I have an 04 Lariat with the 5.4L. If my truck sits for 4 days or longer, when I go to start it up it sounds like the engine is coming apart. It acts like there is no oil at start up then after 5-6 seconds its smooth and quiet. Is this normal or a common thing with these engines? Do I need to go out everyday and start it up just so it stays lubricated?
Thanks for any advice!

 

What oil filter do you use? Whatever one you use has to have an anti-bleed back valve.

Also, check the Flat Rate Tech link in my sig, episode 22.

 

Yeah check the oil filter & make sure that it is a MotorCraft FL-820-S!......The only filter that you should ever run on these motors period!

 

good luck with the noise. I've been dealing with the startup rattles for almost three years. I only have 58,000 miles. sad for a low mile engine isn't it. We have good trucks i just don't know about the 5.4 3v.

 

Same here, mine has been doing since a few thousand miles, took it back several times and nothing ever fixed it.

 

probably your oil filter, k&n, mobil 1 doesnt necessarily make a better filter, the fl820s is the perfect one for our trucks and its cheap at walmart too... I combine that filter with redline 5w20, synthetics give you a bit better startup protection

 

I always use motorcraft filters and I get that same rattle every morning.

 

Is it a loud ticking noise? At start up I had a loud ticking noise and it was the stater staying engaged... usually lasted for 5 seconds then went away. good luck

D

 

What you are hearing is piston slap. Most modular Ford motors have this trait. Some are worse than others. As long as it goes away when it gets a little warmer, you should be fine.

 

Turns out it was because I have been using the wrong filter this whole time. My next question is, Ive got 91K on it, so how much damage to my engine do you think has been done with all these dry, loud, clankey start ups.

PS I should write Fram a letter. They shouldnt list a P-2 as being ok for my truck, when it doesnt have that silicone anti drain back valve.

 

My truck also has the startup rattle. My truck started doing this two day's after the warranty expired. Even with motorcraft oil and filter's my truck still makes the noise. It doesn't do it everytime only if it sets for a couple hours. If i push the gas pedal down and let the engine turn over a couple times it will never make the noise. I just learned to live with it since it doesn't seem to be hurting the engine.

 

I hate to say it, but at 91K & nothing but Fram Crapolla filters.......

 

The Fram PH2 has a silicone anti drainback valve, who told you it doesn't? I've been using this filter for two years now with no problems. In fact I've used Fram filters on every vehicle I've owned with no issues.

 

I'll never trust a Fram oil filter on my truck. I only use the MC oil filter.

 

To each his own. I stick with them because they've never given me a problem and they're available everywhere. I think even the 7-11 on the corner has them.