knocks less when warm 1997 Expy 5.4

[tinkering]

I have a 97 5.4 Expy.
It has close to 250 miles on it. It still starts and runs strong. There is a knock when cold (seems like the passenger side) and it quiets down when warmed up but doesn't go away. I thought maybe it's piston slap. Are the lifters easy to get at on these Tritons? Whats the most common thing with these? What else can it be?... hopefully not bottom end bearings
Does anyone want to talk about this today?

 

[Copper93]

Knock, tap or rattle?

A knock would lead me to believe bottom end is going out. Tap would be lifters. Rattle would be timing chain.

 

[JExpedition07]

On a 2V a knock could be bottom end or maybe lifter (whatever they are called on OHC engines)...... 2V motors are also prone to piston slap. On the 3V if the camphasers are bad enough they make hard knocking sounds and one might think it’s worse than it is. Bottom end is very strong on both motors.

 

[tinkering]

Knock, tap or rattle?

A knock would lead me to believe bottom end is going out. Tap would be lifters. Rattle would be timing chain.

I would say after it warms up it is a tap but when it is cold it is a hard tap like piston slap I have heard before. It doesn't knock so hard that I have no doubt that it is a main bearing. I suppose it could be a rod bearing or a wrist pin?

 

[tinkering]

On a 2V a knock could be bottom end or maybe lifter (whatever they are called on OHC engines)...... 2V motors are also prone to piston slap. On the 3V if the camphasers are bad enough they make hard knocking sounds and one might think it’s worse than it is. Bottom end is very strong on both motors.

I just hope it might be a cam or a cam phaser... or maybe a lifter or whatever they might be called in that cam configuration.
I imagine the cam phasers are internal? How big a job if that's the culprit?
Is there anything that can be done about piston slap... probably nothing short of a rebuild or tear down?

What is a 2v, 3v etc.? Which would I have in a first gen Expy?
I will get out my stethoscope and see if I can localize the noise more.

 

[JExpedition07]

I just hope it might be a cam or a cam phaser... or maybe a lifter or whatever they might be called in that cam configuration.
I imagine the cam phasers are internal? How big a job if that's the culprit?
Is there anything that can be done about piston slap... probably nothing short of a rebuild or tear down?

What is a 2v, 3v etc.? Which would I have in a first gen Expy?
I will get out my stethoscope and see if I can localize the noise more.

You have a 2V no camphasers.

 

[mquick5]

What is a 2v, 3v etc.?

Number of valves per cylinder.


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[tinkering]

You have a 2V no camphasers.

So here's hoping it is 'lifteresque'. How big a job? Can you change lifters without removing the head on these?

 

[tinkering]

Number of valves per cylinder.


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Thanks

 

[ExplorerTom]

Remove the serp belt and run the motor (briefly). Without the accessories spinning, you may be able to pinpoint the noise better.

And if the noise is gone: it’s not the motor!

 

[98eb5.4]

daughter bought a 98 with 380k clicks that i thought had a mild knock..

mine now & up to 520 & still mildly knocking/tapping..

 

[1955moose]

A knocking sound is generally in the lower end. With that high of mileage, I wouldn't tear into it. You'd be opening Pandora's box. The parts and machine work just aren't worth the expense. Keep in mind the cherriest of 97 expeditions even with low miles, under 100k are only valued at about $2,000. Keep an ear on it, keep 5w30 clean oil and filter, and as they say drive it till it dies. If it was newer say 2005 on up, then consider a reman or used motor. Just my 2 cents.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[ExplorerTom]

That's the big debate for me. If/when my motor or transmission dies, what do I do?

Frankly I'm not convinced that I'd get rid of it.

 

[tinkering]

Remove the serp belt and run the motor (briefly). Without the accessories spinning, you may be able to pinpoint the noise better.

And if the noise is gone: it’s not the motor!

Will do thanks.

 

[tinkering]

daughter bought a 98 with 380k clicks that i thought had a mild knock..

mine now & up to 520 & still mildly knocking/tapping..

Excellent to hear!

 

[tinkering]

A knocking sound is generally in the lower end. With that high of mileage, I wouldn't tear into it. You'd be opening Pandora's box. The parts and machine work just aren't worth the expense. Keep in mind the cherriest of 97 expeditions even with low miles, under 100k are only valued at about $2,000. Keep an ear on it, keep 5w30 clean oil and filter, and as they say drive it till it dies. If it was newer say 2005 on up, then consider a reman or used motor. Just my 2 cents.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

Mine is not in that great of body shape (rockers are rusted out), and with the high mileage I won't touch the bottom end. I will pull the valve cover though, if it is possible to change a lifter without pulling the head?

 

[tinkering]

That's the big debate for me. If/when my motor or transmission dies, what do I do?

Frankly I'm not convinced that I'd get rid of it.

When you have a favorite, and it becomes a labor of love, you can nurture it way past the generally accepted point. I've done that lots.

 

[Copper93]

I looked it up and it seems like you can get them out without removing the head or cam.

 

[tinkering]

I looked it up and it seems like you can get them out without removing the head or cam.

Excellent thanks for that! I get back with the results if/when I get that far.

 

[rjdelp7]

Check your exhaust manifold. Ford is famous for this problem and still is. The studs break and leak. The weird thing is, as the engine warms up it seals, due to expansion. My Mothers 2009 MKZ just started doing it, same as my 2000 Expedition. It sounds more like a tick, than an exhaust leak.