2003 expedition noise

[rarjr]

Hello guys,

I had great luck using the forums before to help troubleshoot an issue and hopefully someone can lead me in the right direction again.

Today I started my 03 expedition 5.4L and I hear an odd tick. I first thought I had another issue with a sparkplug blowing out so I prepared myself to face another $600 repair.

I searched around on youtube and saw some 5.4 videos that sounded like what I was hearing and it related to the engine cam phasers needing to be cleaned. So I went and bought some engine cleaner and of course the noise is still there.

I went to go make a video to post for you guys and then discovered that I dont hear the noise coming from within the engine compartment. I actually hear the noise under the truck and in the center of the vehicle. attached below is a video I took of the noise.

Hopefully someone can help.........thanks


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK3mSC6t6nQ

 

[Racenut]

I would say that it sounds like a cracked flywheel But from the video it is hard to tell. If it where me I would jack it up and put the whole vehicle on jack stands so you can get under it really good, start the vehicle and climb underneith and try to pin point where the sound is coming from. I would almost put money on it being within the transmission bell housing either a cracked flywheel or a bad torque converter

Does the sound get worse or go away a little when you put it in gear?

 

[bring_em_on]

That's definitely not the phasers. The phaser issues are a mechanical break in the phaser sprocket assembly and need to be replaced when they go bad. Did you pour an engine cleaner into your block? If so, I would drain and change your oil quickly. The lube systems on the tritons are pretty complex and it doesn't take much to harm them.

 

[rarjr]

thanks for the info guys.

No it doesnt sounds any better when I put it in gear. But it only makes the noise at like 0-2500 rpm. once I get going the sound goes away.

Yes I did put engine cleaner in.......so I'll get the oil changed today....thanks

 

[rarjr]

I also read about the exhaust manifold stud issue.

Does this noise sound like it could be that??

thanks

 

[rarjr]

ok guys I just heard from my mechanic. his exact words were "the honeycomb broke loose in your cat converter" he says the parts alone are $1300 per side so I'm looking at $1900 for one side or $3500 for both side.


This sounds like madness!!!
Is this quote accurate?

 

[jjbusa]

could always run without cats.

 

[Racenut]

ok guys I just heard from my mechanic. his exact words were "the honeycomb broke loose in your cat converter" he says the parts alone are $1300 per side so I'm looking at $1900 for one side or $3500 for both side.


This sounds like madness!!!
Is this quote accurate?

I would have to say I don't think that is the cats that sounds more of a metal on metal. That and their is not enough room for that "honey comb" to move around that much to make that kind of sound inside a cat. I would take it to a different mechanic because I think that one is trying to RAKE YOU OVER THE COALS especially since I just looked up the full y pipe with new magnaflow cats in it from auto zone for a total of $679.98 plus tax and it is a complete bolt on setup. You could do it in your drive way in a couple of hours with regular hand tools.

I would honestly try to get underneith and see if you can PIN-POINT where the sound is coming from that way when you take it to A DIFFERENT MECHANIC you will some what know if he is feeding you a line of crap. And no this sound is not from the manifolds, I do not think it is from any part of the exhaust ( like I said to much of a metal on metal sound ) it really sounds like a broken flex plate to me.

 

[rarjr]

thank you for all the info!! I'll get underneath and take a closer look. I found this video online and it sounds just like mine! But I'll post another video soon once I narrow it down

 

[rarjr]

yeah I narrowed it down....it was the drivers side cat.

heres another video of it up close

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSn0LWX46iI

 

[WHOISMOOTOO]

you can have that one cat replaced for around 200-300 including labor, usually if your cat is bad you should get a CEL for low catalyst efficency(i know i prob spelled that wrong)? im not sure if tou have obd2 sensor on your cats i do in my 05 and had to get my pass side cat replaced. shop around for your own good or buy your own cat and bring it to a shop to put it in if you cant get an estimate for under 400

 

[bring_em_on]

ok guys I just heard from my mechanic. his exact words were "the honeycomb broke loose in your cat converter" he says the parts alone are $1300 per side so I'm looking at $1900 for one side or $3500 for both side.


This sounds like madness!!!
Is this quote accurate?

Hope they include a big jar of

 

[jjbusa]

i say buy an entire exhaust system with pipe. kill two birds 1 stone type of thimg fix the problem and get an upgrade. ( feed the mod monster.. lol)