'98 5.4 Engine "Rattle"

[Silver Ex]

Bought my '98 XLT 4x4 the 3rd of this month. Didn't notice 'til a few days ago, but I get what sounds like faint lifter noise in the morning when I first start up. It quiets down, but I'd swear it sounds like I have a very, very muffled diesel under the hood. Are these engines prone to lifter/valve/cam noise? I just turned 80K and hoping that I'm not looking at engine problems down the road. I have a 3-month/4,000 mile powertrain warranty from the dealer...may have to use it.

Thoughts...?

 

[dyurkosr]

Ross, the 5.4 is not prone to engine noise. The only thing they are prone to is head gasket leaks (early models, yes like yours) I would have a fresh oil change with the proper weight and good quality filter. If the noise continues, take it back or have it checked by an independent dealer. Have him check for head gasket leaks (at the back of the head) too. Dan.

 

[Silver Ex]

Thanks for the input, Dan. Where were the 5.4 Tritons built in 1998? Were they from the Windsor plant or the Romeo plant? I remember seeing that there were some TSBs about F150s that had a "piston slap" problem. And how can you tell in the VIN where the motor came from?

Another thought...could it be a water pump?

 

[dyurkosr]

Ross, I doubt if it's the water pump. As far as point of mfg, I would suggest pulling the VIN and call the local Ford parts dept. I'm sure they can tell you where it was made. I have an 01 and I get some ocassional noise on start up but it's usually on colder mornings and after it has been sitting for a few days. Dan

 

[stang99x]

I hate to say things contray to others, but the ford 5.4 to me is one of the most prone to start up noise that ford has ever made. I run an oil change facility, and after changing the oil an F-150, Expedition or Navigator soounds like its about to toss a rod for a few seconds. Now, I know that the sump has dried being empty, but on occasion my 98 Nav does the same thing in the driveway if not driven daily. So, unless it last signifigantly longer than 2 or 3 seconds, you have no worries

 

[Silver Ex]

Originally posted by stang99x
I hate to say things contray to others, but the ford 5.4 to me is one of the most prone to start up noise that ford has ever made. I run an oil change facility, and after changing the oil an F-150, Expedition or Navigator soounds like its about to toss a road for a few seconds. Now, I know that the sump has dried being empty, but on occasion my 98 Nav does the same thing in the driveway if not driven daily. So, unless it last signifigantly longer than 2 or 3 seconds, you have no worries

I just turned 80K...would you recommend going to a 10W-30 conventional oil instead of the 5W-30 spec'ed from Ford? I noticed that the rattle started after I had an oil change done with 5W-30 Valvoline blend at the local Ford dealership. That tells me that I may have a drop in oil pressure if the lifters are rattling. Could even be a weak oil pump. I plan on taking it in and having the oil pressure checked out.

 

[stang99x]

I run Pennzoil Synthetic 10W30 year round. Now, cost isn't really a factor to me, since I can let the company absorb the cost of the oil and filter, and do the labor myself or let one of my guys do it for me for brownie points. I will tell you though, when I got it the previous owner hadn't done the appropriate maintenence, and mine burns through about 2 quarts every 3000 miles. Some will tell you that makes for a serious issue, however, I just check it about 1500 miles in and add a quart. You never see it burn oil, it doesn't leak oil, and it runs like a champ (especially with a blower!) If you can't afford, or don't want to run full synthetic, you can try the new SUV oils, or a synthetic blend. The high mileage oil also has some good additives in it. The high mileage is kinda funny though, works wonders on some cars, and does nothing for others.

I started a Navigator/Expedition forum myself, trying to get the spread out population of expy/navi's into one place, come check it out. I'll be there at least once a day to answer questions.

http://navigatorfourms.7.forumer.com/index.php?sid=feac58167f145f0e8cfa341ac8e7dacf

 

[Silver Ex]

It never applied to me until now, but who makes the SUV oils? I know I've seen TV commercials for them, but I can't remember who makes them.

 

[stang99x]

Practically everyone makes them now. Some time ago, pennzoil released them right at the same time as valvoline, and then everyone came out with one.

:troll: :shootout:

 

[JUST4FUN]

stang99x
I run an oil change facility

then you know that Ford recomends 5w 20 which is a part syntetc

 

[garyfort]

hey all i have a 97 expy and found out today that a lot of tritans break exhaust manafold blots on the passangers head and when u start up in the morning it will sound just like a rod or pistin slap and then it will subside..................im haveng mine fixed in two week thats the soonest the shop can get me in will cost around 400.00 for new manafold and bolts and studs

 

[green03]

You could very well have an exhaust leak that gets quiet when the materials expand (when hot) and re-seal the leak. You could also have the famous ford piston slap.
As far as the oil questions, Mobil 1 5w30 is good oil especially if you rev the engine alot 5w20 doesn't provide enough protection at higher rpms. If you use a full synthetic 5w30 you will get better mileage than the factory blend 5w20. They went to 5w20 to try and squeeze better mileage out of the lower revving engines.

 

[Silver Ex]

My problem was someone used a solvent-based motor flush, didn't drop the pan afterwords and the debris it shook loose scored the crank journals and main bearings. Had a crank kit installed (under warranty), new exhaust manifold gaskets and one new manifold (it had cracked), and new head gaskets because the heads had to be milled and the valves ground (the mechanic installing the crank kit didn't compress all of the valve lash adjusters before re-assembling the engine and it bent valves on initial start after the engine was re-installed in the truck). Even after an almost complete rebuild, the engine is still a little noisy. Its noisy because the 5.4s are noisy...my buddy has a 2001 F150 Super Crew and his 5.4 rattles, too. You get them over 75K and most of them make noise. I just turn up the radio and hit the trail...it runs strong, burns no oil and goes all day long without any problems other than being VERY thirsty!

Since the rebuild I'm using Valvoline 5W30 synthetic blend.