Startup Rattle

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JediKnight2

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This is a rattle that has developed. This is a new vehicle to me. I did have the mechanic that looked at the vehicle say that the passenger rear had a lifter tick. Not sure if this is tied to that information. It happens at startup in the morning and sometimes when the vehicle has sat for 3 or 4 hours. Funny thing is it didn't do it yesterday morning at all. It did this morning and I got a video on it for you to hear the rattle. Thoughts?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bN3p8iim_OiutlGYTHLf0Znmn1baJoTd/view
 

JExpedition07

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What oil filter are you running? Switch over to a Motorcraft filter as soon as you can that often rectifies the startup rattle. Junky oil (FRAM!!) filters upset these engines on startup because their lack of or useless anti drainback valves let all that oil back down and your starting with little ready oil. This causes the timing chain tensioners to relax and on startup the chain rattles until pressure builds and they tension it properly. Couldn’t access the file on my phone. BTW these are Overhead Cam engines no hydrolic lifters.
 
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Hamfisted

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Kinda sounds like the AC compressor kicking on after startup. Does it do it if you have the AC off ?
 

johnboneske

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I personally use A Fram XG2 and Mobile 1 5W20 and have NEVER had that problem...When I bought both of my Expeditions they both made that sound and both times had Motorcraft filters on them. I know people bash Fram, but I want to know one person who actually had an issue with them... not hearsay, but from the person themselves. Just a FYI, Fram filers from their bottom end orange filer, to their Tough guard and Extra guard have anti flow back valves just like the Motorcrafts...
 
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JediKnight2

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Well...took it up to the mech a nic....It's a bad lifter that's causing a tick. They are recommending going ahead and doing the lifters along with a timing chain kit. $2300.00. My good deal just went south...LOL. I bought the truck knowing that a timing chain kit might be in the future. Just have to do it sooner than I thought.
 
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1955moose

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Jexpedition true these engines don't use hydraulic lifters, by the way that's how you spell hydraulic! Our engines use a hydraulic lash adjuster, that requires oil pressure, along with a smooth fit in their bore. A lot of the 3 valve motors have oiling problems, that cause seizures in some of the adjuster bores. That and owners that want to push dirty oil through these troublesome years of engines causes one after another top end failure. I'm with John on the filter issue. I think it's more sloppy maintenance of oil changes, and weak factory oil pumps, that keeps causing these failures. We see at least 3-5 problems every week or two here. J, just messing with you on the spelling thing. When I was younger, I used to participate in spelling bees! At 63 years old, still bugs me when brakes are spelled breaks!

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk
 
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JediKnight2

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Got through talking to the guys at the shop. They are going to install new camshafts, lifter set, timing chain kit and a high pressure oil pump. They also mentioned a PCM update for the high pressure oil pump? They said they have done a ton of these and have 3 in the shop now getting done. He said he could do some work on the lifters, but that I would be back and paying for the labor again. Based on what I've read it sounds about right. They are also flushing the engine before the repair to ensure all the gunk is out before they put it all back together. I asked him about selling it and looking for another one and he said if I was going with a 5.4 to just bite the bullet on this one because if I buy another one I'd most likely be in the same boat sooner or later anyway. He said he's seen them go as short as 45,000 miles. He said the vehicle was in other wise great shape and condition.
 
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