Goofy noise at start up and more

[Whack]

If I let my Expy sit for about two days, I get a horrible grinding like noise from the engine at start. If I start it the same day or even the next day it is either a slight noise, or no noise at all.

From a lot of reading, it sounds like a chain tensioner issue. I'm pretty sure this is not the VCT issue. I have an extended warranty for the next 20k...

I have a few questions...

Is there a way to confirm it is the tensioners?

What do I say to my service dept (Ford Dealer) to get them to look at this?

How do I get them to also look at the oil pan for debris and other timing parts to make sure they are checked and replaced if need be?

About the truck:
2006 Expy 5.4l 3 valve. 114K miles (Bought with 109K)
Motorcraft Filter FL-820s and Mobil 1 5w-20

 

[GAINMOB]

could be the starter or teeth on flywheel...im guessing cuz i dont have that much knowledge

 

[X.handyman89.X]

Maybe its your oil but i could be wrong. All the oil drips into the pan if you let it sit for awhile. When you start it the same day, you have not given it the time to sit for all the oil get to the oil pan.

 

[A3Middie]

i have noticed the same with mine at times, 3v 5.4 125,000. Does not happen very often but when it does it makes me cringe.

 

[darmahsd]

Same here. I posted this issue a few months ago. Mine's an '05 3v, but only 51K and makes that noise. Some said fan clutch but I need to use a stethoscope. I hope this thread stays alive and someone can come up with an answer.

 

[Whack]

Busy Weekend....

Freeway - Starter checked out. Noise was still at engine front on start up... Also checked mounting of starter.

Handyman - I think your right, it just isn't designed to do that... the F150 boards are pointing to the tensioner gaskets leaking slowly. This takes the tension off the tentioner...

A3middle - It is cringe-tastic...

darmahsd - fan clutch is worn. I attempted to get some noise out of it cold, but no dice... Movement seems very fluid while cold... exactly what I'd expect.

You mention of the stethoscope is a good idea... will try Tuesday night.

 

[Whack]

Checked it again last night with engine stethoscope...

From a safe position it does sound really bad at the front timing cover. The second set of ears present said front of engine with out prompting.

So... I either drive it everyday or get it checked out at dealership

(Note: I would rip it apart and fix it for my own amusement, but I'm a bit poor at the moment and the warranty is there anyway).

Whack

 

[darmahsd]

+1 on that. Thanks for the stethoscope check. 'Haven't gotten around to that.
You know what they say, "If it aint broke, don't fix it". I've been living with it.
Concerned, but living with it. It's been hot here in NY, in the eighties. So it hasn't been doing it much on start up. And it only does it on start up when cold. My first Expedition didn't do it. Didn't have 3 valves or cam phasers. Had a different transmission. So I'd be looking in those areas.