hey guys...
I was on my way home tonight and as I was accelerating in 2nd my truck was acting a little strange. the power plateaued at 3000 rpms I gave it a touch more gas real quick to see if I could figure out what was going on. then my oil pressure went to zilch and I started getting what sounds like a loud lifter knock. I pulled over checked the oil and had nothing on the dipstick. added one quart that I had with me and the knock went away... until I started driving. in the cab I only hear it between 1000-1500 rpms. but if I pop the hood and rev it up a little I can hear it all the way up to 3500 (with it making the noise I don't want to push my luck.) put more oil in it still makes the noise. sounds to me like its coming from the top passenger side of the motor but I can't pinpoint it. so my question is does this sound like a lifter,rod,piston, etc..... I havn't done my own work on an engine of one of my trucks since my 94 f-150 300ci so this trucks motor is a little new to me.. any ideas would help me out alot. Im just trying to figure out how much Im gonna have to spend so I am prepared when I get the bill...thanks

 

oh and the oil pressure is fine and stable now that I have oil in it in case anyone asks

 

OK, you got oil in the motor, but how much? What does the dipstick tell you? Are you low or high?

If you had nothing showing on your dipstick, and you put ONE quart in and the noise went away, and then you put a little more in and it seems better, then I would do a complete change and fill it with the proper amount and see what happens. The 5.4L is a pretty stout little motor, but it's not impervious to running without oil. You may have damaged something due to oil starvation, or you might have gotten lucky.

 

I would question why it was low on oil in the first place, and if it is still leaking.

 

I had the same noise and it turned out to be a rocker arm.

 

the oil was low because the truck burns it and I was slacking off and haven't checked it in a while. it is full of oil now but the noise is still there so I know I did something

 

Does it miss any or just make noise?

 

just makes noise

 

Sounds like you spun a rod bearing a bit. I've seen it many times.
JL

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by JRROTH1
Oil pressure light came on while driving yesterday (gauge fluctuating to 0). I pulled over and checked the oil and found it about 4 quarts low. A little troubleshooting identified that the oil filter was loose and leaking. After tightening the filter and adding oil - I drove it about 1 minute and the oil pressure guage began fluctuating and settled to 0 and the light came on. I immediately pulled over and shut off the engine (did notice slight ticking in the engine). The oil level was OK so I started it and pressure was again normal. I drove about 1 minute and the same thing happened. I was able to repeat this several more times immdiately shutting off the engine when pressure went to 0.

At first I thought about a clogged intake screen but that wouldn't explain why pressure was normal for a minute and then dropped to 0. Could there be a blockage slowing down the oil returning to the oil pan such that the oil pump loses suction after about a minute when there is not enough oil in the pan? If so can running an engine cleaner do the job or should I get the engine flushed?

Thanks in advance
jrroth1


I hate to say this but, it sounds like you have a spun bearing, con rod or main. Don't start it again! Drop the pan and check each bearing and journal starting at ther rear of the engine (flywheel). If you're lucky you may not have ruined the crankshaft. If and when you find the bad bearing try replacing that one if its a con rod. If the bearing snaps into place and stays in place tightly you may be alright for a while. If the new bearing is loose in the rod or cap the rod will have to be replaced. At that point it's time to look for a used engine or a reman. If the crank is scoured badly you should also start looking for an engine or you will have to rebuild it.
Good luck with it and let us know when you find out.

 

well got my truck back. threw a rod. ended up putting a used motor in with lower mileage. took advantage of the situation. transmission shop ruined my transmission 2 years ago when I had them do the clutch so had my current mechanic put in a used tranny as well. so in my truck now is a motor and transmission with 58000 miles on them ( 1 year replacement warranty). new clutch kit. transfer case oil has been changed. flywheel has been machined new fluids throughout new gaskets throughout. hopefully I won't have any more issues now. cause was a valve issue. most likely from the three bolts missing at the exhaust manifold.

 

Thanks for posting the cause and cure of your engine problem. It's good to know if a person's long distance diagnosis is correct or not, even if the diagnosis is late in getting out there. Glad to hear that you're up and rolling again.