I started noticing a piston slap several months ago which got worse over time. When I had my truck in for the front end clunk, I asked the SVT Tech, "do you hear that?" his response was, "what, the piston slap?" After a second visit for the shop foreman to hear and confirm there was a slap, a new engine assembly was ordered. Dropped the truck off on Thursday for the engine swap, was finished yesterday, Saturday. We start the engine up for the first time (sounds great with Bassani system I had the tech install with the new engine) no problem. But, there is a rattle/shatter. Lift the truck and start checking. It's coming from the bellhousing. Six different Techs give their opinion. One thinks its a bad rear main bearing, most think its a cracked flywheel or a bad torque converter. They decide to order a new flywheel and converter so I leave the truck and get them to give me a loaner. Now I'll be without my truck for another week. Thought I'd share this with the group.

------------------


[This message has been edited by Tony Ojeda (edited 03-12-2000).]

 

Sorry to hear about your piston slap problem. At least the tech installed the Bassani system on the new engine.

What do you drive and when did you get it? 2000L, 1999L, 1979 Pinto? I see your other posts and assumed a 1999L. Just wanted to be sure.

------------------
2000 Silver Lightning on Order

 

Hello all..

I know the piston slap is an issue for us all.. but didn't somone say there was a change in the production after a certain date ? Were trucks built after a certain date supposed to be fixed ?

Much thanks..



------------------
Got Boost ?
1999 SVT Lightning

 

Nathan,

Go to the bottom of this page and click on the F150 Home Page. Under the column, "What's Hot," you'll see something on piston slap. There should be a link to a .wav file of how ps sounds.

I think I have the problem so I'm going to take it to a dealer to have them double-check it along w/ my front-end clunk.

 

The "What's Hot" article also states the date when piston slap problem was resolved. Approx April '99(?)

 

My truck was built 5/11/99 and had a slight "rattle" under certain conditions. It then (@ 7000 miles) turned into a loud tick. Engine was replaced immediatly, no BS from dealer. My first engine had a tag stating a build date of 4/18/99. I also heard of the "April" myth. Obviously not by the 18th. New one seems fine after 2300 miles.(built 11/17/99)
Tom

 

What does the piston slap sound like? My truck has recently developed a loud ticking that sounds like really bad injectors or a diesel under the hood. Could this be the dreaded slap?