Went out to start my truck this morning and it made a really bad grinding sound about 2 seconds after it started up. The noise lasted for less than a second. The truck hadn't been started in almost a week and it was about 48 degrees out. Any clue what it might be? Also I turned it off and back on to see if it would happen again but it didn't. Truck is a 2004 5.4l

 

Most likely timing chain. The tensioners bleed off, and after it has sat for awhile can sometime bleed off a fair amount. When you start the truck you will get a slight "timing chain slap" as the tensioners gain preasure back.

 

I doubt it was the timing chain as if it was, the engine would be toast. More likely the starter did not disengage completely causing the 2 gears (starter and flywheel) to grind a bit.

 

Kingfish,

The noise didn't happen until about 1 or 2 seconds after I let go of the key once the engine was started. Does it usually take a few seconds for the starter to disengage?

 

The timing chain isn't actually hitting anything, just the tensioners building up pressure. They bleed of pressure and for a second or so they will make noise as they build pressure and the chain tightens. This usually happens only on start up, and after the truck has sat for awhile. You can search for timing chain slap or timing tensioners. Lot of people have the issue.

If you have ever taken your valve cover off to do work you would see that they bleed off. Not at the same rate either. When I replaced my cam phasers the driver side had bled off more than the passenger. Mine has a slight noise but nothing bad like many have reported. Mine is barely noticeable unless your standing with the hood open listening to it.

 

Cool, thanks for the info! I got alittle worried when I heard it, then I though oh great, what now. Lol

 

Trust me I know that feeling. I just replaced my cam phasers, now my passenger side IWE Acuator is toast, and I have a warped passenger side exhaust manifold. If it could go wrong, it is here lately I think.

It's only money as my Dad always laughingly states every time I start complaining about it.