I have a 98 XLT SC with a 4.2L V^ and Auto Trans that has a metallic sound when started cold. It isn't a lifter sound. It is almost like loose sheet metal rattling and it happens on cold start under load (ie I put it in gear), whether the truck has been in a heated garage or outside. It subsides after a minute or so, once the truck has started to warm up. The truck only has 74,000 km (45,000 miles), and I can't see anything loose underneath or in the engine compartment that might be causing the noise. I have read about piston slap on the V8's - anyone know this to occur on the V6? What does piston slap sound like - and would it go away when the engine was warmed for about a minute? Your thoughts would be appreciated. BTW - this is a great site!!

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

 

Sounds to me like the belt tension idler is chattering until its "shaft" warms a bit. Or an exhaust shield that has the shivers. My 4.2 does it at stand still, in gear, foot on brake. It'll be going in friday for a few things other than that. I'll let you know what they do.
Rick..

------------------
"99" F-150 4x2,SC, med red / silver, 4.2L, auto, 3.55's, 265x16's premium snd w/cd, 4 wheel antilocks, leer "too heavy" matching cap, Mobil 1.
"Gutless thing!!"

 

You will know when you hear a piston slap. Its knocking noise, almost like someone knocking at your door. I have it only on a very cold start. I was and read some where that it hasn't been found to do any damage. It only lasts a few seconds on mine. I also have a slight knock while running ...believe it has something to do with my belt.





------------------
98' F-150STX Ext.Cb
K&N FIPK
99' "L" Rims
Pntd Hard tonneau
Many more......

 

Thanks for the quick response guys - I'll check on the belt. Let me know what your dealer has to say.

When you say piston slap is like knocking, is the tempo very fast or like a diesel idling?

 

The sound on cold start up could be noisy fuel injectors. Sounds a little like a diesel. This was discussed once a while ago and it seems to be a common problem. Mine goes away after a few seconds.

 

Director, I took my truck in today for the exact same type of noise. They replaced the idler pulley and tension assy. Its quiet as a mouse now. My noises were mainly at idle, in gear and foot on the brake. At higher rpm it would go away. Hopefully its gone for good. Along with the phantom wiper sweep. They replaced the multifunction switch also. Rochester auto collection has excellent service at the location closest to me, too bad their sales people are complete a$$wipes. From Rochester you must drive 70 miles to be treated with any respect and make a comfortable purchase........ I know, enough alrady!!
Rick........

 

director: You said "a metallic sound when started cold". I had that from Fram oil filters, on my '89 Taurus 3.0 and my '98 F-150 4.2 (they use the same filter). I switched to Motorcraft in '99. These have the anti-drainback valve, which keeps oil in the filter after shut-off. The clacking stopped. RU using a Fram oil filter?

------------------
Black 2000 SC short-box XLT. 4.2 V-6, 5-speed, 3.55 limited-slip. CD, remote entry, factory side steps, rear fender inner splash shields (TSB 00-09-05), FORD box liner.

My third F-series (ordered new). The other two: '73 F-100 Custom, 240 cube 6, 3 on the tree, tan, "West Coast" mirrors, step bumper, knitted vinyl seat, AM radio; and '98 F-150 SC short-box XL, XLS package, Pacific Green, 4.2 5-speed, 3.55 ls, FM-cassette.

GREAT trucks!

[This message has been edited by Shifter (edited 02-23-2001).]

 

I have a similar ticking noise in my 97 S/C, I took it to my local dealer and they told me that it was the air conditioner compressor. I had a hard time believing this would happen in the middle of winter. But even with a second opinion, same answer.

CJ

 

Man, I sure hope we arent using Fram oil filters around here!. I learned the hard way. Fram and Quaker State cost me a perfecly nice 351 H.O in a "83" F-150. To each his own, I know, but Motorcraft, Wix, NAPA, Mobil 1, and a very few others are the way to go.
I kinda doubt there is much noise comming from your air cond. compressor that sounds like metal. I lean towards DB-Dave with the injector noise if it isnt the idler and tension assy. Thats what mine was.