Engine Ticking 5.4L 2003 Expy
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
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Engine Ticking 5.4L 2003 Expy
Does anyone ahve more detail on TSB 16403? Reason I ask, I truck has recently developed a ticking noise (80000 miles). Usually on cold start-up. Sounds like in the valve train. However, I have noticed that the dealer, on their last service, put in too much oil (roughly 1/2" over max). COUld this have casued any issues, or created the ticking noise. It does go away after a while...but the noise is rather embarassing.
TSB 16403...that is the United States TSB number. Does anyone know the Canadian TSB number? They're different (usually 6 digits).
TSB 16403...that is the United States TSB number. Does anyone know the Canadian TSB number? They're different (usually 6 digits).
Temporarily Deactivated
Joined: Aug 2009
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The 5.4 is notorious for being noisy on cold starts. Most of the time it is a little piston slap, sometimes mine makes a little valvetrain rattle too.
Slightly overfilling the crankcase did not cause the problem. It is simply age. There is also nothing to worry about. If it is quiet when warmed up a little, what you hear is normal for the 5.4, and I wouldn't worry about it. keep doing regular maint and the engine will go 300k miles easy.
Slightly overfilling the crankcase did not cause the problem. It is simply age. There is also nothing to worry about. If it is quiet when warmed up a little, what you hear is normal for the 5.4, and I wouldn't worry about it. keep doing regular maint and the engine will go 300k miles easy.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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Look through each of the front wheel wells at the exhaust manifolds. Count the number of nuts/studs that you see on each of them. Anything less than 8 on either of the manifolds and you've found the source of the ticking noise.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Denton, TX
My wife's 04 Expedition also has an intermittent piston slap issue on cold starts. Sometimes it actually get pretty loud, but goes away after a few seconds. Luckily.
Nothing too much to worry about.
It is pretty tough to see there, for sure, but what you could also do is to stick your hand in there and try feeling them. Better do that while the engine is cold, though... 
Nothing too much to worry about.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,318
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From: 0,0,1
You can jack up the front end and let the tires hang which will give you more room. You can also take the tires off or remove the wheel well skirts if you need to. You can also try looking down from the top and use a bright light and a mirror.
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Sheryle
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Dec 21, 2011 04:01 PM
