left.
Both rattle a little when cold, a little piston slap in both cases, they are very quiet when warm. The F150 with the miles has a valvetrain rattle. I have pretty much narrowed it down to the timing chain tensoiners needing a good dose of pressure before the chain tightens up. Ticks pretty good until the rpms come up then never makes another noise.
The other possible tick sound source is an exhaust manifold leak, not entirely uncommon with the 5.4.
I guess I am kind of lucky to have such a high milage one around for comparison. That truck runs very strong still even though it makes a very funny noises cold. The engine is untouched as is the trans and rear end. It has gone through at least 4 drivers at my company (drywall supply), so it hasn't led a charmed life. The ability of this truck to take the abuse it has seen and keep running well was a huge factor for me in choosing the Expy over a Suburban. If the Expy is anywhere near as durable, I will be thrilled. I am definately not worried about a little rattle or minor oil consumption.
Both rattle a little when cold, a little piston slap in both cases, they are very quiet when warm. The F150 with the miles has a valvetrain rattle. I have pretty much narrowed it down to the timing chain tensoiners needing a good dose of pressure before the chain tightens up. Ticks pretty good until the rpms come up then never makes another noise.
The other possible tick sound source is an exhaust manifold leak, not entirely uncommon with the 5.4.
I guess I am kind of lucky to have such a high milage one around for comparison. That truck runs very strong still even though it makes a very funny noises cold. The engine is untouched as is the trans and rear end. It has gone through at least 4 drivers at my company (drywall supply), so it hasn't led a charmed life. The ability of this truck to take the abuse it has seen and keep running well was a huge factor for me in choosing the Expy over a Suburban. If the Expy is anywhere near as durable, I will be thrilled. I am definately not worried about a little rattle or minor oil consumption.
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Cold start knock bottom end
I have been having an issue with mine as well I have a 2006 f150 it's the 3v 5.4 after I let it sit for a while it will knock real loud From the bottom end like it's the transmission. After I drive it like two miles or so the noise will go away. I have a bad flexplate in mine I think it's hitting the starter and that's what it is im not sure though I've heard several things and I'm not sure what route to take at this point does anyone have these same issues?
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why would a bad flex plate that hits the starter go away after 2 minutes ?
Make sure you are using 5 w 20 oil and a MOTOCRAFT FILTER with the anti bleed back internal valve .......... If its not oil related, you need to give more info of what and WHY.
Make sure you are using 5 w 20 oil and a MOTOCRAFT FILTER with the anti bleed back internal valve .......... If its not oil related, you need to give more info of what and WHY.