I have a 2001 F-150 4x4 with a 5.4 L engine. This is the second engine for this truck. The current engine has a little over 35,00 miles on it and it has always made strange sounds. There is a rattle that becomes audible at about 30 to 35 mph and is the loudest on acceleration or when there is a load on it; like going up hills. There was also a whooshing sound on acceleration too. The air filter cover was not on correctly and that seems to have decreased the whoosh but the rattle is still there. I thought it might have been the PVC valve and so I had that replaced. I've asked ***** Ford and private mechanics what gives and have been told that it just sounds like a normal Ford truck. I'd appreciate any ideas and feed back. The truck runs well although it seems a little doggie lately. I also tow a boat and haven't had any problems. Maybe I just have to accept that this is the way this engine is.

Thanks

 

By rattle, do you mean ping or detonation? It make make the sound of "marbles in the cylinder" when accelerating at a low speed or pulling a load up a long hill.

If that is the case, you might try a different brand of fuel or, forgive me, buy a higher-octane fuel (yeah, $2.25/gal for 93 in TX right now).

Let us know how it goes.

 

Sounds like a pinging problem for sure. I just cleaned out the EGR ports on my TB elbow, and it pretty much disappeared. Depending on your mileage, it would probably be a good bet they're clogged, or close to it.,,,,98


It takes pretty minmal tools, and about an hour if you're taking your time.