I am new to this forum but I have been following it since mid May. I have yet found another site that offers as much information as this one does. My question is has anyone else experienced their 5.4L sounding like a diesel at idle (not as loud). I know this sounds crazy but I am serious. The truck has sounded like this since day one. I have an appointment scheduled with the service department next week but was wondering if it was just mine or do all of the three valve V8’s sound this way.

Thanks,
JDK

 

after reading your post I ran out started mine and listened from the outside since normally when it is running I am always inside the cab.And it does seem to sound louder then it should but not quite as loud as a diese.

Let me know how you make out.

MR

 

Here is one of the many threads on this issue.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hlight=ticking

 

Mine at idle- outside the truck sounds like a normal, nice, quiet V8.

 

Yep, mine up next to a brick wall sounds just like that.

 

I heard a brand new blazing yellow FX4 the other day, and it sounded like a diesel to me.

 

I have driven several 04 5.4's. I own a power stroke diesel, trust me the new 5.4 is not near as loud as a PS diesel, even the GM duramax is louder than the 5.4. Keep in mind they have engineered the cab noise to about the same level as a Lincoln luxury car. For another 5K per truck am sure they could add more sound killing material in the engine compartment, add thicker valve covers and noise shrouds. On some of the luxury GM products(Escalade, Denali MSRP 55K) they have a huge plastic shroud over the top of the motor, I think this channels the noise towards the ground. Its still a truck, can't wait for mine to arrive so I can really make some motor noise!

 

not acceptable. For that much money and time spent engineering, the gas engine should not sound like a diesel.

 

uhh, was at the dealer the other day and they were moving an 04 fx4 around in the showroom (read quiet and indoors) and it sounded much quieter than my 5.8. Just my $.02.

 

Whoever thinks it sounds like a diesel has never owned or driven a diesel...

/me sighs.

 

if it sounds like a diesel i think it is a clue that you might have problem with your engine. mine definately DOES NOT sound like a diesel.

 

IMO, the issue here is one of semantics. Just what is meant by "sounds like a diesel". Does any '04 5.4L have a sound approximating the clatter of a diesel? If so, I suspect that engine is on death row and the owner's concern should be very real. Does your 5.4 3V sound different from previous-model 5.4s or some other engines? You bet it does! It's a different engine technology-wise (3V with varicams, intake port valving, magnesium valve covers, layered sump pan, etc. , all of which modify engine sounds). This engine in not an OHV push-rod.

When I put my ear to the wheel well of my '04, I hear all sorts of beautiful, mechanical sounds that were not audible with my '97 5.4L. What I am hearing is the music of engine technolgy!

 

I've heard that engine noise too, and also made the comment it sounded like a deisel. But it is true, a deisel is much louder. The new 5.4 3 valve's do have a little noise but not heard all the time, and only when you're in the right position. I notice mine when it is idling either with the window down or door open..

Actually I kind of like it... A new engine, a new sound...

 

Your Right! I was in the car wash the other day and a admirer standing there looking at the truck, ask's me if it has a diesel. He said it sounded like one for a minute.

The other day I left it idling and got out....wow it does sound like a diesel. Not in terms of the volume, It's quiet, just the sound you do hear mimics a diesel engine.... But at the end of the day, I don't care. I can't hear anythig from the cab unless I floor it...

 

http://www.2005stang.com/gallery/alb...-08ticking.pdf