I just changed my oil about 30 minutes ago. Once I was done I started it up to make sure that the oil pressure was okay and all that stuff. While sitting in my garage I had my windows down and I heard a knocking noise from the passenger side. I backed out of the garage and lifted the hood and nothing. I walked over to the passenger side and leaned down into the front wheel well and knock knock knock. It is a constant knock. Kinda like a cam hitting a rocker arm. But the noise is not heard while standing in front of the truck with the hood up. I even revved the engine a couple of times and nothing from up top. The noise is coming from the bottom. I checked the filter and plug and no leaks. The oil level is almost full. It probably could use another couple of ounces. The oil I am using is synthetic. But the last oil change was synthetic and I did not hear any noise. I did fill the filter with oil before I put it on, but I don't see how that could cause the noise. I remember someone asking about some noise, but I don't believe it was this noise. I will do a search, but do you know what I might be hearing? Is it normal?

Thanks.

David

 

It's called Piston Slap

A lot of the 5.4's have this problem. Its usually worse when the engine is cold. Once the engine heats up it goes away.

Do a search in the Lightning forum on Piston Slap, You.ll find a lot of info.

 

Ditto with what Autothrottle said. I have had my oil changed 3 times and have never heard any noises.

 

See I dont have that noise.......I have something different.

Idle nothing

Accelerating from 20 and above it almost sounds like an exhaust leak? Ive been in for regular service and minor warranty work twice (2 different dealers one svt the other not) 3 test drives, 6 mechanics later......they cant figure out what it is, but agreed that they hear it and that its not normal. The last guy told me to speak with the SVT Lead Mechanic and make an appointment for him and him only. I dunno what else to do. Its like a tick tick tick almost like a slight putt noise too. Front left of the engine.......Im just hoping one of my plugs isnt going to become an unwanted projectile!

-TeK

 

teknics,
How many miles do you have on your truck?
I've found that the plugs begin to loosen around 7500 miles.
I started checking mine around that time and have always found at least one loose.
Thats exactley what it sounds like to me. You should be able to hear the tick,tick,tick at idle.
If you are hearing the noise at idle......Get the plugs tightned....TODAY!!!!!!!!

 

I'll have to check mine today. I noticed the same noise, but more noticable when accelerating than idle. I'll let ya'll know what i find.

 

the injectors on these trucks also make a noise that makes it sound like there is and exhaust leek , mine does that and it always did it , like a tick tick type noise lol

 

Your right cobrasvt1 the Tick tick is more than likely the injectors but he said it sounded like an exhaust leak. I had a plug pop on my 00' L and that is the sound I heard right before it went.
I also heard the same sound on my 01' L at around 7500 miles and when I checked my plugs the #3 plug was a full turn loose.

Thats just been my experience

 

Well thanks for the replies.......mine isnt too noticeable at idle.....and I gave her some gas while over the engine and didnt hear anything either. I tried to access the plugs to see if I could tighten any on the drivers side......and felt retarded. Man.....im only 22 and cars have changed alot these days.....makes me feel old Any advice on how to tighten? Im going to truxpo in PA this friday - sunday and get nervous about this on long drives. My truck has 8500 miles now. Thanks again