I just bought a 2001 Supercab 4x4 with a 5.4L. I noticed the other day that occasionally there is a faint rattling or ringing sound coming from the engine compartment. I notice it under acceleration and is more pronounced at higher RPMs. I live at about 7200 feet, and drive to work at 5300 feet. In the morning I do not hear the noise, maybe because it is cooler or because I am going downhill.

At first I suspected that maybe the engine was pinging slightly (something the owners manual said not to worry about?) but this is unlike any pinging sound I have ever heard before. I had a friend ride with me today, and he thought it sounded like a bracket or something metallic was loose and vibrating. If that was true I probably would hear it in in neutral when I revved the engine (I do not).

If it is indeed some pinging, would disconnecting the battery and letting the fuel control "relearn" be helpful??

Sorry for the long post, and thanks

Dean

 

I myself have the same problem. It is not a pinging but a rattling and I live on the Praries in Canada. So there isn't much of a change in elevation where I live. It's been happening for the past year and it just racks my brain on what it could be too.

 

it's worth a try to check to make sure the heat shields around the catalytic converters are tight.

 

Mine too does the rattle. I have chased it replaced a ton of parts and not gotten the problem solved.

I have also had a head gasket replaced at 1600 dollar cost. The dealer says there is nothing wrong with my truck. The pistons looked good and they couldn't tell me what the racket was.

I have replaced. Coolant temp sensor, MAF sensor, DPFE and EGR. Also Checked all bearings on rotating parts of front of motor. Torque converter bolts along with flywheel and drained both torgue converter and transmission.

Also checked every shield on the exhaust.

Replaced PCV valve. 3 Fuel filters

Ran lots of SeaFoam through the engine.

No result.

Next I am going to change the fuel pump
and sock in the tank. If that doesn't fix it I am hoping I never hear the noise stop. Truck does run good if you can stand to listen to that engine do it's best to emulate a diesel.

It also pings occasionally on the best fuel we can buy in Kansas. Used to ping alot but something out of the above fixed it with 89 octane or above. Just not sure what.



tom

 

I think I have something close to that. Have not found a solution, but try this just to see if it's the same problem.

With the engine running, try removing the oil cap. I noticed today that the noise will go away, and I have some problem with the oil compression (or something....). I should end up try fixing it tomorrow (or today depending on your time zone).

 

I had a similar problem with my 5.4L. I used a piece of 2"x2"x2' wood and placed the end to my ear and to any surface I thought the noise might be coming from. The noise was loudest when I put the wood against the alternator mounting bracket. The problem was the fins on the inside of the alternator were hitting the cover; defective alternator. Replaced and was good as new.

 

I'm sure what type of ringing...rattling you're describing but I replaced the ringing/rattling serpentine belt tensioner 3 weeks ago on my 2001 5.4 (40000 miles). The pulley bearing on the tensioner was worn. The wear on the bearing made the pulley amplify the noise just like a ringin' bell.

 

only when the engine is cold on cold days i hear a rattle for a few seconds then stops, only rattles when its cold out. sounds like the fan is hitting something but its not. replaced the belt tensioner and still rattles. has anyone have the same problem? 98 f150 with the 4.6 4x4 supercab only 84k miles

 

FWIW, mine does the same thing. A rattle on the first start of the day. The sound reminds me of a smog pump on the old 5.0's with the hose off. Once it's warm, it goes away and stays away until the next day.

2000 F150 4x2 4.6

Can't complain too much.....I am starting to get my own pops and rattles on my first start of the day!