2005 Expedition
5.4L engine

Just in the last couple of days, my wifes expedition started making a wierd noise when cranking it. I have not isolated it as to "when" it happens. So far it has happened when the engine was cold/warm/hot. Oil level is fine. The oil pressure immediatly jumps to normal.

I know its not the starter. It doesn't sound like lifters. Its only a brief sound, I guess it could be described as banging a big metal pan a few times at breakneck speed. I would almost say its something loose, but i'm sure the sound is internal to the engine.

Has anyone experienced anything like this, so I can start the guesswork? It will be near impossible to duplicate it for a dealer. Oh, and of course its out of warranty.



thx
Greg

 

I have an 04' EB, and once in a while, first thing in the morning, it does exactly what you described. No clue to what it is.

 

My 00 did the same thing. Engine ran fine, oil fine, etc. Maybe lifters banging? Mine did it about once every 15 starts.

 

I have an '06 that does it. Welcome to the club.

 

Does it sound more like a quick, loud, rapid drum roll? Does it do it within a few seconds of having started the engine? If so, then my 2004 EB does this sometimes also.

I'm curious: Do all of you happen to have the automatic climate control? I'm wondering if it isn't one of the blend doors or something.

 

My 2000 did have the climate control but this was much louder and I am almost certain it came from the engine.

 

This has come up somewhere else if my memory serves me correctly. Check the heat shields on your catylitic converters. Some folks have hed them rattling around.

The fix was either to replace them or get a big stainless hose clamp and cinch it down.

Good luck.

 

This ain't no heat shield. This is from inside the engine.

 

I too get a noise. Only occationally. It sound like something that could shorten the life of the truck. I've still got warranty but this makes me thing that before it runs out I should have my next vehicle lined up.

I would like to know what it is.

 

This was the same on the 2004 I owned. My 2007 doesn't do it.

It turns out that the oil pools in the A/C compressor after sitting a while and when first started it makes that noise when being cleared out.

This subject came up a while back on all the ford based websites a couple of years ago.

Ford published a TSB or notice (I forget) that basically said no action was necessay and the condition was considered normal.

Bon

 

Good info! Thanks.

 

Thanks! That sounds like a plausible explanation for my noise, as it is typically around the timing (1-2 seconds after starting the engine) where the A/C compressor would kick in. Pretty loud noise though...

 

When I start my 06 Expo it makes a loud noise and it sounds like something is grinding . I have brought it to Ford 3 times and they found nothing. I 'm worried because my warranty runs out in 6 mnths. Does anyone have a solution ? They have also replaced both AC Compressors . Now the Clutch is squeaking . My SUV has only 50 thou miles.

 

Are you guys running Fram oil filters? Could it be oil pressure returning to the cam chain tensioners? Ive heard a similar noise come from trucks running Fram filters...problem usually goes away when going to Motorcraft filters.

 

If its just a single crunch kind of noise, it could be the AC compressor, they will make strange and loud noises if not used for several days, but some of the early, like my 99 5.4, have a tendency to have wrist pin rattle when they first start. Its a loud knocking sound, sounds the engine destruction is seconds away, but mine has been doing it for thirteen years now, and all is still fine. Its no worse and no better now than it was when it was new.