I've seen talk about this in the the past on these forums but really never paid much attention until now.

My '04 5.4 now has over 129K miles. The topend valvetrain ticking and clattering seems to be becoming more evident than ever.
Sounds like an old sewing machine at idle.

I have changed the oil regularly since day one and the engine runs absolutely flawless.

Is there something about to go? Should I start using motoroil for higher mileage vehicles? It does seem to quiet down somewhat right after an oil change, but as the miles go by it clatters worse and worse.

I've put tons of miles on alot of trucks in my many years but ths one is starting to concern me.

I've been searching and reading about Cam Phasers online. From what I'm reading it won't do any engine damage. Just an unpleasant noise?

Whatch think?

 

What filter you been using? I always use the MC filter because it has the anti drainback valve. Also I'd stick to the stock viscosity of oil as well. With these 5.4 engines sometimes the timing chain tensioners wear out on high mileage engines. Sometimes mine on startup makes a rattle, it's the oil pressure bleeding off of the chain tensioner, but once pressure builds up it stops. It doesn't do that every time, maybe 20% of the time. Weird. Mine makes the cam phaser noise but I am not worried about it much since they all do it, and it's only at warm idle for mine. The ticking like a sewing machine you hear is the fuel injectors firing which is normal.

 

I recommend adding one bottle of Lucas Oil Stabilizer at every oil change instead of HI-Mileage oil and always use a MC oil filter.

I run a bottle of Lucas in my 138K mile '94 Lightning, in my 88K mile '02 Mustang GT and in my 180K mile '68 Ranchero and have had zero issues with the Lucas.

 

I've done some searching on google and here today. Found a ton of info on this problem. Seems pretty common and most everyone points the finger at the cam phasers, injectors, and chain tensioners.

I bought this truck new nearly 7 years ago. Its been a good truck with no troubles at all. I hate to hear noises and problems start.

I'm a couple hundred miles away from my scheduled oil change. I'm not sure what oil filter was used last time. I usually change my oil myself but I was too busy at work so I had my wife take it to Jiffy Lube for me.

Think I'll go ahead and change it tommorow and use the Motorcraft stuff. I will run a bottle of Lucas oil stabilizer with it as well.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

Mine has that same chatter on start up, sometimes. It rattles for a second and goes away, but it doesn't do it every time like yours. funny

 

It always has chattered briefly at start up. Thats normal until the topend gets oil circulation. Its the constant ticking at idle that bothers me.

From what I read today in tech articles this problem is mainly on the '04 and '05 5.4's.

 

Probably phasers then

 

I get the same thing about 20% of the time and its always on a hot startup.

 

anything new on this subject i started to get the chain chatter on a cold start up