My engine has begun to make a clattering noise after starting up, but only for a few seconds. Should I move up to 10w/30 now, or away from synthetics? PLEASE do not turn this into an Amsoil vs ????? debate. I have never used a mail order oil, and you won't persuade me to, so just stick to the topic at hand please? Thanks ,,,,98


BTW:Not using a fram filter, using a Mobil-1.

 

Wow, not even an Amsoil guy?? Tough crowd, lol,,,,98

 

98,
Just keep good oil in it and act like you don't hear it. If it just started then you can try changing the filter, any brand can have a bad one. Otherwise don't loose sleep. Mine has been doing it so long that I don't worry about it at all.

Just got back from a visit out your neck of the woods with no problems.
I've got family who live off Houston-Galveston Hwy45. One at exit 20 and the other on NASA 1. I was out there for a week. Just got back tonight.

 

Which filter you using? Doesnt sound like an oil problem to me.

 

As stated in the first post, I'm using a Mobil-1 filter, and their oil as well. At first it started doing it in very cold temps while I was in Toledo this last winter. Then it would only do it when I was a half a quart or slightly more under the full mark. Now it seems to be doing it all the time, even after I topped it off the other day. I will listen closer to make sure it's still doing it tomorrow. I've been so busy I haven't listened for it lately.,,,,98

 

My 97 5.4 started the same type of noise at 93,000 miles or so. Sounds like a diesel. Sounds lighter than a lifter noise would. Initially it was just for a minute or so after startup in the cold but within 5,000 miles or so it started doing it for the first 10-15 miles after startup even in the warmer weather. You've probably already checked it here but it seems that piston slap is common. I bought the truck with about 81,000 miles or so on it and don't know the service history. I did put in 20W-50 oil just to see if it would quiet down and it did slightly. An oil test showed no signs of excessive metals in any area so I couldn't tell from that where the noise was coming from.
I put the 5W-30 back in and wont worry about it.

 

Mine started doing the same thing this summer at about 32k. The oil was changed by the dealer so I expect it was Motorcraft 5w-20 and Motorcraft filter. I'm now running Amsoil S2k 0w-30 with a dual by-pass filter and it sounds about the same.

 

I listened for it this morning, and it didn't happen? It was only maybe a 1/2 quart low when it was clattering in the morning, maybe the fill up the other day solved it. I just have to make sure I carry some oil in the truck now, sigh. You guys that have the racket going on, try topping the oil off. That may stop it? My truck has never been full on 6 quarts anyway, it usually takes 6 1/2 to 7 to make it read full.,,,,,98

 

I do know what u meen by engine oil capacity not satisfied with 6 quarts my 98 takes right 7 quarts.

 

I once had a 1987 Celebrity that started making a noise once the mileage hit about 80,000. Would chatter in cold weather until it warmed up. Always thought it had something to do with the lifters. Didn't use oil. Ran for several years and another 20-30000 miles before I finally traded it off for my F150.

 

Whassup Screamer

My Ranger as well makes a clattering sound for like about 1 second upon start up, even after the engine is already warm from previous running arounds the same day. I am using M1 5w30 SuperSyn, I have also heard others using M1 a problem with clattering or whatever you wish to call it, so were not the only lone Rangers with that particular problem. In the next 1000 miles or so I plan to change my oil over to Amsoil 5w30 Original Synthetic and a Amsoil Super Duty Filter. I let you know over IM sometime how it all goes. BTW, hows the RC coming along,,,,,,,,,91

 

The RC is going all right. Just the age of the underhood components are making them break if you look at them the wrong way, lol! I took yesterday off for the fourth, and now my older brother is in town. Maybe I'll get back to it Monday. Only a couple more days of work left, and I can hit the road in it,,,,98

 

My truck was doing the same thing. To it to the dealer. Here's what he told me. The reason is I had an after market oil filter. The Motorcraft filter has a valve inside that stops the oil from seeping into the oil filter. Since my after market filter doesn't have this valve and oil has seeped back inot my filter there isn;t enough oil in the upper half of the engine when you first start it. Thus yo get clattering until oil is pumped up there.

Personnally, I find this a little hard to believe. Has anybody else heard of this special valve in the motorcraft oil filter? I should note that this truck was taken into the dealer with 33K. Still under warranty.

 

yup, called anti-drainback valve, bosch filters i believe dont have em and a couple others too.

 

The ADBV is on every filter that is speced to fit on these trucks. The real problem is that some ADBV's don't seal very well and allow leaks around the valve. The worst is Fram, with a nitrile rubber valve trying to seal against cardboard. Ugh...

The s in the FL-820s stands for "silicone", as in silicone ADBV. This valve retains its properties longer than a nitrile valve oftern found in cheap filters.

Wonder if your filter has an ADBV? Look in small holes on the filter. If there is a piece of rubber looking material inside, that is the ADBV.